Sunderland winger joins Carlisle on loan as he sets out to rebuild career

Sunderland winger Jack Diamond has joined League One side Carlisle on loan for the rest of the season as he attempts to piece his career back together.

The winger was once a bright prospect at Sunderland and impressed in loan spells with Harrogate and Lincoln, as well as showing glimpses of quality for the Black Cats as well.

However, the 24-year-old appears surplus to requirements at Sunderland now and he will spend the rest of the campaign in Cumbria.

Given his contract is up in the summer, that probably means he has kicked his last ball for Sunderland too.

“After returning to the Academy of Light earlier this month, a loan opportunity is the natural next step for Jack to achieve regular playing time,” Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said.

“This move represents an opportunity for him to return to the level he was playing at last season, and we look forward to tracking his progress over the remainder of the campaign.”

Diamond is set to resume his career after a successful near two-year break to fight charges of sexual assault and rape.

The allegations alone will be enough to worry some supporters, but Carlisle have addressed it already.

“We would like to give Jack a very warm welcome to Brunton Park and Carlisle United,” Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens said.

“As he joins us, it is important for us to set out the club’s position on Jack’s recent acquittal.

“It is a matter of public record and widespread media reporting that Jack has recently faced prosecution and charges at a Crown Court trial, with all the headlines and intense public scrutiny that brings. That has overshadowed the last two years of his personal life and career.

“Following the conclusion of that judicial process in early January 2024, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him not guilty of all the charges after an extremely short deliberation.

“After being cleared, he then returned to Sunderland to resume his football career.

“This is now an opportunity for Jack to move forward in his life after an extremely challenging period. He can now return to football again, and do what he does best.

“We want to emphasise our ongoing support to him now and in the season ahead, as he looks forward to the future with Carlisle United.

“We recognise the judicial process has been followed. Having been subject to the law of the land, tried in front of a jury and acquitted, he is now able to move on.

“We want to help him do that. We believe this is the right thing to do, and that our fans will support this and give Jack their full support too.”

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