Youngster's Loan Deal Extended

Young midfielder Billy Knott's loan at Woking has been extended for the rest of January and early February, when it could be lengthened once again.

The official Woking website quite interestingly has reported that several Championship, as well as League One and Two clubs were also in the chase for the once highly-rated midfielder, but he has opted to remain at Woking for the time being.

The same website also confirms that Sunderland allowed Knott to have his pick of the clubs, but all were knocked back in favour of the Cardinals.

Knott's career is close to coming to an interesting crossroads. Having been let go by Chelsea for off the field misdemeanors he was picked up by Sunderland and rose to prominence at reserve level last season. His performances were noted for how well he read the game and generally seemed a step above his teammates in terms of first touch and vision with the ball.

A successful loan spell at AFC Wimbledon which saw him named the club's Young Player Of The Season suggested that he might have an outside chance of making something for himself here on Wearside, however this has not materialised.

There's two schools of thought when it comes to his loan moves. AFC Wimbledon and Woking both provide him an opportunity to play football and remain close to his family, what with him being born in Canvey Island. However the crossroads is that he will one day have to test himself at a higher level if he's to ever get in the first team picture.

Hopefully by the time he's next ready to leave the club he's grown as a person a little and can handle a month or two in a new situation, and with a team higher up the league pyramid.

Knott is yet to make his competitive debut for Sunderland having been an unused substitute on five occasions in his career.