Sunderland: Fans hit out at Tom Flanagan

Plenty of Sunderland supporters have been reacting to Tom Flanagan’s first half display against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy Final on social media.
The 29-year-old was handed his 21st appearance in all competitions this season, with Lee Johnson making four changes from the 2-0 win over Portsmouth last time out.
Flanagan, who started just twice in the EFL Trophy during Sunderland’s road to Wembley, didn’t exactly make a positive impression amongst several Sunderland fans.
He turned out in a back four, partnering Luke O’Nien at centre-back, with Max Power at right-back and Callum McFazdean at left-back.
The backline came under some early pressure from Tranmere, with Grant Leadbitter almost opening the scoring at the wrong end, only for goalkeeper Lee Burge to bail the midfielder out.
Here is what these Black Cats supporters had to say about the 29-year-old’s first half display against Keith Hill’s side, with one describing him as ‘half-fit’ given his recent injury concerns.
Sunderland fans react to Flanagan’s first half performance
“Sorry but Flanagan is a liability“
“Tom Flanagan makes me so nervous“
“Tom Flanagan with the ball at his feet isn’t good for my heart rate“
“You can tell Flanagan is back, the ball is like a hot potato when it’s at his feet or with McFadzean. Very noticeable the difference when O’Nien or Power are playing out from the back“
“Started poorly. The Flanagan pass out between the lines is one of the scariest things in football“
“Makes a big difference when you replace Sanderson, who has the potential to be a PL player, with a half-fit Flanagan“
