Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was happy with the impact Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt made during his loan spell.
Speakman was speaking in an interview with the Northern Echo, where he also admitted he would’ve liked to see Gelhardt operate in a slightly different role during his time at the Stadium of Light.
Gelhardt made the temporary switch to Sunderland in January where he was brought in to supplement first choice striker Ross Stewart.
However, just days after Gelhardt’s arrival on Wearside Stewart picked up a season ending injury in an FA Cup fourth round tie at Fulham.
The Black Cats failed to bring in a replacement for Stewart and as such, Gelhardt was tasked with leading the line on his own for the remainder of his time at the club.
In total, Gelhardt scored three goals and provided three assists in 20 appearances as Sunderland were beaten in the Championship play-off semi-finals by Luton Town.
Sunderland ‘pleased’ with Gelhardt
While perhaps not in the position he would’ve desired, this loan spell for Gelhardt will have done him wonders, particularly with Leeds now in the Championship.
Gelhardt is better playing just off the front, rather than leading the line on his own, which is something Speakman has acknowledged in his post-season verdict.
He said: “We’re probably a bit disappointed for Joffy. We’d like to have seen him play in a slightly different team shape with some different personnel and maybe we’d have seen more out of him, but he was part of that flexible forward line that helped contribute goals.
“I think we were fourth top scorers in the league. We were really pleased with him both in and out of possession.”
If Leeds can find suitable number nine for Gelhardt to play off this summer, then he could be a vital player to the club’s push for promotion this season.
While clearly he will never be a prolific number nine, he is creative and has excellent ability with the ball at his feet, which will make him a menace to Championship defenders.
This loan spell will have prepared him for what is to come.
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