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 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...
Sunderland’s under-21s boss Graeme Murty says playing at the Stadium of Light can be great for his team’s development - despite a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough. The young Black Cats were narrowly beaten in the Premier League 2 fixture, after Tom Watson had equalised just before the hour mark. The visitors’ winner came nine minutes from time when Law McCabe’s effort deflected in off Boro defender George Gitau following a corner. “I think the nature of the goals kind of show the nature of 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 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’s under-21s boss Graeme Murty says teenage winger Tom Watson still has lots to learn despite calls for a first-team opportunity. Watson, 17, has scored in his last two appearances for the young Black Cats in Premier League 2, against Wolves and Middlesbrough, while he was handed his senior debut against Huddersfield in the Championship last season. When asked about Watson after Sunderland’s under-21s side were beaten by Middlesbrough, Murty replied: “It’s really interesting because...
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Wolves have only 10 fit senior outfield players ahead of their clash with Arsenal. As a result, they are set to include a 15-year-old in their squad on Saturday night. 'He doesn't have any excuse to dive!' Will Bukayo Saka learn from his Bayern tumble? Listen to the
Mauricio Pochettino revealed Cole Palmer will return for their trip to Aston Villa. However, the Blues will be without two other first-team stars for the league clash. 'He's reaching De Bruyne levels!' Arsenal maestro Martin Odegaard HAS to be in the running for Player of the Year - Listen to the
MINNEAPOLIS -- It took a while for Byron Buxton to finally go deep this season, but when he did, he really made it count. The Twins’ offense has been late-arriving this season in the big picture, to say the least, and that was the case on a smaller scale on
With a 3-1 defeat to the Padres in the series opener on Monday at Coors