https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:59:12 +0000 MyBB https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13174 Sun, 23 Jun 2024 06:59:36 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13174
The 48-year-old Frenchman, who will officially take over on 1 July, replaces Michael Beale, who was sacked in February after less than three months in charge.

Le Bris spent two seasons in charge of Lorient, guiding them to 10th in Ligue 1 in his first campaign before they finished 17th and were relegated last season.

The Black Cats finished 16th in the Championship in 2023-24.

"I'm certainly here to pass on my energy and my convictions, but also to listen and learn," Le Bris told the club website following his appointment., external

"I want us to bring joy to our fans, not only through results, but also through our style of play, and I'm convinced that with commitment and hard work, we can write an exciting new chapter."

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said Le Bris was a "talented coach, who is thoughtful and detailed in his approach and values strong relationships with players and staff".

"He is aligned with delivering our playing identity and he shares our ambition to win, as well as our passion for talent development," Speakman added.

Sunderland had been linked with a move for 31-year-old Englishman Will Still but he took over at Lens earlier this month after leaving fellow Ligue 1 side Reims.

The Wearsiders finished sixth in their first season back in the second tier in 2022-23 under Tony Mowbray but were beaten by Luton in the play-off semi-final.

Mowbray was sacked last December with Sunderland ninth in the table and successor Beale was gone after just 12 matches as they fell away from top-six contention.

They ended the campaign a distant 17 points adrift of the play-off places under the caretaker charge of coach Mike Dodds.]]>
The 48-year-old Frenchman, who will officially take over on 1 July, replaces Michael Beale, who was sacked in February after less than three months in charge.

Le Bris spent two seasons in charge of Lorient, guiding them to 10th in Ligue 1 in his first campaign before they finished 17th and were relegated last season.

The Black Cats finished 16th in the Championship in 2023-24.

"I'm certainly here to pass on my energy and my convictions, but also to listen and learn," Le Bris told the club website following his appointment., external

"I want us to bring joy to our fans, not only through results, but also through our style of play, and I'm convinced that with commitment and hard work, we can write an exciting new chapter."

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said Le Bris was a "talented coach, who is thoughtful and detailed in his approach and values strong relationships with players and staff".

"He is aligned with delivering our playing identity and he shares our ambition to win, as well as our passion for talent development," Speakman added.

Sunderland had been linked with a move for 31-year-old Englishman Will Still but he took over at Lens earlier this month after leaving fellow Ligue 1 side Reims.

The Wearsiders finished sixth in their first season back in the second tier in 2022-23 under Tony Mowbray but were beaten by Luton in the play-off semi-final.

Mowbray was sacked last December with Sunderland ninth in the table and successor Beale was gone after just 12 matches as they fell away from top-six contention.

They ended the campaign a distant 17 points adrift of the play-off places under the caretaker charge of coach Mike Dodds.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12810 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:06:38 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12810
The 43-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Beale had a brief spell in the Championship with QPR last season before leaving in November 2022 to join the Scottish Premiership giants.

He won 31 of his 43 games in charge of Rangers but was sacked on 1 October after three defeats in their first seven league matches of the campaign.

Beale, who has replaced Tony Mowbray as boss, takes over at Sunderland with the club seventh in the Championship, three points outside the play-off spots, following a 1-0 defeat away at Bristol City.

That loss came after successive wins under caretaker Mike Dodds, who will stay on as assistant head coach.

"We have monitored Michael's career for some time and we are delighted to have reached an agreement for him to become our new head coach," sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website.

"He has an excellent and well-founded reputation for developing players and he is an outstanding progressive coach, who is aligned with our playing identity and naturally fits within our structure alongside Mike Dodds and the wider team."

Mowbray led Sunderland to a sixth-placed finish last season but was sacked in early December after a run of two wins in nine league matches saw them slip down to ninth in the table.

He had spent 15 months in charge of the Black Cats after replacing Alex Neil following the former Norwich and Preston manager's move to Stoke in August 2022.

Beale back in Championship after rollercoaster year with Rangers
Beale coached in the youth academies of both Chelsea and Liverpool before being appointed as first-team coach at Rangers under Steven Gerrard, with whom he had previously worked alongside at Liverpool.

He helped Rangers win the Scottish league title in 2020-21 and then followed Gerrard to Aston Villa in October 2021.

