With the manager’s status unknown and some subpar performances, Sunderland are going through a really difficult time right now.
The magic that Mike Dodds performed during his previous stint as Sunderland’s interim manager, when he won two games prior to Michael Beale’s appointment, hasn’t been able to happen this time. Only Rotherham United has a worse record than the club, as they have lost five straight games.
Sunderland’s chances of making the playoffs have gradually faded in 2024, and they will face Southampton this weekend, so things won’t get any easier.
| Championship Table (As it stands March 8th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | Preston North End | 35 | -5 | 53 |
| 10 | Cardiff City | 36 | -7 | 50 |
| 11 | Sunderland | 36 | 5 | 47 |
| 12 | Middlesbrough | 35 | -2 | 47 |
| 13 | Watford | 36 | 2 | 45 |
| 14 | Bristol City | 36 | -2 | 44 |
| 15 | Swansea City | 36 | -11 | 43 |
| 16 | Plymouth Argyle | 36 | -7 | 40 |
Before the Black Cats play the Saints, here is all the important club news.
Regarding Sunderland job links, Roy Keane
Local journalist Nick Barnes has connected the former Sunderland manager—who led the team back to the Premier League in his debut season—to the position. The former Manchester United captain has been touted as a possible candidate, he claimed on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport programme, but he doesn’t think he would be given the job.
“Keane is making a lot of noises that he would be happy to return, but I don’t think it will be under this ownership model,” explained Barnes.”If the ownership was right, I could see him coming, but I don’t think he would come with this current ownership.”
Barnes also had former Irish teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the mix.
Recently, Keane shared a photo of the two of them on Instagram with the witty message, “DM us if you’re looking to hire a manager.”
News about Sunderland’s squad before their match vs Southampton
The Saints’ midweek match against Preston North End was cancelled owing to a major fire that broke out near to the stadium; the Mackems will travel to the South Coast to play the Saints. “It feels like there are a lot of little things going against me and us at the moment,” stated Dodds in response to this. All we need to do is concentrate on managing the things that we can.”
Regarding the team, it is anticipated that none of the players will be back from injury for this weekend’s game. Bradley Dack and Corry Evans have resumed training with the team, according to the acting manager, but they won’t be fully recovered for at least a few weeks.Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts both suffered hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively, and have yet to return to the pitch.
Despite receiving his second straight two-game ban after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season during the team’s midweek match against Leicester City, club captain Luke O’Nien is scheduled to travel to Southampton with the squad. Dodds stated that the squad would benefit from having someone with his kind of presence.
An Amad Diallo summer move is anticipated
Although many Black Cats supporters had hoped that the Ivorian would be persuaded to return to the northeast for the remainder of the season, Man United, his parent club, would not allow it. They were among the numerous Championship teams that supposedly desired him during the January transfer window, along with Middlesbrough, Leicester, and Leeds United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the team has given the Red Devils a significant financial and optimistic boost, and more player arrivals are anticipated. According to Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, if Diallo’s lack of playing time persists and the team adds fresh players to his position, he should consider leaving the team.
“The winger has been restricted to three substitute appearances since he recovered from a knee injury in late December,” stated the reporter.”If Ten Hag is backed, then Amad might as well pack his bags.”
The 21-year-old, according to Sunderland Nation, asked to return to the Stadium of Light at the conclusion of the campaign. If he continues to be frustrated, there may be another chance for him to visit Wearside.
Read more news at https://sportupdates.co.uk
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