Former Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson will get the opportunity to prove Sunderland wrong at close quarters next season as he joined fellow League One side Blackpool.
The midfielder, who graduated from Sunderland's academy, was released by the Black Cats this summer.
But he has wasted no time in finding a new club, joining fellow League One hopefuls Blackpool, signing a two-year deal with an option in favour of the club of a further year.
On joining the Seasiders, Robson said: "I’m delighted to be joining Blackpool Football Club and I can’t wait to get started.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Sunderland, which is where I’ve grown up and developed over the years. But, after speaking to Neil Critchley and hearing what he had to say about the team and where he wants to take it, I felt it was a journey I wanted to be a part of.
“Blackpool is on the up, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings here.”
Manager Neil Critchley, who joined from Liverpool where he was in charge of the Reds' under-23s, said: “I’m excited to welcome Ethan to Blackpool, and I am really looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a highly rated, athletic midfielder who I have been aware of for a number of years and watched him develop at Sunderland.
“I believe he will be a valuable asset to the team, and he fits the profile well of the type of player we want to bring to the Club.”
The 23-year-old made 14 first-team appearances for the Black Cats but jut injuries at the wrong times always hampered his ability to really make a breakthrough at the Stadium of Light.
The Houghton-born midfielder will now hope to show Sunderland what they're missing by excelling in the same division.
