John O'Shea: I might not be back but Sunderland will be

The 37-year-old veteran defender is expected to extend his playing career beyond this season but it remains to be seen whether it will be with Sunderland.

Ellis Short has sold the club to a consortium led by Stewart Donald with the deal just awaiting EFL approval.

The impending change in ownership saw Chris Coleman lose his job last weekend and there is a huge amount of uncertainty at the Stadium of Light currently, with a huge turnover of players expected this summer.

O'Shea, one of four senior players out of contract, admits he doesn't know what his future holds yet and admits today's 3-0 win over Wolves could be his last for the club.

O'Shea was substituted after 86 minutes and handed his 16-year-old replacement Bali Mumba the captain's armband in what could be a significant and final gesture from the veteran.

"My contract is also up at the end of the season and at this moment my future remains unclear," said O'Shea.

"If this is my final game with the club, the only thing I can say is thank you.

"Throughout my time here the supporters have been nothing short of outstanding, and you've stood by the team whether we've deserved it or not.

"When I signed a one-year deal last summer I was determined to play my part in taking the club back where it belongs. For many reasons, that hasn't happened.

"But whatever the future holds for me personally, I sincerely hope that everything that makes this club so special shines through on and off the pitch.

"I might not be back but Sunderland will be. Thanks for the support."

O'Shea has also moved to wish Coleman and his assistant Kit Symons well for the future after the pair were sacked last Sunday.

O'Shea, writing in his programme notes, added: "It goes without saying that it's been a tough season for everyone associated with the club

"We knew coming into it that it would be a real challenge, but unfortunately it's one that we haven't been able to rise to.

"As captain, that's a bitter pill to swallow, and as players, we all have to take responsibility for the position we find ourselves in.

"We're all aware that it's been a big week off the pitch and hopefully last weekend's news signals the start of a bright future for the club.

"The news also resulted in a change of management, and I'd like to wish Chris Coleman and Kit Symons the very best for the future.

"They came into the club during a difficult period, but they didn't shy away from the task at hand and gave their all day in, day out."

Marc Wilson, Billy Jones and Kazenga LuaLua are also out of contract this summer.