Welcome back to Last Word on Football’s Sunderland weekly roundup. This week’s edition looks back on the latest news, rumours and matches from all teams associated with the Black Cats. It’s a week which has seen Sunderland’s confidence growing.
We look back at the first two games of 2020, plus the latest transfer news and rumours. There is also the latest news on the sale of the club. Plus all other Black Cats news from the past week.
Sunderland’s Confidence Growing as They Extend Unbeaten Run
Draw at Fleetwood Town
Sunderland had to make do with a point in their first game of 2020. The draw extended their unbeaten run to four games; however, the performance warranted a victory. A harsh penalty given to Fleetwood on 13 minutes gave the home side the lead and although the Black Cats were the better team, it took until the final four minutes for the equaliser to come.
Substitute Duncan Watmore was brought down in the box to give the away side a chance to equalise. Chris Maguire made no mistake, firing into the top corner. An away point is not a bad result; however, Sunderland’s display could have produced a win on another day.
Sunderland’s Confidence Growing as Unbeaten Run Extend to Five With Victory
The first game at the Stadium of Light in 2020 saw the home side win with ease. Fans will be hoping that this coming decade will give them happier memories than the last. The visitors, Lincoln City, came into the game in confident mood having won their last two games against promotion-chasers Ipswich Town and Peterborough United.
With Sunderland’s confidence growing, they were in no mood to allow the visitors to end their own unbeaten run. Especially in the first half. The Black Cats dominated from the first whistle and by the 29th minute, they were three goals ahead. Tom Flanagan put Phil Parkinson’s men in front. A brace from Lynden Gooch then gave his side a commanding lead.
Lincoln did pull a goal back in the second-half but it was nothing more than a consolation. The three points puts Sunderland within one point of the play-off places. After a difficult two months, Parkinson’s men appear to be turning a corner.
Transfer News
Jon McLaughlin and Dylan McGeouch Scotland Bound?
According to the Northern Echo, former Sunderland manager Jack Ross wants Jon McLaughlin and Dylan McGeouch at his new club Hibernian. Ross signed both players while he was the manager at the Stadium of Light.
Goalkeeper McLaughlin, will be out of contract in the summer and it appears that little is happening in the way of a new deal. The Scotland international signed on a free transfer in 2018 and Sunderland could be tempted to let him leave if an acceptable offer is received.
Midfielder McGeouch was also signed in 2018 and has found his time on Wearside a largely frustrating one. Since arriving, he has found himself in and out of the first team. Injuries have also restricted his game time. A move to Hibs where he would undoubtedly be a starter would appeal. As would a move to Aberdeen who have reportedly been given permission to speak to the player according to the Daily Record.
McNulty Wanted
Jack Ross is also interested in Sunderland’s on-loan striker Marc McNulty, again according to the Northern Echo. McNulty has not started a game for several weeks and with Phil Parkinson looking to add at least one new striker to his squad this month, McNulty’s game time could be reduced even further. Hibs could face competition from League Two leaders Swindon Town.
Defender Fee Set
Leeds United have set their price tag for Sunderland target Lewie Coyle. Should the Black Cats wish to sign the defender, it will cost them £500,000 according to the Sunderland Echo. Coyle has been on loan at Fleetwood this season but has now returned to Leeds. The fullback, who can also play in midfield is out of contract in the summer. Parkinson and Sunderland could be hopeful of agreeing on a cut-price deal with United.
Antoine Semenyo Latest
Competition for target Antoine Semenyo could be high. Phil Parkinson has already stated he is looking at the player but could have stiff competition if he wants to sign the striker on loan. Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has said that has been ‘quite a few offers’ for the 19-year-old. Doncaster Rovers are believed to be favourites to win the race at present.
Latest Sale News – Stewart Donald Does Not Want to Leave
Current owner Stewart Donald has recently advised that he does not want to leave the club, but will do so after fans groups asked for him to move on. In a recent interview, Donald said that he did not agree with the fans groups but will actively seek to sell the club to someone or a group who will be the best for the club. He admitted that there are interested parties and that he will now revisit these. However, the sale will not happen overnight.
Ladies off to Fylde in FA Cup
Sunderland Ladies are set to get their new year fixtures underway on Sunday in the FA Cup. They will travel to face Fylde Ladies in the third round. The lady Black Cats are currently top of their division and have already beaten Fylde away this season. A 2-1 victory saw Sunderland claim the three points.
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