Gelhardt joined Sunderland on loan in the second half of the season in search of regular football after spending the first half with Leeds United, being bit part player.

 

The 21-year-old centre forward was a key part of Tony Mowbray’s starting line-up and helped the Black Cats reach the Championship playoffs.

 

 

Speakman is of the view that Gelhardt could have been more useful in a different formation, but stated their disappointment at not being able to provide the Leeds loanee with the right requirements to flourish at the Stadium of Light.

 

However, he pointed out that Gelhardt helped their forward line massively in front of goal and added that Sunderland are left impressed by the youngster’s in-and-out of possession game.

 

 

“We’re probably a bit disappointed for Joffy”, Speakman was quoted as saying by the Northern Echo.

 

“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.”

 

Gelhardt made a total of 20 league appearances for Sunderland while scoring three and contributing three assists.