Former Sunderland defender believes leaving the Black Cats was a major turning point in his development and played a significant role in helping him reach the Scotland Under-21 setup.
The 21-year-old spent his formative years at Sunderland’s Academy of Light, where he shared the pitch with players including Tommy Watson and Timur Tuterov. Fieldson was also part of the Sunderland Under-21 squad that reached the Premier League 2 play-off final in 2024, although they ultimately suffered a 3-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, he decided to take a different route in his development when he left Wearside at the age of 19. The defender moved to Scotland on a free transfer to Queen’s Park, where his performances quickly caught attention.
His progress with the Spiders eventually earned him a move to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren during the summer transfer window.
Fieldson has made an impressive start to life at the senior level, featuring in all but one of St Mirren’s league matches during the opening two months of the campaign.
His consistent performances have now been rewarded internationally, with the defender making his Scotland Under-21 debut during a convincing 5-2 victory over Azerbaijan.
He will be hoping to make his second appearance for the national side when Scotland Under-21s take on Bulgaria on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his journey, Fieldson explained that leaving Sunderland and moving away from home gave him the opportunity to develop both as a footballer and as a person.
The defender believes the competitive nature of senior football accelerated his progress, particularly compared with academy football.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Fieldson said, “I’d encourage anyone to do that. It’s the best thing you can do as a young player. Academy football can be false, in the sense that there is no real reason to win.
“Competition is a massive thing for development, and having that winning mentality being installed in you from a younger age is great. I put a lot of emphasis on my years at Queen’s Park and the position I’m in now.
“If I stayed at Sunderland, I truly believe I wouldn’t be in this position.”
Fieldson acknowledged that remaining at Sunderland until the age of 21 was an option, but he felt his own development required a different challenge.
He added: “When I made the decision to leave Sunderland, I was 19. I could have stayed; I’ve seen boys stay there until they are 21 and go through the whole process. Fair play to them. It works for some and not for others. I knew my path was different.
“Moving away from home is such a good thing at a young age. It makes you grow up and mature. I look at myself now, and I don’t think I look 21 or act 21. I’ve had a tough paper round, as they say.
“But it sets you up lovely for life. I massively love and respect Sunderland for the work they put in up until that point, but I knew I had hit my limit. I didn’t think I’d get much more development playing academy football.”
Fieldson is now enjoying his breakthrough at St Mirren and believes the move has put him in a strong position to continue developing at the senior level.
He said the club has made a positive start to the season and added that representing Scotland at the Under-21 level is a huge opportunity.
“It’s been a good start [at St. Mirren]; the club is in a good position and in the top half of the table. Long may that continue.
“To have this opportunity to represent my country is a massive thing. I’m really happy to do it.”
