Sunderland's Joel Lynch has lashed out at his former sides after securing a summer move to the Stadium of Light, as reported by the Chronicle.

The 31-year-old has previously played in the second tier for Queens Park Rangers, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield, but left Loftus Road in the summer.

After a short spell as a free agent he joined Jack Ross at Sunderland, a side he claims are the 'biggest' he's ever played for.

"People tell me all the time what a massive club it is and it is definitely true," he said. "It's the biggest club I've played for and it's a great chance for me."

Not only has he made that claim about the Black Cats, but he also labelled his former sides as 'mediocre' in terms of promotions, something that is bound to go down badly at Loftus Road and the City Ground in particular.

"I've got to the point in my career where I want a challenge and I think this can work out well," he added. 

"I've never had that much success during my career in terms of winning promotions and what have you. I've always been at that sort of mediocre level. I've never been in the play-offs or been in a successful team so the challenge of coming here and being successful really appeals to me.

"I've always lacked that success and wanted it so badly and so now to come to a team that should be winning is a big attraction."

Lynch, who has one Wales cap to his name, had a trial with Sheffield United this summer before penning a one-year deal with the Mackems. He's set to make his debut this weekend as they face Accrington Stanley following the international break.

The Verdict

These are innocent enough comments, but they're bound to fuel a bit of resentment with his former clubs. He has been with average teams; Forest and QPR both settled for lots of midtable mediocrity during his stay there.

Much of the media focus will be on the mediocre comment, but it's the claim Sunderland are the biggest club he's played for that might anger a few Forest fans. Sunderland haven't won two European Cups and although Forest do have one foot in the past, they'll argue they're a bigger side than Sunderland.

Either way, Joel Lynch is a decent addition to the Sunderland side and his comments are bound to please his own supporters, if nobody else.