Steven Caldwell

Throughout the 2003–04 season, Sunderland wanted to sign Caldwell after their efforts to sign him, both on a free transfer and on loan failed. [ 55 ] The club opted to wait to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the 2003–04 season. [ 56 ] In May 2004, he agreed a move to Sunderland after leaving Newcastle United. [ 57 ] The move was later confirmed on 27 June 2004, with the player signed a three–year contract. [ 58 ] After missing out the first match of the 2004–05 season, Caldwell made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 win against Crewe Alexandra on 10 August 2004. [ 59 ] This was followed up by scoring his first goal for Sunderland, in a 3–3 draw against Queens Park Rangers . [ 60 ] Since making his debut for the club, Caldwell became was known for his whole-hearted approach to the game and the solid partnership he formed with Gary Breen . [ 61 ] Caldwell said that his aim was to help Sunderland reach the promotion to the Premiership , in which Manager McCarthy praised Caldwell for his effort. [ 62 ] However, during a 1–1 draw against Wigan Athletic on 28 August 2004, he suffered a knock and was substituted in the 25th minute as a result. [ 63 ] After missing one match, Caldwell returned to the starting line–up against Gillingham on 10 September 2004 and kept a clean sheet, in a 4–0 win. [ 64 ] On 13 November 2004 he scored his second goal for the club, in a 1–0 win against Leicester City . [ 65 ] This was followed up by helping Sunderland keep two clean sheets in the next two matches, making it three in a row. [ 66 ] However in a follow–up against West Ham United , Caldwell was sent–off in the 41st minute after clashing with Serhii Rebrov , as the club lost 2–0. [ 67 ] After the match, Sunderland successfully appealed against his red card. [ 68 ] However, his return was short–lived when he suffered a hamstring injury that saw him miss one match. [ 69 ] Despite not risking Caldwell return ahead of the match against Leeds United on 26 — Wikipedia