Sunderland have confirmed that back-up goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter has been released ahead of the club's second season in League One.

The Black Cats released their retained list on Tuesday afternoon, where they confirmed Ruiter's departure alongside other senior players including Adam Matthews, Luke Molyneux and Max Stryjek.

Ruiter made just one league appearance for Sunderland last season, with Jon McLaughlin holding on to the number one jersey throughout the season.

This meant the Dutchman watched on from the bench for the vast majority of the campaign, and he could only watch on as Sunderland suffered play-off final heartbreak at the hands of Charlton.

The former Utrecht stopper joined the Black Cats in 2017, and he made a total of 26 appearances for the club during his two-year stint at the Stadium of Light.

So, is it the right move from Sunderland to let the 32-year-old leave on a free transfer? We discuss...

Toby Wilding

"This one actually surprises me slightly.

"The decision to release Ruiter means that Jon McLaughlin is now the only senior goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light. The club will therefore now have to go out and find a new alternative to him in the summer transfer window, using funds that could have been better spent elsewhere.

"I could however see this being a move that suits Ruiter more than the club. At 32-years-old he may not have too much time left in his career as a player, and you can't see him wanting to spend that time sat on a substitutes bench for the majority of it."

Jacob Potter

"I'm not surprised by this at all.

"He struggled for game time with Sunderland and it would have been a complete waste of wages if they were to keep him at the club.

"He made just one league appearance all season for Jack Ross' side and it was unlikely that he was ever going to force his way into the starting XI ahead of Jon McLaughlin ahead of next year's campaign.

"It makes sense for both parties involved."

Ben Lang

"I think this is the right move for both parties.

"Ruiter has not really looked like ousting Jon McLaughlin from the number one spot, so it is not worth Sunderland's time to keep him on the wage bill. Given his age, he is likely to be earning a wage for a second-choice goalkeeper that is disproportionate to the division, and Sunderland would be better off having a younger player as back-up.

"Ruiter himself will also surely want to be playing regularly now, given that he is at the peak age for a goalkeeper. His career will be better off away from the Stadium of Light."