Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson’s journey from non-league football to the Premier League is set to culminate as Sunderland returns to the top flight this August. The goalkeeper’s development began not at the iconic Wembley Stadium, but in the humble settings of Northern League clubs Sunderland RCA and Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
Lewis Dickman said: “Mark Prudhoe’s eye for a goalkeeper, his methodology and everything he offers is second-to-none. He’s always held Anthony in high regard but there might have been times when you have questioned how long he’d last at the club. We always wanted to get keepers out early on loan and the Northern League gave a good grounding, it’s a physical and mental challenge and Patto dealt with that. There was solid rationale behind sending lads out on loan and Patto is just one that has benefitted from it.”
Patterson’s early career was marked by a challenging loan spell at Ryton, where he faced a relegation battle in the Northern League. Despite the pressure, Patterson excelled, helping his team secure their league status with clean sheets against teams like Hebburn Town and Thornaby. His professional attitude and determination to improve were evident, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
Lenny French said: “You could see Anthony’s quality as soon as he turned up to training. He was a bit quiet, he was really unassuming, but we had Tom Howard on loan from Sunderland at the same time and he brought him out of his shell a bit.”
The decision to send Patterson to clubs with a demanding playing style, such as Notts County, was strategic. It was a move that further honed his skills, particularly in building play from the back. Former Sunderland player Lynden Gooch noted Patterson’s quiet demeanor but emphasized his exceptional goalkeeping abilities.
Lynden Gooch said: “Patto was a quiet lad, a shy lad but he let his goalkeeping do the talking. His quality wasn’t in question, it was clear in the training group. We knew within the core group he was our best goalkeeper before that loan to Notts County.”
Patterson’s performances in crucial matches, including the Championship play-off final, have not gone unnoticed. His ability to remain composed under pressure and make critical saves has been a hallmark of his career. Fellow goalkeeper Bond and Gooch both praised Patterson’s resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Bond said: “The first save from Moore was an unbelievable save but it was not a surprise to me because I’ve seen those saves from when Patto was a young lad.”
Gooch said: “You talk about the two saves in the play-off final but he has that in him. You’d get frustrated in training because he’d be plucking balls heading to the top corner and you’d wonder how he had done that.”
Patterson’s journey is a testament to his resilience and the collective effort of Sunderland’s academy staff. His rise mirrors that of other successful players, such as Jordan Henderson, showcasing the qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level.
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