Steed Malbranque

Steed Malbranque is a versatile midfield player who joined Sunderland in the summer of 2008.

Steed spent his formative years in France with Lyon before moving to the Premier League in 2001 when he signed for then newcomers Fulham. In five years at Craven Cottage, he became a firm favourite of the fans, clocking up over 200 first-team appearances before being sold to Spurs.

He enjoyed greater success at White Hart Lane, helping the club to a place in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2006-07 and gaining a Carling Cup winners’ medal 12 months later.

Steed started his first season on Wearside in good form but faded midway through the campaign only to bounce back to help pull Sunderland out of their mid-season slump, his dazzling footwork thrilling the crowd at the Stadium of Light.

He went on to produce some of his best football in 2009-10 after being switched to the left side of midfield, and he was again a regular throughout 2010-11.

Steed left the Black Cats to sign for St Etienne, but stayed only a month before moving on.