'Ethan Robson will always be a big 'what if?' for Sunderland fans': The lowdown on Blackpool's latest signing

This begs the question, why did the Black Cats let him go in the first place?

The 23-year-old, Blackpool’s sixth signing of the summer, left the Stadium of Light earlier in the summer, bringing an end to his 16-year association with his hometown club.

The central midfielder made just 14 appearances for the Wearside outfit during that time, although he did impress in loan spells with Dundee and Grimsby Town.

Despite the lack of competitive action, there appears to be a widespread feeling among Sunderland fans that they have let go a player with real potential.

Mark Donnelly, football writer for the Sunderland Echo, explains how Robson’s exit came about.

“I think he’s going to be a big ‘what if?’ for Sunderland because he was so close to breaking through on a number of occasions,” he told The Gazette.

“He played a few games in the Championship under Chris Coleman and under Jack Ross he was knocking on the door and he would have started the first game of the 2018/19 season if he wasn’t injured.

“He came back and played really well in a Checkatrade Trophy game against Carlisle, scored a really good goal but then got injured in the same game.

“He went out on loan to Dundee and did really well up there, came back again and in pre-season he looked like he was knocking on the door only to pick up another injury. From that point onward he never managed to get in the team.”

He added: “I think there were some high hopes for him when he came back in January because he had a good start on loan with Grimsby. There were hopes he would start to make a mark in the Sunderland team, but for whatever reason he didn’t get the opportunity to do that.

“I think Sunderland fans were disappointed he left because I think they felt they never really saw the best of him because there’s definitely a very good player in there.

“I don’t think anyone begrudges him for leaving because he’s 23 now, he needs football and he needs to be playing week in, week out.

“He’s got a very good move at Blackpool and hopefully for Blackpool, although maybe not for Sunderland if it’s to their detriment, he can really kick on and show everyone what he’s really capable of.”

Given Robson’s injury record, Pool fans could be forgiven for feeling a little concerned, but Donnelly believes the midfielder has been a victim of bad fortune rather than any deeper-lying issues.

“It’s been knocks and little niggles that have kept him out here and there,” he said. “He’s then found himself down the pecking order and had to go out on loan.

“It’s the timing that has been the issue rather than the fact they’ve been too menacing or anything major to worry about.

“They’ve just tended to come at times in pre-season when it was looking like he was getting towards the first team and it’s come at the worst possible time for him.

“It’s probably bad luck rather than anything more sinister that has just gone against him.”

Robson earned plenty of plaudits during his loan spell with Grimsby last season, when the midfielder scored three times in 21 appearances.

Upon his return to Sunderland in January, there were hopes among the club’s fanbase that Robson would find himself more involved with the first team - but it never materialised.

“Most people were thinking he was ready for League One after doing so well with Grimsby,” Donnelly revealed.

“I know Grimsby were obviously keen to take him back but at the time Sunderland were keen for him to stay as a bit of cover.

“I think everyone expected him to get a chance but then suddenly they signed Josh Scowen in the same window they brought Ethan back and that put him down the pecking order.

“It was only the last game before lockdown that Scowen actually played, it was Max Power and George Dobson before that and Robson wasn’t even getting a look-in, he wasn’t even on the bench.

“He was just training and not getting much action which was a bit of a surprise and a bit of a disappointment for some supporters.

“Fans of every club want to see players that are local and have come through the academy get an opportunity and it was a real shame Ethan couldn’t.

“But with where Sunderland were, when he first came back they were on a good run of form so the pressure was on to try and get promotion. Maybe Phil Parkinson felt it was a risk to put him in compared to some more experienced players.

“But it was definitely a bit of a disappointment that he didn’t get more of an opportunity.”

Given the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, you would be forgiven for thinking Sunderland would want to keep hold of Robson as a possible option for next season.

Explaining why Robson was allowed to depart, Donnelly said: “It probably came from both sides. I think the club realised he needed to go and play and they couldn’t guarantee that.

“There was a recognition he was at an age where he needs to play and possibly might not get that opportunity at Sunderland.

“They just couldn’t give him what he needs at this point in his career and hopefully Blackpool can.”

With Blackpool expected to play a high tempo style of play under head coach Neil Critchley, Donnelly believes Robson is just the sort of player to fit that mould.

“He’s left-footed, he’s very athletic, very energetic and very, very good on the ball,” he said.

“He’s also well-suited to this level of football, he’s got a fair bit of physicality about him and I think the loan spells have helped him in that regard.

“He’s box-to-box and he does chip in with the odd goal. The one he scored for Sunderland against Carlisle was a cracker and he got a few up at Dundee and Grimsby as well.

“He’s an exciting player and I think he’s someone who is probably a 7/10 most weeks but you might not notice him too much. He doesn’t grab the headlines too much but he’s a very good player.

“Whenever Sunderland fans watched the Under-23s he was always the standout player and he’s a player with a lot of potential who’s only going to get better and better.

“If Blackpool give him that chance to play regularly then hopefully he can show he’s got that quality and really can perform at this level, if not higher.”