QPR gave him his first senior managerial role in June 2022 and he guided the club to the top of the Championship in the opening months of last season.

Then Premier League strugglers Wolves approached him to replace Bruno Lage in October 2022 but he turned them down, saying: "I have been all in here and I have asked others to be all in so I can't be the first person to run away from the ship."

However, the offer to take over at Ibrox from the sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst the following month proved too good to turn down.

He made a bright start to life in Glasgow, winning the manager of the month award for December and 13 of his first 14 matches in charge, but was unable to help them rein in Ange Postecoglou's Celtic and they lost to their fierce rivals in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and final of the League Cup.

Despite recruiting heavily in the summer, Beale's Rangers were knocked out of the Champions League in the play-off round by PSV Eindhoven and a 3-1 home defeat by Aberdeen on 30 September was his final game in charge.

His first match as Sunderland boss will be Saturday's home game against Coventry.]]>
The 43-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Beale had a brief spell in the Championship with QPR last season before leaving in November 2022 to join the Scottish Premiership giants.

He won 31 of his 43 games in charge of Rangers but was sacked on 1 October after three defeats in their first seven league matches of the campaign.

Beale, who has replaced Tony Mowbray as boss, takes over at Sunderland with the club seventh in the Championship, three points outside the play-off spots, following a 1-0 defeat away at Bristol City.

That loss came after successive wins under caretaker Mike Dodds, who will stay on as assistant head coach.

"We have monitored Michael's career for some time and we are delighted to have reached an agreement for him to become our new head coach," sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website.

"He has an excellent and well-founded reputation for developing players and he is an outstanding progressive coach, who is aligned with our playing identity and naturally fits within our structure alongside Mike Dodds and the wider team."

Mowbray led Sunderland to a sixth-placed finish last season but was sacked in early December after a run of two wins in nine league matches saw them slip down to ninth in the table.

He had spent 15 months in charge of the Black Cats after replacing Alex Neil following the former Norwich and Preston manager's move to Stoke in August 2022.

Beale back in Championship after rollercoaster year with Rangers
Beale coached in the youth academies of both Chelsea and Liverpool before being appointed as first-team coach at Rangers under Steven Gerrard, with whom he had previously worked alongside at Liverpool.

He helped Rangers win the Scottish league title in 2020-21 and then followed Gerrard to Aston Villa in October 2021.

QPR gave him his first senior managerial role in June 2022 and he guided the club to the top of the Championship in the opening months of last season.

Then Premier League strugglers Wolves approached him to replace Bruno Lage in October 2022 but he turned them down, saying: "I have been all in here and I have asked others to be all in so I can't be the first person to run away from the ship."

However, the offer to take over at Ibrox from the sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst the following month proved too good to turn down.

He made a bright start to life in Glasgow, winning the manager of the month award for December and 13 of his first 14 matches in charge, but was unable to help them rein in Ange Postecoglou's Celtic and they lost to their fierce rivals in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and final of the League Cup.

Despite recruiting heavily in the summer, Beale's Rangers were knocked out of the Champions League in the play-off round by PSV Eindhoven and a 3-1 home defeat by Aberdeen on 30 September was his final game in charge.

His first match as Sunderland boss will be Saturday's home game against Coventry.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12780 Tue, 05 Dec 2023 07:56:29 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12780 Surprised at this

Championship side Sunderland have sacked head coach Tony Mowbray after 15 months in charge.

The Black Cats have won just two of their past nine league games and have slipped to ninth, having made the play-offs last season.

Mowbray, 60, took over at Sunderland in August last year after Alex Neil left the club to join Stoke City.

"This was a difficult decision to make," sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website.

"But we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step.

"We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period."


He added: "As custodians of our great club, we believe in our long-term strategy that we hope will ensure sustainability and success for SAFC.

"Central to that approach is a relentless demand for a high performance culture to be implemented throughout the club and the development of a strong playing identity that you, our loyal supporters, can all be proud of."

Mowbray's long-time assistant, Mark Venus, has also left the club, with first-team coach Mike Dodds placed in temporary charge.

Sunderland, who play one of Mowbray's former clubs West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, were fourth in the table after beating Watford on 4 October.

But last weekend's 1-1 draw at Millwall made it five games without a win on their travels, with Jack Clarke's late penalty their first away goal in four matches.

