Mike Dodds admitted he hadn't planned for Corry Evans' return against Millwall on Saturday afternoon but believes the experienced midfielder has shown that he can play a part in Sunderland's final two Championship fixtures. Evans returned to the matchday squad after Dan Neil picked up an ankle injury in training ahead of the fixture, one which will rule him out of the final fixtures. Dodds said his need to change shape as Sunderland tried to fight their way back into the game and create more...
Sunderland youngster Tommy Watson could be in line for his first senior appearance since his debut last spring when Sheffield Wednesday visit the Stadium of Light this weekend. Watson was a late substitute when the Black Cats drew 1-1 with Huddersfield last April, but saw his progress after signing his first professional contract at the club hampered by injury. Many supporters have been keen to see the 18-year-old handed more opportunities as the campaign draws to a disappointing close, but...
Sunderland interim manager Mike Dodds has revealed Corry Evans’ return in Saturday’s win against Millwall was not planned. The midfielder suffered a serious knee injury against Middlesbrough in January 2023 and has been patiently working his way back towards full fitness in recent weeks. Despite returning to the matchday squad for the win over the Lions, Dodds has stressed he would not have called upon the Northern Ireland international ‘in ideal circumstances’ after he was forced into the...
Mike Dodds says Tommy Watson will get another chance to impress in first-team training ahead of the final Championship fixture of the campaign next weekend. Watson was called up into the matchday squad for the 1-0 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday after impressing in an U21s victory over Liverpool at Eppleton earlier in the week. Watson’s selection, as well as the return of Patrick Roberts who missed last weekend’s game due to personal reasons, meant that Bradley Dack and Mason...
Mike Dodds has conceded that Sunderland are unlikely to welcome back any of their currently injured players before the end of the campaign, though Dennis Cirkin has taken a major step forward in his comeback this week. Cirkin has endured an injury-hit campaign and has not played for the Black Cats since November. Dodds says the 22-year-old now back in full training but conceded it may be too much of a risk to bring him back before the campaign draws to a close next weekend. Nazariy Rusyn is also...
Callum Styles hopes he’ll receive an opportunity to start in midfield following Dan Neil’s injury setback - while he’s yet to have discussions about his Sunderland future. The 24-year-old signed for the Black Cats on an initial loan deal from Barnsley in January, with an option for Sunderland to make the deal permanent this summer. Styles was still recovering from an operation to remove his appendix when he moved to Wearside, waiting until late February to make his first appearance for the club....
Mike Dodds insisted that his Sunderland side didn’t deserve be on the losing side as their dismal run continued with a 1-0 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road. Much of the first half played out with little excitement but the Black Cats did have the best two chances just before the break through Chris Rigg and Trai Hume. Jack Clarke then missed a couple of good openings shortly after the interval, with the visitors punished when substitute Ryan Andrews finished a counter attack midway through the...
Mike Dodds says availability has been a key factor in the decline of Sunderland's style of play over recent months. Sunderland's play-off push has ebbed away dramatically since Tony Mowbray's departure and many supporters have also been left disappointed by the departure from the free-flowing football of last season. Club officials confirmed at a recent meeting with the supporter collective that it was also a factor in their decision to part company with Michael Beale. Dodds admitted he had...
Mike Dodds says Jobe Bellingham has fallen in love with Sunderland as he continues his bid to forge a career in the game, and says a double-figure goal return and a more settled position in the side will be the key targets next season. The 18-year-old has landed seven goals across 45 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign on Wearside, with the interim head coach adding that the former Birmingham City youngster has played more than anyone had initially expected over the course...
Sunderland are preparing for their Championship match against Watford - and interim head coach Mike Dodds held his pre-match press conference today. The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by Millwall last weekend and sit 13th in the Championship table with two matches remaining. Watford are just three points behind Sunderland following a goalless draw against Hull last time out, while the Hornets have just appointed Tom Clevery as their permanent head coach. Here’s what was said at the Academy of Light...
The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 gathered nearly 500 delegates
A Sunderland grandad has said thank you in style to the charity which helped his courageous grandson. Derek Haynes was determined to help Down’s Syndrome North East. They had given so much support to his grandson Marco, now 20 months, who has spent half of his life in hospital. Derek wrote a book about the workers who died while they helped build ships in Sunderland, and he is selling copies at £4.99 each for the charity. He said: “The charity was an easy choice to make as we just can not thank...