THE ‘A1’ SUPPORTERS” NORTH HERTS’ SUNDERLAND SUPPORTERS’ CLUB MAGAZINE

[Motto’s: ‘Let’s push on’ & ‘Trees don’t grow to the sky’]

No. 301 [twenty-sixth year] FEBRUARY 2018

Review EDITOR

Col in Dunn, 129 Minehead Way,

Stevenage, Herts SG1 2JL. 01438 221519

07734 508861

editor@a1blackcats .co.uk silverfox.safc@hotmail.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Col in Chandler • Ed Rayner Col in Dunn •

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

www.safc.com

EFL • Northern Echo Footbal l League Paper

Evening Chronicle

THANKS TO Ian Dunn

Stan Kershaw Pete McGuire

Soccerway

PICTURES

www.safc.com Ian Dunn

Footbal l League Paper

PRODUCTION TEAM The Two Col in’s

PHOTOCOPYING Coleman’s , Bedford

‘ED’S TRAVEL’

Ed Rayner

‘ON-LINE’ VERSION Peter Jobson

______________________

ITEMS FOR

‘REVIEW’ No 302 TO THE EDITOR BY

22nd FEBRUARY 2018

NHSSC Affi l iated to S.A.F.C.S.A www.a1blackcats.co.uk

Meet at

The Victoria, Ba ldock, Herts

PRESIDENT Colin Dunn

CHAIRMAN Frank Garrick

51 Rowallan Drive Bedford MK41 8AS

chair@a1blackcats.co.uk

TREASURER / ENROLMENT Colin Chandler

16 Queens Crescent

Putnoe, Bedford. MK41 9BN 01234 300208

treasurer@a1blackcats.co.uk

SECRETARY / PUBLICITY Colin Dunn

129 Minehead Way Stevenage, Herts SG1 2JL

01438 221519 07734508861

sec@a1blackcats.co.uk silverfox.safc@hotmail.co.uk

TRANSPORT & TICKETS Ed Rayner

7 Britten Rd Shefford, Beds SG17 5SD

01462 813963 07789035483

edrayner@talktalk.net transport@a1blackcats.co.uk

WEBMASTER Peter Jobson

01202 236762 webmaster@a1blackcats.co.uk

CONTENTS

P3. REFLECTIONS P4. BRANCH NEWS P7. SAFC NEWS

P12. MATCH REPORTS P26. U23 / U18 / LADIES

P31. A FEW BITS….. P32. ARTICLE P34. TRAVEL

P35. FIXTURES

COVER PIC LEE CATTERMOLE

Telling former

Sunderland players

David Meyler & Seb

Larsson to behave.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED DOUGLAS MELROSE 04/10/20 - 21/06/99

RAY CHAYTOR 19/02/46 - 26/11/99

FRED DUNN 11/06/16 - 29/02/00

DAVE TREWICK 18/03/52 - 25/11/01

ALAN JOBSON

03/04/31 – 30/12/02 RON SMITH

02/10/23 – 29/03/05 AUNT ELSIE

13/03/13 – 28/01/07 DENNIS TAYLOR

25/11/24 - 25/08/09 ROGER MAKIN

04/06/32 – 22/12/09 EDDIE PERKINS

17/04/41 - 04/09/11 JUNE FLINT

30/06/36 –13/04/13 ‘GEORDIE’ RAYNER

12/01/28 – 22/06/13 NORMAN COULTON

27/02/63 – 15/10/13 MARGARET HOLLAND 04/12/25 – 05/12/14

HARRY MORRELL 26/11/50 – 30/09/15

Reflections WHAT a strange set of results since Christmas! Our first three games were against

teams that were on runs of games without a win – so we all know what that normally

means!

First up was a trip to Sheffield Utd. They had beaten us at the SoL quite comfortably

back in early September but had fallen away in recent matches. They got back on track

with a comfortable 3-0 win…..we were awful! Chris Coleman was NOT happy!

Next up was a trip to Nottm Forest, who had also won at the SoL in September.

Somehow, despite only 1 shot at goal, 1 corner, and only 37% possession we won 1-0!

Barnsley had stuffed us 3-0 at their place at the end of August but had been struggling

for most of the season….and they were on a bad run. After the – perhaps fortunate –

win at Forest you would have thought we’d be on a ‘high’, but as happened after our

win at Burton we followed up with an insipid display and lost at home! This time it

was 1-0. Again it was a poor display!

A welcome escape from the League came with a trip to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup

3rd

Rd…..and ended with a 5th

successive defeat to the Smogheads. Again, we were

not good!

It was now 3 games out of 4 without a goal…..sorry, make that 4 out of 5, after a

dreadful display at Cardiff ended in a 4-0 drubbing…..and it was ‘Live’ on TV for all

the world to see! A truly ‘horror show’ in South Wales against a Cardiff side who had

also been on a poor run recently. Teams must relish playing Sunderland when they

want to end a run of poor results! It has been happening for years.

So, we come to yet another ‘must win’ game….against struggling Hull City. As Hull

have several ex Sunderland players in their regular team there was always the

possibility that one of those players would play a blinder, or s core the winning goal.

That would make a change wouldn’t it! We fielded a young / inexperienced team, but

played much better than of late and deserved the 1-0 win. Sure, there were some ‘iffy’

moments……but we are talking about Sunderland AFC here! Hopefully this win,

which lifted us off the bottom of the table, will inspire an upsurge in performances and

results……though we have thought similar thoughts previously this season. Fingers

crossed this time though.

Whether we secure any new players in the transfer window we shall see. A goal-scorer

is a must, despite the promise of both Asoro & Maja.

TRY AND ENJOY THE REST OT THE SEASON.. Let’s push on....Miracles DO happen (a lot)!

