Despite his roots at Middlesbrough, where he made 91 appearances, Lee Cattermole became an indispensable figure for Sunderland during his decade at the Stadium of Light. The combative midfielder played across three divisions, cementing his status as a fan favorite and proving to be one of the club’s most impactful signings. While his departure wasn’t without controversy, Cattermole’s legacy as a key Sunderland player is unquestionable.
Sunderland secured a bargain when they paid just £6 million to bring Lee Cattermole from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009. Cattermole quickly became a cornerstone of their Premier League squad, delivering years of dedicated performances that helped the Black Cats stave off relegation battles season after season. His impact was invaluable as he played a crucial role in keeping Sunderland in the top flight for eight hard-fought years.
Lee Cattermole cemented his status as a hero at the Stadium of Light.
Despite his connections with rivals Middlesbrough, any initial skepticism surrounding Lee Cattermole’s arrival at Sunderland in 2009 quickly faded. He became a regular starter from day one, and even a serious injury in his first season couldn’t slow him down. Playing 22 games, he helped the club secure a strong 13th-place finish, winning over fans with his resilience and commitment.
Lee Cattermole’s leadership qualities were clear from the start, eventually earning him the captain’s armband full-time in the 2011/12 season. During his early years, Sunderland enjoyed stability in the Premier League, securing finishes of 13th, 10th, and 13th. But as the club began to struggle, Cattermole’s value became even more evident. Limited to just 10 games due to injury in the 2012/13 season, Sunderland narrowly escaped relegation in 17th place, highlighting just how crucial he was to the team’s survival.
In the following seasons, Sunderland seemed perpetually on the brink of relegation, only to pull off remarkable survival runs. Lee Cattermole’s leadership and relentless drive were vital to these “great escapes.” During the 2013/14 season, the club appeared destined for the Championship, but a stunning late surge—including four consecutive wins—secured their top-flight status with a 14th-place finish, underscoring Cattermole’s impact on the squad.
Sunderland’s miraculous escapes often aligned with Lee Cattermole’s return to full fitness, showcasing his crucial role in the midfield. His presence was a game-changer, helping the Black Cats narrowly avoid relegation in 2015 and 2016. However, in 2017, with Cattermole limited to just eight league appearances due to injury, Sunderland’s luck finally ran out, and they dropped to the Championship. His absence underscored how indispensable he had become to the team’s survival.
The loss of Lee Cattermole’s experience and quality in midfield was a major factor in Sunderland’s struggles, ultimately finishing bottom of the league. His absence left a void that the team couldn’t fill, and it marked the beginning of a steep decline for the Black Cats.