Sunderland AFC got transfer decision correct on Portsmouth, Grimsby Town evidence | OneFootball

Denver Hume failed to live up to expectations at Sunderland and Portsmouth but has found his level with Grimsby Town.

Sunderland have utilised their academy to great effect in recent years, with Chris Rigg, Anthony Patterson and Tommy Watson all making a mark on the first team.

When the club were lingering in League One, Denver Hume was one of the club's most promising youth prospects and was given his chance to make an impact in the starting eleven.

Ultimately, he was not deemed up to standard at the Stadium of Light and his journey since solidifies the decision made by the Black Cats in 2022.

Denver Hume was not cut out for Sunderland

When Hume made his debut for the Wearsiders in 2017, there was cause for optimism despite the club's 1-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophy.

The club were desperate for academy players to come through and make a name for themselves and Hume appeared to be a player who was capable of doing so.

While the left-back was quite raw during his early appearances, he possessed a willingness to get forward, which was reflected in his four assists during the 2019/20 campaign.

What let Hume down was his lackluster passing and, with 65% accuracy during the same campaign, there was much to improve if he was to cement his place in the side.

Unfortunately, the club never saw the improvement necessary for the defender to become a mainstay in the North East and in 2022 he joined League One rivals Portsmouth.

Pompey move never materialised for Hume

Selling to a league rival can be risky business, which is why the Black Cats must have been confident they made the right decision about their academy graduate.

There was a similar feeling around Fratton Park that the South Coast side had a player with great promise on their hands, but the move failed to live up to expectations.

Having missed a substantial chunk of the 2022/23 season, Hume managed 11 appearances, totaling just 427 minutes as he struggled to play a whole 90.

In fairness to the defender, his issue with a prolapsed disc thwarted him from making any kind of impact during his debut campaign.

The following season was no different for Hume and, after failing to make a league appearance, his time at Fratton Park came to an abrupt conclusion.

Grimsby Town the perfect fit for Hume

While a move to League Two might have represented a low point for Hume, it has been an opportunity for him to flourish at both ends of the pitch for Grimsby Town.

His first six months at Blundell Park allowed him to lay the groundwork and get his fitness back, but now he has pressed on and is making up for lost time.

Remarkably, the 26-year-old has notched 12 assists from left-back for the Mariners this season, including two in an eye-catching display against Morecambe on Saturday.

Hume is well and truly playing his part in what could be a memorable campaign for the club, who are currently sat seventh as they eye promotion from League Two.

The former Sunderland man is proving that he is a cut above the division, and he will be eager to prove his doubters wrong as his career is getting back on track.

While Sunderland supporters wanted one of their own to shine at the Stadium of Light, the decision to let him leave must be regarded as the right one.