Former Sunderland man Jordan Willis has thanked Black Cats fans for their support after the defender made his long-awaited comeback from injury after two years out with a serious knee injury. Willis suffered a ruptured patella tendon playing for Sunderland at Shrewsbury Town in Feburary 2021, and an initial operation led to further complications which extended his time on the sidelines.
Sunderland extended his contract by 12 months as he recovered and, when that deal expired last summer, he remained on Wearside to continue his rehabilitation. He left at the beginning of January to find a club and, around an hour before their home game against Derby County kicked-off yesterday, League One Wycombe Wanderers confirmed they had signed the 28-year-old free agent until the end of the season after he impressed while on trial.
Willis was named on the bench against the Rams but came on as an 89th minute substitute, marking his return to competitive action two years and two days since his injury at the New Meadow. Willis later took to twitter to thank Sunderland fans, teammates, and staff, for their backing over the three-and-a-half years he spent at the club.
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He wrote: "Thankyou for the last 3 and a half years. Although the back end is overshadowed with injury, the time I had at the club was amazing and I enjoyed every minute in a red and white shirt.
"The support I received from my teammates, staff members and fans throughout my time on the sidelines has played such a part in me getting to this stage. I've made memories and friends that will stay with me for life.
"I wish the club nothing but success in the future and I hope you continue going in the right direction."
Wycombe's 3-2 win against Derby leaves them seventh in League One, three points outside the play-off spots, as Gareth Ainsworth's side looks to go one better than last season when they were defeated by Sunderland in the play-off final at Wembley.
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