Despite slipping to ninth, Sunderland remain only three points off a play-off spot.

After replacing Neil early last season, Mowbray guided the Black Cats to a sixth-placed finish in their first season back in the Championship.

Although they beat Luton 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in the home leg of the play-off semi-final, they lost 2-0 at Kenilworth Road to the Hatters, who went on to win promotion to the Premier League by beating Coventry City on penalties at Wembley.]]> Surprised at this

Championship side Sunderland have sacked head coach Tony Mowbray after 15 months in charge.

The Black Cats have won just two of their past nine league games and have slipped to ninth, having made the play-offs last season.

Mowbray, 60, took over at Sunderland in August last year after Alex Neil left the club to join Stoke City.

"This was a difficult decision to make," sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website.

"But we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step.

"We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period."


He added: "As custodians of our great club, we believe in our long-term strategy that we hope will ensure sustainability and success for SAFC.

"Central to that approach is a relentless demand for a high performance culture to be implemented throughout the club and the development of a strong playing identity that you, our loyal supporters, can all be proud of."

Mowbray's long-time assistant, Mark Venus, has also left the club, with first-team coach Mike Dodds placed in temporary charge.

Sunderland, who play one of Mowbray's former clubs West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, were fourth in the table after beating Watford on 4 October.

But last weekend's 1-1 draw at Millwall made it five games without a win on their travels, with Jack Clarke's late penalty their first away goal in four matches.

Despite slipping to ninth, Sunderland remain only three points off a play-off spot.

After replacing Neil early last season, Mowbray guided the Black Cats to a sixth-placed finish in their first season back in the Championship.

Although they beat Luton 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in the home leg of the play-off semi-final, they lost 2-0 at Kenilworth Road to the Hatters, who went on to win promotion to the Premier League by beating Coventry City on penalties at Wembley.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12429 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:11:52 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12429
The 20-year-old central defender is expected to join the Black Cats for an initial fee of £300,000.

Triantis is an Australia Under-20 international who is expected to move up to their under-23 squad this summer.

Triantis played 25 times for the Mariners and started as they beat Melbourne City in the A-League grand final at the weekend.

Sunderland are looking to reinforce their squad after reaching the play-offs in their first season back in the Championship for five years.

They suffered problems with injuries to central defenders at key moments of the season with Danny Batth, Dan Ballard and Aji Alese all missing for lengthy periods.

"The opportunity to join such a prestigious club is an honour and I'm really looking forward to heading to England and meeting my new teammates later this month," Triantis said.

"I'm ready for the challenge ahead and can't wait to get started. I would like to thank Nick Montgomery and the Central Coast Mariners for giving me the platform that led to this exciting next chapter in my life."

The transfer is subject to international clearance and cannot be completed until the transfer window opens next Wednesday.]]>
The 20-year-old central defender is expected to join the Black Cats for an initial fee of £300,000.

Triantis is an Australia Under-20 international who is expected to move up to their under-23 squad this summer.

Triantis played 25 times for the Mariners and started as they beat Melbourne City in the A-League grand final at the weekend.

Sunderland are looking to reinforce their squad after reaching the play-offs in their first season back in the Championship for five years.

They suffered problems with injuries to central defenders at key moments of the season with Danny Batth, Dan Ballard and Aji Alese all missing for lengthy periods.

"The opportunity to join such a prestigious club is an honour and I'm really looking forward to heading to England and meeting my new teammates later this month," Triantis said.

"I'm ready for the challenge ahead and can't wait to get started. I would like to thank Nick Montgomery and the Central Coast Mariners for giving me the platform that led to this exciting next chapter in my life."

The transfer is subject to international clearance and cannot be completed until the transfer window opens next Wednesday.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12043 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:01:09 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12043
The 21-year-old joined West Ham's under-21 side in July 2021, having been part of the Chelsea academy, but did not make a senior appearance.

Before moving to England, Ekwah spent time at the national Clairefontaine academy and at Nantes.

"He is a player we have been monitoring for some time," boss Tony Mowbray said.

Mowbray patient with Sunderland progress]]>
The 21-year-old joined West Ham's under-21 side in July 2021, having been part of the Chelsea academy, but did not make a senior appearance.

Before moving to England, Ekwah spent time at the national Clairefontaine academy and at Nantes.

