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New Sunderland signing Joe Gelhardt was 'hoodwinked' into Leeds United agreement
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Joe Gelhardt needs to play as much as possible while on loan at Sunderland after Leeds United agreed to loan him out in January, according to Paul Robinson.
Gelhardt, 20, joined the Championship club on loan for the rest of the season on 27 January and could make his debut for Tony Mowbray’s side away at Millwall on Saturday (4 February).
Gelhardt had struggled for game-time all season at Elland Road. Despite playing 19 times in all competitions, all but four of those appearances were as a substitute.
The ex-Wigan striker is one of the most impressive young players Leeds have and Robinson is annoyed that he’s not had faith shown in him to play when players like Patrick Bamford have been injured.
Robinson has also suggested that Gelhardt was tricked into signing a new long-term contract at Elland Road back in the summer.
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“For Gelhardt, it’s imperative that he plays,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“I think he was hoodwinked into signing a new contract in all honesty.
“He’s been a very bit-part player and his only role has been coming off the bench.
“When he does come off the bench, he has an impact and he either creates goals or scores them.
“He’s been very unfortunate to have not started games in the past when I thought he should have done.
“They’ve relied heavily on Patrick Bamford and we’ve talked so much over the last 18 months about him being injured.
“They’ve played Rodrigo there, they’ve played Dan James there, they’ve played Jack Harrison there. All that without starting Gelhardt so there was clearly an issue there for him.
“It’s important he goes out for his own development so he can play and score goals and what better place to do it than Sunderland?
“They’re doing really well and with Tony Mowbray as the manager. He’s known for developing young players and for his man-management skills.
“It’s a great time to play for a big football club like Sunderland and he could be a part of a promotion-winning side.”
Gelhardt could become a key player at Sunderland for the rest of the season as since he’s arrival at the Stadium of Light, star striker Ross Stewart has been ruled out until the summer.
In other Leeds United news, visit our live transfer blog for around-the-clock updates straight from Elland Road.