Ballard extends his stay on Wearside

DAN Ballard has signed a new contract at Sunderland until the summer of 2029.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer [e-mail]

Dan Ballard and, right, scoring against coventry in the play-off semi-final

The Northern Ireland defender has agreed new terms on Wearside, with a club option of an additional year.

Ballard has enjoyed an outstanding debut season in the Premier League after playing an integral role in the promotion-winning campaign.

Since arriving on Wearside in June 2022, the 26-year-old has made 114 appearances in red and white and scored eight goals.

Ballard’s legacy on Wearside includes one of the most iconic moments of all time at the Stadium of Light - the last-minute winner in the playoff semifinals against Coventry City that sent Sunderland to Wembley last season.

Imperious at the back throughout the last four seasons, this campaign the defender has established himself as one of the most dominant centre-halves in the Premier League.