"He is a player we have been monitoring for some time," boss Tony Mowbray said.

Mowbray patient with Sunderland progress]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11498 Sat, 25 Jun 2022 16:10:06 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11498
Roberts, 25, joined the Black Cats in January on a six-month deal and went on to make 17 appearances for the club in League One.

He began his career with Fulham and signed for Manchester City in 2015.

Roberts spent most of his seven years with the Premier League champions on loan at Celtic, Girona, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Derby County.

"My mind has always been made up about where I want to be and it feels amazing to be back after what we achieved last season," Roberts said.

"I'm pleased that we have done the deal early because I can now enjoy pre-season and get ready for the new campaign, which I felt was important."]]>
Roberts, 25, joined the Black Cats in January on a six-month deal and went on to make 17 appearances for the club in League One.

He began his career with Fulham and signed for Manchester City in 2015.

Roberts spent most of his seven years with the Premier League champions on loan at Celtic, Girona, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Derby County.

"My mind has always been made up about where I want to be and it feels amazing to be back after what we achieved last season," Roberts said.

"I'm pleased that we have done the deal early because I can now enjoy pre-season and get ready for the new campaign, which I felt was important."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11383 Thu, 26 May 2022 12:50:06 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11383
The ex-Republic of Ireland man, 36, joined the Black Cats in July 2017 and scored 29 goals in 127 league games.

Goalkeeper Lee Burge, defenders Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis and striker Will Grigg have also been let go at the end of their contracts.

Defender Bailey Wright, midfielder Lynden Gooch and forward Patrick Roberts have been offered deals after helping the team go up from League One.

Former Wigan player and Northern Ireland international Grigg, 30, cost Sunderland £4m in 2019 but scored just eight goals for the club and spent time out on loan at MK Dons and Rotherham.]]>
The ex-Republic of Ireland man, 36, joined the Black Cats in July 2017 and scored 29 goals in 127 league games.

Goalkeeper Lee Burge, defenders Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis and striker Will Grigg have also been let go at the end of their contracts.

Defender Bailey Wright, midfielder Lynden Gooch and forward Patrick Roberts have been offered deals after helping the team go up from League One.

Former Wigan player and Northern Ireland international Grigg, 30, cost Sunderland £4m in 2019 but scored just eight goals for the club and spent time out on loan at MK Dons and Rotherham.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=10460 Wed, 26 May 2021 18:40:34 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=10460
Callum McFadzean, Chris Maguire, Conor McLaughlin, Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen and Remi Matthews have also been let go.

The club said that Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume and Luke O'Nien "will be offered new deals".

Meanwhile, they are "in discussions" with striker Charlie Wyke.

Wyke scored 31 goals this season but his contract runs out at the end of June.

The Black Cats have exercised an option to extend defender Oliver Younger's deal by a further year until the end of the 2021-22 season.

It was understood that winger McGeady, 35, waived an agreement in his contract that would have automatically triggered an extension when he started in the second-leg against Lincoln on Saturday.]]>
Callum McFadzean, Chris Maguire, Conor McLaughlin, Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen and Remi Matthews have also been let go.

The club said that Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume and Luke O'Nien "will be offered new deals".

Meanwhile, they are "in discussions" with striker Charlie Wyke.

Wyke scored 31 goals this season but his contract runs out at the end of June.

The Black Cats have exercised an option to extend defender Oliver Younger's deal by a further year until the end of the 2021-22 season.

It was understood that winger McGeady, 35, waived an agreement in his contract that would have automatically triggered an extension when he started in the second-leg against Lincoln on Saturday.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8315 Sun, 31 Mar 2019 11:50:28 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8315
Nice turnaround for the club who are still very much nearing automatic promotion despite the awesome way Luton and Barnsley keep winning
After the years of David Moyes, dodgy ownership, Jack Rodwell, Andy Johnson, N`Dong and all the other negatives it`s nice to see a big club heading in the right direction and with an upcoming manager at the helm]]>
Nice turnaround for the club who are still very much nearing automatic promotion despite the awesome way Luton and Barnsley keep winning
After the years of David Moyes, dodgy ownership, Jack Rodwell, Andy Johnson, N`Dong and all the other negatives it`s nice to see a big club heading in the right direction and with an upcoming manager at the helm]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7688 Sat, 20 Oct 2018 14:35:35 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7688
Couple of years ago Sunderland dropped from the EPL , somehow they went the whole season with Anichebe/Defoe and no alternative

Normally when a club goes down they buy a few players who can bag goals at Champiosnhip level, Sunderland decided to rely largely on loans and the main one being Lewis Grabban who scored a few but wanted better things and a less hostile atmosphere than dropping Sunderland.

