Sunderland’s backup keeper Lee Burge isn’t having the greatest of seasons. In 11 matches, the 27-year-old has conceded 13 goals and only managed to keep two clean sheets in all competitions. It is a record that is certainly unflattering.
Earlier in the season, it appeared as though Burge was Sunderland’s go-to goalkeeper in cup competitions, but with the side knocked out of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and EFL Trophy, the Englishman hasn’t played for Phil Parkinson since the turn of the year.
However, shortly after Parkinson took over the club on October 17, 2019, it looked like Burge was going to be his number-one for league games, too. In Parkinson’s first six games in charge, Burge started five of them, relegating first-choice Jon McLaughlin to the bench. In one of those games, however, Burge was substituted at half time.
Since then, Parkinson hasn’t utilised the goalkeeper once in the league – but it appears as though the Sunderland fans are still some of his biggest supporters. When the shot-stopper tweeted a photo of himself with the #SAFC hashtag, the fans shared their support. It is clear they still appreciate him.
Leeeee burgeee ??????
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) February 10, 2020
— daniel crisp (@_danielcrisp) February 10, 2020
Good to know we’ve got a canny back up, leeeeee burgeeeew
— jaxonridley9 (@jaxonridley9) February 10, 2020
Boss
— SunderArg (@ArgSunder) February 10, 2020
TOP TOP TOP keeps, frustrating when you’ve got two, makes you feel bad for someone of your capabilities – never give in!
— PT. (@philtodd77) February 10, 2020
Is Lee Burge a good enough backup?
Yes
No
In fact, when a Coventry fan suggested that Burge wasn’t a good enough goalkeeper, this Sunderland fan quickly came to his defence. Burge was transferred from Coventry to Sunderland last summer.
Been quality whenever he’s played for us
— Adam Allsopp (@aallsopp01) February 10, 2020
What do we think?
While Burge, who is valued at £90k (as per Transfermarkt), may not be seeing the minutes he would have liked, it is clear that he still has the support of Sunderland’s fans. And judging by his tweet, it also looks like he is ready to go at a moment’s notice when his gaffer needs him.