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The defender would go on to make more than 200 appearances for Sunderland

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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Five times a week Four Four Two Daily Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Once a week . .. And it’s LIVE! Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. It’s fair to say that Phil Bardsley’s six-and-a-half year spell at Sunderland was something of a rollercoaster. Joining in January 2008 when his former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane was in charge, he helped the Black Cats beat the Premier League drop that season. But over the next half-decade, he would have to battle for his place in the side, play under a host of different managers and would go from being frozen out to playing at Wembley.

That trip to Wembley came in 2014 when he scored in the League Cup semi-final before his side won on penalties, at his former stomping ground Old Trafford. “You’re talking about the thunderbolt shot which flew past David de Gea? ,” Bardsley asks Four Four Two. “Nah seriously, it was a bit of a fumble by him because I hadn’t connected cleanly, but that’s one of the games I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique! Manchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans. “What made it all the more special was that 18 months earlier, I looked to be on my way out of the club when Paolo Di Canio was there. He’d banished me and one or two others from the training ground. “Don’t get me wrong, some of his coaching sessions were enjoyable but there are ways and means of managing experienced pros and some of his man-management left a lot to be desired. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “I clicked with his successor, Gus Poyet. He wiped the slate clean and I enjoyed a new lease of life under him, playing wing-back for the first time and scoring a few goals too. “At the end of that season, I had the chance of moving to Fulham, but instead I signed a new deal with Sunderland out of loyalty to Gus. ” Bardsley would end up making 200 appearances for the Black Cats, so did the highs eclipse the lows?

“Yes, I’d say so, ” he says. “We lost the League Cup final to Manchester City but played well. And although we struggled at times, there were some magical moments. “The two 3-0 away wins over Newcastle were sensational and I remember winning at places like Chelsea and Spurs. It’s great to see them back where they belong. “There’s nowhere quite like the Stadium of Light when it’s rocking and I’d love to go back in the months ahead. ” For more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and Leeds Live among others and worked at Four Four Two throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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