Sunderland continued the season with another loanee Ashley Fletcher who hardly was the Championship Harry Kane

During this hardly enjoyable season the club had on occasion to turn to the young academy players who seemed at least hungry even if they were being thrown into a relegation scrap, during this period was the club`s only striker Josh Maja

Following last years positive reviews 19 year old Maja has taken league one by storm, although nowhere near a finished article 9 goals in 12 games has apparently and unsurprisingly had a few clubs sit up and notice.

Dare I say during the Championship "Gap year" Arsenal apparently bid 5M for Joel Asoro (now at Swansea City) and Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka, the latter an 18 year old forward starting to impress in the reserves

With the club finally starting to turn around from the laughing stock image of recent years, the long term plans regarding recruitment and development of young players appears to be paying dividends .
Be far too early for Maja to jump to Man City but a continued development and apprenticeship for him, Luke Molyneux, George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch and Ethan Robson should push the club in the right direction]]>
Couple of years ago Sunderland dropped from the EPL , somehow they went the whole season with Anichebe/Defoe and no alternative

Normally when a club goes down they buy a few players who can bag goals at Champiosnhip level, Sunderland decided to rely largely on loans and the main one being Lewis Grabban who scored a few but wanted better things and a less hostile atmosphere than dropping Sunderland.

Sunderland continued the season with another loanee Ashley Fletcher who hardly was the Championship Harry Kane

During this hardly enjoyable season the club had on occasion to turn to the young academy players who seemed at least hungry even if they were being thrown into a relegation scrap, during this period was the club`s only striker Josh Maja

Following last years positive reviews 19 year old Maja has taken league one by storm, although nowhere near a finished article 9 goals in 12 games has apparently and unsurprisingly had a few clubs sit up and notice.

Dare I say during the Championship "Gap year" Arsenal apparently bid 5M for Joel Asoro (now at Swansea City) and Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka, the latter an 18 year old forward starting to impress in the reserves

With the club finally starting to turn around from the laughing stock image of recent years, the long term plans regarding recruitment and development of young players appears to be paying dividends .
Be far too early for Maja to jump to Man City but a continued development and apprenticeship for him, Luke Molyneux, George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch and Ethan Robson should push the club in the right direction]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7662 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 10:28:14 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7662 Famously behind Don Goodman and Phil Gray and in the decidedly average AFC Sunderland Terry Butcher and Mick Buxton years

Yet " Massively Violent & decidedly average" is one of the most enjoyable Football bio`s out there
humorous, well researched, and plain honest, Howey tells it all like it is from going in too hard on certain players, the drinking escapades, the conduct of managers (Butcher sounds hilarious) , the b-s**t, the girls, the Xmas parties, Sol Campbell`s integrity, third tier Belgian football, hating Geoff Thomas and all sorts.

Howey didn't play internationally, made the English leagues quite late in years, didn't top any scoring charts
But it`s a great read for any fan of the club, championship aficionados or football fans in general]]> Famously behind Don Goodman and Phil Gray and in the decidedly average AFC Sunderland Terry Butcher and Mick Buxton years

Yet " Massively Violent & decidedly average" is one of the most enjoyable Football bio`s out there
humorous, well researched, and plain honest, Howey tells it all like it is from going in too hard on certain players, the drinking escapades, the conduct of managers (Butcher sounds hilarious) , the b-s**t, the girls, the Xmas parties, Sol Campbell`s integrity, third tier Belgian football, hating Geoff Thomas and all sorts.

Howey didn't play internationally, made the English leagues quite late in years, didn't top any scoring charts
But it`s a great read for any fan of the club, championship aficionados or football fans in general]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7605 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:00:31 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7605
Flanagan, 26, replaces Rangers' Gareth McAuley in Michael O'Neill's squad for the forthcoming games against Austria and Bosnia & Herzogovina.

Centre-half Flanagan has not featured for Northern Ireland since the World Cup play-offs against Switzerland in November last year.

