Mahon native Alan Browne signs for Sunderland on a three year deal

Mahon native Alan Browne has a new home after 10-years at Preston North End after he signed for Sunderland on a free transfer.

The midfielder moves to the Stadium of Light after a decade at Deepdale and a spell that saw the club climb out of League One and get established as a midtable side in the Championship.

The 29-year-old made 414 appearances for North End after arriving as a teenager from Cork City in 2014. 

He was offered a new three-year deal to stay at Deepdale, yet opted to leave the club at the end of his contract last month.

Browne helped Preston win promotion to the EFL Championship during the 2014-15 season.

The midfielder was a key member of the squad that reached the promotion play-off final and defeated Swindon Town 4-0 at Wembley.

The Lilywhites immediately established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the division, but a push for promotion to the Premier League proved beyond them.

Sunderland is the next step in the midfielder’s career, and the deal was announced on Thursday morning.

“It’s a big change for me after being at Preston for such a long time, but it’s brilliant to be here,” Browne told the club’s media team.

“Sunderland is one of the biggest clubs in England and I can’t wait to get started. 

“I captained Preston for some time, so hopefully I can bring those leadership qualities to the Stadium of Light and add to what is a very talented squad.” 

Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Alan is a dynamic and versatile midfielder, who will complement the players within our squad and bring fresh qualities to our midfield.

“His availability is something we have closely followed throughout the last eight months and his ambition was at the forefront of our discussions. “He believes he can fulfill those ambitions at Sunderland and after seeing our potential, he wants to play an important role in creating future success. 

“We are delighted to welcome him to the club.”

Browne becomes Sunderland’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of goalkeeper Simon Moore.

Browne started out with Ringmahon Rangers in the Cork Schoolboys in League, and he joined Cork City’s academy as a teenager. 

The midfielder helped the Rebel Army win the U19 league and cup double during the 2013 season, and that earned him a move to Preston.

The midfielder used his time at Deepdale become an experienced Republic of Ireland international under Martin O’Neill and Stephen Kenny.

Browne featured regularly in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and he started that campaign with a goal against Serbia in Belgrade.

Browne’s move to Wearside continues a long relationship between Cork and Sunderland.

Dozens of players have gone between the two clubs, beginning with Belfast native Harry Buckle at the start of the 20th century. 

The forward was a house-hold name in the north east of England and he went found the Munster Football Association while lining out for Fordsons in the League of Ireland.

Raich Carter picked up the baton after helping Sunderland win the First Division and FA Cup during the 1930s. 

The England international went on to lift the FAI Cup and Munster Senior Cup with Cork Athletic in 1953 during a memorable stint on Leeside.

The biggest connection between the two cities in the modern era is Roy Keane after he managed the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League in 2007.

David Meyler joined the club from Cork City in 2008, and this was followed by acquisition of John Egan, after he helped Greenwood win the U16 National Cup at Turner’s Cross.