Welcome back to Last Word on Football’s Sunderland weekly round-up. This week’s edition looks back on the latest news, rumours and matches from all teams associated with the Black Cats. Sadly for fans, they have seen Sunderland at the lowest point in their entire history. It’s a history that has seen multiple league titles, FA Cup victories, League Cup finals and promotions amongst others.
Sunderland at Their Lowest in Illustrious History
The Worst it Has Ever Been
Saturday’s draw at home to Blackpool saw the club drop to 12th in League One. The Black Cats have been in this position once before, back in the 1987/88 season. However, when that team hit 12th place, it was much earlier in the season. Plus, they had recently signed a young striker by the name of Marco Gabbiadini, who would fire the club to the Championship that season.
This season, we are almost at Christmas and without a turn of fortune, Sunderland will be looking down the table, not up. Unlike in 1987, the Black Cats do not have a hotshot young striker helping out. January’s transfer window could be the most important month in the club’s illustrious history.
A Better Performance From Sunderland But Still Not Good Enough
Sunderland faced promotion hopefuls Blackpool at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. They also welcomed back former manager Simon Grayson, who lasted just 18 games on Wearside in the season where they were relegated from the Championship.
Blackpool took an early lead after some poor defending and it appeared that home fans were in for another miserable afternoon. However, eight minutes from halftime, Sunderland were level. A corner from Chris Maguire was met by Charlie Wyke’s volley to level the scores.
In the second half, both teams had chances to win, the best falling to Wyke who saw his header hit the crossbar. On 74 minutes, Sunderland’s George Dobson saw red after collecting a second yellow card. In truth it was not the best of games; however, there were signs of improvement from recent performances.
Watmore Confident Fortunes Will Turn
Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore is confident that performances and results will get better after an improved performance against Blackpool. The Black Cats are without a win in eight games but Watmore is in a positive mood.
He told the Chronicle: “We would have loved to have got three points, I’m not saying it’s all great and everything is fine because we got a draw, we know we need to be winning games, but you take into account the sending off. We’ve just got to try and build on it. Looking at the bigger picture, we conceded and got back in the game and then had a man sent off, so we came away with a point.”
Although Watmore is a positive frame of mind, he is keen to ensure fans that the team are not happy with their position.
“We’re fully aware that we’re not where we want to be. That’s stating the obvious and we all know that. But the only way of moving forward is winning the next game, rather than feeling sorry about where we’re at. It’s a bad run, it’s not what we want, but if we go win three or four on the bounce everything changes.”
Aiden McGeady Told He Can Leave
Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady has been told he can leave the club in January. The winger will no longer be a part of matchday squads and will also train away from the first-team. Manager Phil Parkinson had this to say about the situation to Sky Sports.
“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly, I’ve given it a lot of thought. I’ve told Aiden and his agent he can leave in January.” Asked whether the decision was made due to his conduct on or off of the pitch, Parkinson said: “A bit of both. I’m giving him the opportunity to get things sorted.”
Should Parkinson be able to sell McGeady in January, it would give him extra transfer funds and also some much-needed funds for wages as he looks to improve his squad.
Will Grigg Subject of Loan Talk
Mis-firing striker Will Grigg has been linked with a loan move in January. The Sunderland Echo reported that promotion chasers Blackpool are keen on the Northern Ireland international. The report suggests that Blackpool manager Simon Grayson would be interested in a loan deal but only if Grigg’s wages can be split.
Grigg has failed to live up to expectations on Wearside since his £3 million move from Wigan Athletic last January. However, it is unlikely Sunderland would allow the player to move on loan to a fellow promotion hopeful.
Josh Maja Could Give Sunderland Cash Injection
Former Sunderland striker Josh Maja is the subject of interest from Chelsea according to the Chronicle. Maja left the Black Cats in January while he was the club’s top scorer. His goals were not replaced as Sunderland failed to win promotion. He moved to Bordeaux for £1.5 million; however, this could rise to £3.5 million. The transfer also included a sell-on clause, the clause is believed to be 10%.
Ladies Latest
Sunderland Ladies, who currently top the Women’s National League, secured their place in the Women’s FA Cup third round. They beat local rivals Middlesbrough 4-3 to book their place in the next round. The ladies will now travel to Chorley next Sunday for the third round tie and their last game of 2019.
Academy News
Sunderland U23’s continued their poor form this season. They travelled to Norwich City for the final game of 2019 on Sunday. The home side won the game 3-1, leaving Sunderland without a league victory this season. The result keeps the U23’s rooted to the bottom of the Premier League Two table.
Sunderland’s U18’s fared no better as they were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup. They travelled to Birmingham City but came away with a 4-1 defeat. The youngsters had an uphill battle after just 90 seconds as the home side raced into a two-goal lead. The young Black Cats pulled a goal back but were soon two goals behind once again. Birmingham finished off the game ten minutes from full-time.
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