Ex-Sunderland ace speculated for ‘big things’ after recovering from life-threatening injuries..

Former Sunderland defender Patrick Almond has been encouraged to ‘get back to where he was’ as he continues his recovery from two life-threatening brain injuries with Ebac Northern League team Whitley Bay.

The Wallsend Boys Club product progressed through the Black Cats academy system before making his senior debut in a 2-1 Papa John’s Trophy win over Manchester United Under-23s in October 2021. Almond’s first taste of regular senior football came in the second half of the same season, when he went on loan to National League North Blyth Spartans before being released by Sunderland at the end of the season.

With his career at a crossroads, Almond was involved in a road traffic accident in Manchester, and there were severe concerns after he sustained life-threatening injuries. However, the teenage defender recovered and resumed his career with Shildon before signing a dual registration agreement with National League North team Darlington. Once again, Almond’s luck ran out when he was brought to the hospital with a suspected concussion during an FA Trophy match at Southend United and later diagnosed with a brain bleed.

Following another painful and careful recuperation, Almond has regained his fitness and resumed his career with Whitley Bay, having joined the four-time FA Vase champions in November. Tentative steps have been taken, with recent postponements resulting in Almond making only five games for his new club – but his improvement and quality are undeniable. The former Black Cats youngster turned in a composed and classy performance in his most recent appearance as Nicky Gray’s team battled to a 1-0 home win over Carlisle City on Friday night to maintain their push for a play-off berth in the Northern League’s top division.

Gray, a former Sunderland academy coach, stated his club was fortunate to have acquired a player of such caliber and commended Almond’s mentality for playing a crucial role in helping him restart his playing career.

He told The Echo: “No disrespect to Whitley Bay, but Paddy is above this level. We are extremely lucky to have him. He has been through a lot, and we have left it up to him to decide how things will play out. He’s a fantastic young man, and I wish him all the best in the future. I believe he will go on to great things in his career since it says a lot about him that he wants to continue playing despite all he has been through.

“Most people would not be doing that. He is with us, finding his feet and regaining his confidence. I believe and hope he will be here until the end of the season, and then we will see what happens. I really want things to go well for him because he deserves it.”

Despite the fact that Almond’s recovery from two serious injuries is still ongoing, Gray is certain that the defender will be able to resume his high level of play in the coming months. “He can get back to where he was,” Gray replied when asked how far Almond could go.

“At the very least, he may return to the National League North. He breezes through games, without breaking a sweat since he understands the game so well. He and I both recognize that there are minor flaws in his performance. It’s terrific to see him back on the pitch and enjoying himself, and I believe this will be the beginning of a very successful period in his career.”