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 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...
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...
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 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...
A number of Sunderland icons, including former striker and chairman Niall Quinn, have paid tribute to Black Cats legend Charlie Hurley who died this week at the age of 87. Hurley, one of ten players to make over 400 appearances for the club, is regarded as one of Sunderland’s best ever footballers, he played for the team between 1957 and 1969 and was voted by fans as their player of the century in a 1979 poll. The centre back, nicknamed ‘King’ Hurley by fans, also won 40 caps for the Republic of...
Eleven features selected, with seven in competition.
John Travolta's father-daughter red carpet outing was as good as Royale with cheese. The Pulp Fiction star's daughter Ella served as his date to the recent screening of the Quentin
Ahead of Monday's visit of Everton, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has discussed his approach to recent team selection calls and gave an update on the fitness of forward Raheem Sterling.
Fed-up residents say drivers are causing them headaches by parking on double-yellow lines - with little danger of them getting fined due to a lack of parking enforcement officers. One St George's Terrace resident said he presented Sunderland City Council with a petition asking for a residents’ parking scheme in May 2023, but waited until March 2024 for an answer. It was turned down. But he says what parking restrictions are ignored because of a lack of enforcement, suggesting more parking...