Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole has admitted that he cannot speak highly enough of Black Cats captain George Honeyman, who leads by example in training.

Cattermole, who has spent almost a decade of his career on Wearside with Sunderland, is the Black Cats’ longest serving player.


Season Position
2024–25 14th
2023–24 9th
2022–23 14th
2021–22 7th
2020–21 6th
West Ham United’s last five league finishes

Season Position
2024–25 16th
2023–24 14th
2022–23 13th
2021–22 10th
2020–21 13th
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ last five league finishes


Despite his good rapport with young players and the fans at the club, the 30-year-old was not given the captain’s armband at the beginning of the season.

Jack Ross awarded it to Honeyman instead, as Sunderland started their preparations to embark on a revival following their downfall from the upper echelons of English football.
 


Cattermole backed his manager’s decision by admitting that he cannot speak highly enough of Honeyman, who is leading by being an ideal example during training.

“George leads by example every day at training and you can see his energy on the pitch and his willingness to do things for other players”, Cattermole told the Sunderland Echo.

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“He’s a real competitor and you can’t speak highly enough of George, he’s doing a great job.”

Honeyman has made 16 appearances across all competitions for Sunderland this term, while scoring three goals and registering two assists during that time.
 

Season Position
2024–25 9th (Championship)
2023–24 5th (Championship — lost in play‑off semi‑finals)
2022–23 9th (Championship)
2021–22 10th (Championship)
2020–21 19th (Premier League)
West Brom’s last five league finishes