Jack Diamond's early form at Lincoln City has had Sunderland fans talking of late. The on-loan winger has four goals in three league appearances as he looks to send a message back to the Stadium of Light.
The Academy of Light graduate has played plenty of senior football despite only being 22-years-old, with 24 appearances for the Black Cats back in League One back in 2020-21. Diamond started that campaign brightly but saw his game time dwindle following the departure of Phil Parkinson.
The youngster was one of the silver linings in a dismal start to the season with his early form a positive despite lacking the end product. He was then in and out of the side under Lee Johnson with consistency a cause for concern.
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There's undoubtedly a player in there, with his Harrogate Town loan last season showcasing his ability in the final third. The winger has often divided opinion during his time on Wearside and that in part is understandable.
It's easy to forget just how young Diamond was when thrust into the limelight. Sunderland were in their third season in the third tier, with pressure mounting on the club to win promotion at any odds.
With that, it's fair to say Diamond's development suffered. The club's new pathway for the academy graduate, has so far, been a much better approach.
He excelled in League Two last year and was not short of suitors in League One this year, with Sheffield Wednesday reportedly interested in his services. Nonetheless, it was Lincoln City who won the race for his signature.
The East Midlands club is now into it's fourth season in League One and has decent reputation for developing young talent, with Arsenal and Manchester City sending their best prospects to Sincil Bank. The recent change in managers hasn't impacted that relationship, with Michael Appleton stepping down last season and Mark Kennedy coming in to replace the 46-year-old.
Sunderland fans need no reminding of their battle with the Imps in the League One play-offs, with the Imps losing to Blackpool at the Wembley showpiece in 2021. A large chunk of that side has moved on to play for Championship clubs and the club has a growing reputation for developing players.
It's that, which makes the move for Diamond make sense, and his early form has warranted the praise that's come his way. It's fair to say that we've not seen the best of the winger in a red and white shirt, but there's plenty of time for that in the future.
A solid season under his belt at League One will give Diamond a good platform to either stake his claim back on Wearside, or look at ventures elsewhere.
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