McAuley is still not match fit after joining Rangers following his release from West Brom at the end of last season.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2018/100...n-ireland/]]>
Flanagan, 26, replaces Rangers' Gareth McAuley in Michael O'Neill's squad for the forthcoming games against Austria and Bosnia & Herzogovina.

Centre-half Flanagan has not featured for Northern Ireland since the World Cup play-offs against Switzerland in November last year.

McAuley is still not match fit after joining Rangers following his release from West Brom at the end of last season.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2018/100...n-ireland/]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7474 Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:14:02 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7474 http://www.skysports.com/football/news/1...sunderland

Dijobodji returned after being 11 weeks late, Djong still hasn't, both have wages stopped after not returning

21.5M worth of transfer fees plus EPL wages (now slightly reduced upon relegation)

Very sad state of affairs for new owners and manager it`s overtones affect most clubs outside the big spending zone

the two players who cost that much would now fetch so little in the transfer market, N`dong nearly went to Watford then to Italy and France for 6.5M but apparently wages held him back (Unlike Kone who has gone on loan to Lique 1 on reduced wages to reignite his career)

If they are sacked the club will lose 21.5M on transfers and surprisingly can be sued for unfair dismissal!

Cattermole and Ovideo both on larger wages have settled down and got on with playing in league one and led by example, Ovideo would rather move to a new club but he`s let his talking happen on the field

Whether its the agents or the two players, if player power wins here it has the potential for a huge knock on effect throughout football -Imagine your 30 million striker going on strike?]]> http://www.skysports.com/football/news/1...sunderland

Dijobodji returned after being 11 weeks late, Djong still hasn't, both have wages stopped after not returning

21.5M worth of transfer fees plus EPL wages (now slightly reduced upon relegation)

Very sad state of affairs for new owners and manager it`s overtones affect most clubs outside the big spending zone

the two players who cost that much would now fetch so little in the transfer market, N`dong nearly went to Watford then to Italy and France for 6.5M but apparently wages held him back (Unlike Kone who has gone on loan to Lique 1 on reduced wages to reignite his career)

If they are sacked the club will lose 21.5M on transfers and surprisingly can be sued for unfair dismissal!

Cattermole and Ovideo both on larger wages have settled down and got on with playing in league one and led by example, Ovideo would rather move to a new club but he`s let his talking happen on the field

Whether its the agents or the two players, if player power wins here it has the potential for a huge knock on effect throughout football -Imagine your 30 million striker going on strike?]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7384 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 11:46:40 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7384
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than David Moyes it did with back to back relegation's

AFC Sunderland`s demise had be glorious and a real warning to other clubs, bad and over spending, silly contracts and wages, a string of different managers, heavy debt, player revolt , oh and quite awful on the pitch too, all this for a club with such passionate support

Not many PL sides take a punt on a Scots manager like the old days despite their level of success in the English game, few unemployed managers fancied the job of taking over at Sunderland given the debt and their awful year in the Championship

Enter new owners who wiped the club debts and manager Jack Ross who took over after easily leading St Mirren as SFC champions

Ross has got rid of players like Asoro, Khaziri and McNair which have helped balance the books, helped get shut of the whole Jack Rodwell embarrassment, stop paying the mercenaries who refused to report back for training, even Kone who is on loan in Lique one has taken a pay cut to get his career back on track a better attitude than the other two!
World cup player Bryan Ovideo despite wanting a move has knuckled down and looking to play his way to a transfer
Similarly Lee Cattermole handed a 40k pw 5 year contract with no relegation downside clause despite suffering the boo boys has been a model professional when called on

The team itself playing passing football is taking shape
All teams start with a good goalie and Jon McLaughlin formerly of Hearts was a god and sensible move after last year`s butterfingered shot stoppers
Glenn Loovens not quite as slow as John O Shea has added composure to what was last year a very leaky defence
A very strong midfield, McGeouch being a great signing from Hibs complimented by Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman two players who actually did well in the Championship, fans still await the return of wingers McGready and Watmore who should tear this division to shreds
Even in the PL forwards were a problem with only Anichebe and Defoe to choose from, this wasnt helped in the Championship where the club relied on loan signings and young Josh Maja, transfers in and their is now depth in the division.

