On an eerily quiet day so far, we finally have some news to bring to you - though it is not very exciting!
U23s goalkeeper Max Stryjek - a Poland youth international - will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Academy of Light product Jordan Pickford by taking a drop down the leagues in order to gain valuable experience, as he bids to prove himself further at Sunderland.
✍️ | #ASFC are delighted to announce the season-long loan of @SunderlandAFC goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
— Accrington Stanley (@ASFCofficial) August 31, 2017
Full story ➡️ https://t.co/A1RwrUa3y8 pic.twitter.com/O6TJHFMKCL
Pickford’s ascension to the top of the game came as a result of some important loan spells with lower league clubs before he was given an opportunity in our first team, and at the age of 21 Stryjek is ready to spread his wings and leave the club so that he can earn his stripes elsewhere.
The now-Everton stopper had six different spells with clubs further down the footballing pyramid before establishing himself at Sunderland, so Stryjek can take heart in knowing the drop down the leagues could benefit his career in the long run.
The Poland U21 international has yet to feature for Sunderland in a competitive fixture, but has played in the Checkatrade Trophy and featured under Simon Grayson throughout pre-season.
Accrington Stanley are hoping for promotion to League One this season, and their gaffer John Coleman is delighted that he’s been able to get the promising youngster on board as they strive for future success.
He commented:
We have beaten off a couple of clubs to get him which is a coup for Accrington as we usually get the last pick.
He is highly thought of, he has played for Polish Under 21s. Hopefully he will have the same impact as goalkeepers at Accrington have had in the past.
Stryjek signed a new contract last season with Sunderland, and he is excited for the challenge ahead:
This is my first opportunity to be around the first team of a League Two football club and I’m looking forward to it.
It’s going to be a great experience for me to come here and I can’t wait to meet the lads and everybody here at Accrington.
I’m expecting a huge challenge, it’s going to be faster and more physical and I’ve got to make sure that I’m ready for that.
Good luck Max - I now have a reason to watch the second part of the Football League show on Channel 5.