Luke O’Nien has celebrated six years since joining Sunderland.
The defender joined Sunderland as a fresh-faced 23-year-old, who had just spent three years in League Two with Wycombe Wanderers.
The Black Cats snapped him up to bolster their midfield and he has gradually made his way around the pitch – making 265 appearances in midfield, centre-back, right-back, left-back, left midfield and right midfield.
O’Nien’s versatility and leadership has proven vital for Sunderland and the support on his six year anniversary has shown exactly that.
O’Nien shares Instagram message on six-year anniversary
Supporters have taken to social media to thank the 29-year-old for his time on Wearside, while the club put together a video of his teammates describing him in one word – with ‘energetic’ cropping up on numerous occasions.
O’Nien has now taken to Instagram himself, with a short but funny message.
He wrote: “On this day six years ago, I wore a whole tub of hair gel and signed for this incredible club.”
As videos of O’Nien driving up to Sunderland six years ago emerged, fans quickly realised how likeable he was going to be – though not many will have predicted his importance.
After a difficult start, the defender found his feet at the Stadium of Light and has been an ever-present figure in the squad ever-since.
Sunderland captain, leader & legend (sort of)
While arguably not the most talented, O’Nien’s passion and commitment often dragged him through the tricky times.
He has often been the scapegoat and that doesn’t seem to phase him, but it is unfair given how much more Sunderland would struggle if he wasn’t in the team.
O’Nien was one of the better players in the underwhelming 2023/24 season, and there is a reason why every manager he has worked under has really favoured him.
Regis Le Bris could well look to bring in a new centre-back this summer, but they would have a lot of work to do to misplace the current captain, while supporters would quickly realise how big of a presence he is if he wasn’t on the pitch.
O’Nien put pen to paper on a new contract last summer and it would be no surprise if he stays with the club until they finally reach the Premier League.
Two promotions, hundreds of appearances and a long spell as captaincy – there would certainly be no forgetting about O’Nien on Wearside for a very long time.
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