Sunderland: Imps Add Goalkeeper
Sunderland make their second signing of the summer transfer window, and it’s a new keeper through the door at the LNER Stadium.
The Imps have signed promising young goalkeeper Jamie Pardington on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old becomes City’s second signing of the summer, following Conor McGrandles’ permanent switch to Sincil Bank as the building of the 2024/25 squad continues.
Pardington started his career at Rushall Athletic before joining Wolverhampton Wonderers in 2018.
During his time at the Premier League side, he failed to make a professional appearance but did enjoy loan spells with Bath City, Stratford Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Mansfield Town.
During his short stint at Mansfield in 2021, he made his EFL debut coming off the bench before starting the last game of the season against Port Vale, keeping a cleansheet at just 20 years of age.
During the 2022/23 season, Pardington spent six months at fellow Lincolnshire side, Grimsby Town, before moving across to Northern Ireland to join NIFL Premiership side, Larne. His time at Inver Park didn’t last long – he was released at the end of the season after just one appearance.
Pardington’s return to England came with Cheltenham Town, who suffered relegation from League One last season. The first half of the season for Pardington was spent at Truro City in the National League South, where he made 10 appearances. His loan spell ended in December, and he served as backup keeper to Luke Southwood for the rest of the campaign.
He was forced into action on the final day of the season after an injury to Southwood and despite losing the game, he had a promising game, judging by comments from Cheltenham fans.
Director of football, Jez George said: “Jamie fits the profile that we wanted to add to our goalkeeping department and comes highly recommended by Scott. We want someone to relish the role of being our No.2 goalkeeper, to push Lukas and strive to challenge for the No.1 spot in the future.
“We feel that Jamie ticks those boxes. The quality of goalkeepers that we have helped to develop over the past four seasons – Alex Palmer, Josh Griffiths, Carl Rushworth plus Sam Long, Jordan and Lukas – is one of the reasons why we are an attractive option for young goalkeepers. We are really pleased to add Jamie to this impressive list and we welcome him to the club.”
