Ireland international Marc Wilson joins Irish contingent at Sunderland

Republic of Ireland international defender Marc Wilson has joined Sunderland on a permanent deal from Bournemouth.

 

The Aghagallon native has spent the past year with the south coast side (his third spell with the club after two previous loan stints) but failed to make a Premier League appearance for the Cherries.

 

His signing was announced along with those of Jonny Williams from Crystal Palace and Callum McManaman from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day in England.

 

He will link up with his international defensive partner John O'Shea at the Stadium of Light as well as fellow Ireland colleagues Darron Gibson and Aiden McGeady.

 

The 30-year-old had previously spent six years with Stoke City after beginning his senior career with Portsmouth at the age of 16.

 



He has made more than 180 Premier League appearances, the majority of them with Stoke, and he reunited with former Stoke boss Tony Pulis during a loan spell at West Brom last season.

 

“I'm delighted to sign for Sunderland,” Wilson told Sunderland TV.

 

“I just left my house today in Manchester, got the call a little bit late, spoke to my wife and we made a family decision that this was the right move for me.

 



“It's a big club. Obviously I want to get my career back on track and I see Sunderland as a great opportunity for me.

 

“I know a few players at the club and they all spoke highly of the club, and I know a few past players who have been at the club and not one of them had a bad word to say.

 

“The manager as well gave me some good confidence to come here, so I'm really excited about the challenge and doing well for Sunderland.

 

“They've got a massive history behind the club and every time I've come here the atmosphere has been actually frightening a little bit, so I'm looking forward to it.”