Chris Mepham and Callum Styles react as Sunderland agree new Dan Ballard contract
Chris Mepham and Callum Styles have given their verdicts on Dan Ballard’s new Sunderland contract, despite their West Brom struggles.
Ballard’s superb form at the Stadium of Light was rewarded with a fresh deal until 2029, and Mepham and Styles, his former team-mates on Wearside, shared their delight.
West Brom centre-back Mepham was a regular starter for the Mackems last season and stepped in admirably for Ballard during his lengthy injury absence.
Commenting on his friend’s Instagram post after news of his extension was confirmed, the Wales international classily wrote: “Congrats, buddy. Smashing it.”
Styles also played alongside Ballard at Sunderland in 2024 and clearly warmed to the centre-back, having posted, “Congrats, buddy” on the same photo.
No bad blood for Dan Ballard at West Brom
Clearly, sentiment toward Ballard has softened somewhat at The Hawthorns.
In April 2024, the defender was loudly booed by Baggies supporters during Sunderland’s 1-0 Championship victory in the Midlands.
He had been treated to a hostile reception after putting in a robust challenge on Josh Maja in the reverse fixture, which left him with ligament damage and ruled him out for several months.
Ballard soon admitted, however, that the jeers had actually motivated him to prove his critics wrong, having been harangued by the crowd right from his very first touch.
But classily, he had also issued an apology to Maja and wished him a speedy recovery after his poor tackle, admitting he never meant to hurt the striker.
Perhaps that has not been forgotten by the Baggies faithful – including their players.
Chris Mepham can use Ballard for inspiration
It has been a largely underwhelming, stop-start campaign for Mepham.
Mepham joined West Brom from Bournemouth last summer and brought invaluable experience – and an impressive range of passing – to their backline.
However, he hasn’t quite lived up to his lofty billing. The 28-year-old endured a poor run under Ryan Mason before picking up a hamstring injury during Eric Ramsay’s ill-fated stint.
His statistics, courtesy of Sofascore, make for pretty average reading. Indeed, Mepham has been given a rating of 6.77 for the season, showcasing his up-and-down form.
He has averaged one interception and one tackle per game, but has mustered up around 6.5 clearances every 90 minutes – an impressive feat.
These numbers suggest Mepham has shown glimpses of the commanding centre-back he can be, but he must look to Ballard for inspiration as he bids to keep West Brom up.
Ballard has been near-unbeatable at the heart of Sunderland’s defence this campaign, crashing away headers and thumping into tackles, and his new deal is richly deserved.
With relegation becoming more realistic each week, more fight needs to be shown on the pitch, not on social media right now.
For even more West Brom news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.