Roker Roundup: Former Sunderland defender says his time on Wearside was ‘worst of his career’

Rodwell set for Greek move

Former Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is closing in on a move to Greek side Panathinaikos.

Rodwell spent last season with Blackburn Rovers, playing 22 times for Tony Mowbray’s side, with the future England centre-half featuring in central defence and a defensive midfield position during his one-year spell at Ewood Park.

He has been a free agent since his contract expired at the end of June and now looks set to join Panathinaikos in the coming days.

Discussions have been going on for a few weeks and Greek outlet sigmalive report that Panathinaikos have recently improved their offer to the 28-year-old, with the player responding positively to the improved proposal.

Efsyn.gr goes further and claims the Greek club will cover his home rental in Athens and the English school for his eldest child, leaving only minor details to be sorted out before he officially joins the club.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Asoro heads out on loan

Another ex-Sunderland player is on the move, as Joel Asoro has joined Eredivisie side Groningen on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City.

Asoro departed Sunderland after our relegation to League One, signing for a fee of around £2m but has struggled to make an impact at the Liberty Stadium, starting just four times last season.

He has now joined Dutch outfit Groningen on-loan with the club having an option to purchase the striker at the end of the season and their technical director Mark-Jan Fledderus hopes the player convinces enough to trigger that option:

We have now been able to rent Joel for a season with an option to buy. It is clear that he is enormously talented.

Joel consciously chooses FC Groningen, where it is proven that young talents can develop well and can take the next step in their career. With us he gets the chance to show his talent and then it’s up to him to convince us all.

Asoro’s former Sunderland team-mate and fellow Swede Oscar Krusnell has also joined a club on loan in the search of first team football. The young left-back has joined third tier Swedish side Team TG FF on loan from Hammarby.

Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Kilagllon discusses his career

Matt Kilgallon is the latest guest on the UndrTheCosh podcast, where the former Sunderland player discusses his career with hosts (former Sunderland striker) Chris Brown, Jon Parkin and Chris Browne.

The defender talks about his career in-depth, reveals how his spell at Sunderland was the worst time of his career and how he knew his time at the Stadium of Light under Steve Bruce was doomed after just three games.

You can check the full interview in the YouTube video below:

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images