Two goalkeepers, full back, winger & U23s striker released as Sunderland announce retained list

Robbin Ruiter, Max Stryjek, Adam Matthews, Luke Molyneux and Connor Shields have all been released by Sunderland AFC as the end of season retained list has finally been announced.

Ruiter was signed on a free transfer following his release by FC Utrecht in the summer of 2017 by Simon Grayson after impressing on trial in pre-season games against Bradford and Scunthorpe, and after being afforded significant time as the first-team goalkeeper he was unable to hold down a spot after producing a series of unconvincing performances during our sole season in the Championship before succumbing to relegation.

Wales international Adam Matthews was brought to Wearside in 2015 by then manager Dick Advocaat for around £2m from Scottish giants Celtic but, like Ruiter, never really held down a spot in the side during his spell with the club, including this season where he was unable to dislodge out of position Luke O’Nien from his favoured right back slot.

Luke Molyneux - who spent time out on loan last season with Gateshead and Hartlepool - announced he was leaving the club at the weekend and, according to local news reports, is set to sign a permanent deal with Pools as they bid to win promotion from the National League.

Connor Shields - who was signed in the January window of 2018 - spent most of last season with Scottish club Alloa Athletic and has been allowed to leave following the expiration of his deal.

And Polish goalkeeper Max Stryjek, who spent time out on loan at Eastleigh and Accrington, will also depart, leaving Sunderland needing two first team goalkeepers this summer.

U23s duo Max Johnstone and Alex Storey have also departed.

Players aged over 24 as of 30 June 2019 who have been retained:

Jack Baldwin

Lee Cattermole

Tom Flanagan

Will Grigg

George Honeyman

Reece James

Grant Leadbitter

Glenn Loovens

Donald Love

Chris Maguire

Aiden McGeady

Dylan McGeouch

Jon McLaughlin

Luke O’Nien

Bryan Oviedo

Alim Ozturk

Max Power

Duncan Watmore

Charlie Wyke

Players aged under 24 as of 30 June 2019 who have been retained or have a contract offer pending:

Jack Bainbridge

Lee Connelly

Jack Connolly

Jack Diamond

Elliot Embleton

Owen Gamble

Lynden Gooch

Jake Hackett

Denver Hume

Jordan Hunter

Benji Kimpioka

Bali Mumba

Ethan Robson

Brandon Taylor

Jacob Young