But the strongest signing thus far has been an old Aberdeen and Sheff Wed player Chris Maguire! Definitely a player of potential in Scotland who could play anywhere across midfield or up front but really looked disinterested at Derby, Sheff Wed and Bury is now the tireless number 10 who chases lost causes with a playing style of commitment as well as skill!

Following Sunderland this year with much interest, they are still a club who have invested heavily in bringing players through the system, I think it`s been an absolutely phenomenal turn around thus far]]>
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than David Moyes it did with back to back relegation's

AFC Sunderland`s demise had be glorious and a real warning to other clubs, bad and over spending, silly contracts and wages, a string of different managers, heavy debt, player revolt , oh and quite awful on the pitch too, all this for a club with such passionate support

Not many PL sides take a punt on a Scots manager like the old days despite their level of success in the English game, few unemployed managers fancied the job of taking over at Sunderland given the debt and their awful year in the Championship

Enter new owners who wiped the club debts and manager Jack Ross who took over after easily leading St Mirren as SFC champions

Ross has got rid of players like Asoro, Khaziri and McNair which have helped balance the books, helped get shut of the whole Jack Rodwell embarrassment, stop paying the mercenaries who refused to report back for training, even Kone who is on loan in Lique one has taken a pay cut to get his career back on track a better attitude than the other two!
World cup player Bryan Ovideo despite wanting a move has knuckled down and looking to play his way to a transfer
Similarly Lee Cattermole handed a 40k pw 5 year contract with no relegation downside clause despite suffering the boo boys has been a model professional when called on

The team itself playing passing football is taking shape
All teams start with a good goalie and Jon McLaughlin formerly of Hearts was a god and sensible move after last year`s butterfingered shot stoppers
Glenn Loovens not quite as slow as John O Shea has added composure to what was last year a very leaky defence
A very strong midfield, McGeouch being a great signing from Hibs complimented by Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman two players who actually did well in the Championship, fans still await the return of wingers McGready and Watmore who should tear this division to shreds
Even in the PL forwards were a problem with only Anichebe and Defoe to choose from, this wasnt helped in the Championship where the club relied on loan signings and young Josh Maja, transfers in and their is now depth in the division.

But the strongest signing thus far has been an old Aberdeen and Sheff Wed player Chris Maguire! Definitely a player of potential in Scotland who could play anywhere across midfield or up front but really looked disinterested at Derby, Sheff Wed and Bury is now the tireless number 10 who chases lost causes with a playing style of commitment as well as skill!

Following Sunderland this year with much interest, they are still a club who have invested heavily in bringing players through the system, I think it`s been an absolutely phenomenal turn around thus far]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6945 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 15:31:06 +0000 turkeydinner]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6945
Veteran defender John O’Shea has already agreed a one year deal at Reading

Sunderland announce the departure of Jeremain Lens to Besiktas on July 1

Sunderland confirm Fabio Borini will complete permanent move to AC Milan on July 1.

Youngsters Tom Beadling, Jean-Yves Poame, Josh Robson, James Talbot and Daniel Wright are also leaving.

Didier N`Dong looks set for Torino, although currently failing on personal terms, there are other clubs including Cardiff should this fall through

Paddy McNair could still go with an expected third bid from Brighton

Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone expected to leave at huge loss

Wahbi Khazri has been superb on loan at Rennes and expected esp with representing Morocco in the WC to bring in some real money

Most speculated names for signing with the club are Peterborough United Winger Marcus Maddison, former hero Grant Leadbitter and ex QPR Captain Nedum Onuha]]>
Veteran defender John O’Shea has already agreed a one year deal at Reading

Sunderland announce the departure of Jeremain Lens to Besiktas on July 1

Sunderland confirm Fabio Borini will complete permanent move to AC Milan on July 1.

Youngsters Tom Beadling, Jean-Yves Poame, Josh Robson, James Talbot and Daniel Wright are also leaving.

Didier N`Dong looks set for Torino, although currently failing on personal terms, there are other clubs including Cardiff should this fall through

Paddy McNair could still go with an expected third bid from Brighton

Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone expected to leave at huge loss

Wahbi Khazri has been superb on loan at Rennes and expected esp with representing Morocco in the WC to bring in some real money

Most speculated names for signing with the club are Peterborough United Winger Marcus Maddison, former hero Grant Leadbitter and ex QPR Captain Nedum Onuha]]>