SUNDERLAND have invoked their option to extend Simon Moore’s contract, ensuring that the goalkeeper will stay at the Stadium of Light for another season.
Moore joined the Black Cats from Coventry City in the summer of 2024 on a two-year contract, with Sunderland having the option to extend it for another 12 months.
Despite the fact that the 35-year-old has only made six appearances in two years on Wearside and has only been in the squad four times in the Premier League this season, he remains a highly significant personality behind the scenes, with Luke O’Nien routinely praising the seasoned custodian.
And it’s known that Sunderland chose to activate the extension on Moore’s contract last summer.
With Robin Roefs having made a big impression in his first season on Wearside and Melker Ellborg joining in January, Moore is currently third in the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
However, his experience and leadership have been extremely crucial behind the scenes, and Regis Le Bris has a high regard for Moore.
Earlier this year, Luke O’Nien disclosed that he has Moore’s shirt hanging in his locker in the dressing room to remind the defender of how essential he can be even when not playing frequently.
O’Nien said: If I walk down to my locker here at the training facility, I have a Simon Moore jersey inside. How many games did he play in our promotion season last year? Maybe around four, with three clean sheets and two goals conceded. So he participated in four games and was the most crucial component in our team’s promotion last season.
I keep his shirt in my locker because, when I’m not playing, it reminds me to be like him. He’s a fantastic person who prioritizes that, followed by his football career.
He has a unique method of bringing the group together, expecting everyone to meet the standards of this club and city.
For me, he’ll be the unsung hero of what we’ve accomplished here. He won’t get the mural on the side of a building, but I have his shirt in my locker, and I know that anybody who has ever played with him will instantly understand what I mean when they hear this. I wouldn’t even have to explain it to them.
