#career-trajectories

#career-trajectories

There were few positives for Sunderland fans in the 2016-17 season as they finished rock bottom and 16 points from safety, but the emergence of one of their own - Jordan Pickford - was a highlight. Initially second choice to Vito Mannone, Pickford was promoted to the first team after an injury to his colleague and never gave up the No.1 spot. He ended the year with the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

When people in power suddenly resign, it's rarely as clean as the press releases I used to write about make it seem. I've been around long enough, both in politics and public relations, to know that "new opportunities" can sometimes be code for "get out while you still can." Now, I'm going to couch that with not always, but in instances where the person in question harbors intentions of moving up the ladder, a quick exit usually leaves people scratching their heads, and wondering "Why so fast?"