Next year the World! Haway the Lads! CD 3

► REPORT OF MEETING – 4th JANUARY 2018: Meeting started at 2035 hrs with 5 members present.

Apologies for absence received from….Stan Kershaw (a mixture of old age & shitty

weather); Pete McGuire (“I’m not going if Stan’s not!”) & Frank Garrick (apparently

unwell in York)

CHAIRMAN: [Frank Garrick] – Absent. The secretary welcomed those present to,

what is hoped is, a temporary ‘home’ in the ‘snug’ at the Victoria pub. ….

SECRETARY: [Colin Dunn] - Summary of last meeting is in latest issue of

‘Review’. [No. 300] Matters arising: > Letter from Sir Bob Murray – this is an appeal for funds for the ‘Beacon of Light’.

> No response from Chris Coleman re ‘welcome’ letter sent

with ‘Review’….no doubt he has more important

matters at hand! Current matters: > Curry Night – arranged for Wed 10

th January in Bedford.

TREASURER: [Colin (WNH) Chandler] - See ‘Review’ for Financial Report

updates. TRANSPORT: [Ed Rayner] – An 8-seater mini-bus is booked for Hull (h). Various

‘local away games coming up. Get in requests for tickets / travel. A.O.B.

SAFC NEWS UPDATES: New manager, team news, injuries, stats, Academy update, Old Boys & ‘Loan’ updates, …..

U23 fixtures: Monday 5th

February v West Ham at Dagenham & Redbridge. Any interest? May be a car going from Stevenage.

U18 fixture – FA Youth Cup at Watford….Sunday 7th

Jan 2.00pm KO ‘REVIEW’ No 300…..have received a couple of favourable comments.

Apologies for ‘gremlins’ in some KO times in fixture list.

2017 League table – all divisions…..not good reading as we are bottom!

NEXT MEETINGS: Thursdays 1st

February & 1st

March 2018

Meeting closed – 2055 hrs Colin Dunn (Secretary)

4

BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS

► TREASURER’S REPORT: Here are the branch membership and treasury matters since last month’s report.

> FINANCES: Balance at 21/12/17 - £3383.97. Income – Last-Scorer Sweep - £4.50 – (Hull) winner Simon Christie £10. 3-Scorer Sweep - £1.40 – (Hull) no winner – fund now £87.20

Memberships x 3 – 18.00 3 late renewals take our membership up to137. Membership donation - £2.00. many thanks. Ticket overpayment – £2.00 – member’s ticket

transaction rounded up. Many thanks. Exp - Review Printing - £33.01 – (January). Review Postage - £8.98 – (December) – Overseas only as the UK stamps come from our stock.

Postage Stamps – £295.60 - 500 2nd

class stamps for ‘Review’ and 24 1

st class for general correspondence.

Envelopes – £24.99 - 500 for ‘Review’. Minibus subsidy – £3.17 - Hull match. Balance at 21/1/18 - £3046.12. > BIRTHDAYS (taken from those who ticked their acceptance on the members hip

slips). February: Chris Sharp (19

th), Kathryn Swanston (23

rd) & Bryan Wappat (28

th.)

Many congratulations to you all.

Colin Chandler

….and let’s not forget:

RON SMITH (Aged 81 - died 29/03/2005)

[………oh, and MY 43rd

wedding anniversary on 29th

March. Thanks] CD

► CURRY TREAT: Organised by Andy ‘The Dentist’…….just because he wanted to!

It was held on Wed 10th

January at ‘Indya’ in Bedford. Andy, Mick Woodward &

‘Treasurer’/’Membership’ Secretary, Colin Chandler left their cars at home – they all

live in Bedford! – whilst I drove from Stevenage and collected ‘Transport Officer’ Ed

Rayner from Shefford. The Indian Lager flowed throughout the evening – though I

was ‘good’ and only had 1 pint! The food was excellent tasting and adequately

portioned. The conversation was not as depressing as it could have been given the

(mis) fortunes of The Lads on the pitch. The World was put to right….several times! 5

BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS

A thoroughly enjoyable evening, which ended with me being volunteered to drop

everyone off at their homes – or nearby.

Must do this again!

CD [Silver Fox]

► VENUE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS: At our meeting on 4

th January we had to utilise the ‘snug’ at the front of the pub. There

was a pool match on in our usual retreat in the back bar, and the front bar, which has

now been made smaller, was a bit over noisy with a match on the large screen. The

‘snug’ is a section of the old front bar – it is small and has no direct access to the bar

for a beer, so you have to go out into the street and then back into a separate door! Not

ideal. It may be that the pool, match was just a one-off – I will check at the next

meeting (1st

February), but if it is a regular Thursday night event we MAY need to

consider an alternative venue. WATCH THIS SPACE. CD

IN NEED OF A VALET?

Give your car / van / lorry / mini-bus a treat for the New Year

Call today : IAN ‘valet man’ DUNN [NHSSC Branch member]

Mobile: 07720896236 E-mail: aquavaleting2@hotmail.co.uk

Yell.com & Facebook / aquavaleting2

6

► TRANSFER NEWS: [IN] Jake Clarke-Salter: - Sunderland AFC have

completed the loan signing of the 20-yr-old Chelsea

FC defender. He becomes Chris Coleman’s first

signing as Sunderland boss, joining until the end of the

season. Clarke-Salter featured prominently as England

U-20’s won the FIFA World Cup last summer, having

represented the Three Lions throughout his youth. A

product of the Blues’ academy, he made his senior

Premier League debut for Chelsea in 2016, before

joining Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan last year.

Possible loan deals for Jon Walters (Burnley) & Ben Woodburn (Liverpool) have

fallen through.

Sunderland are in talks with Wolves for a deal for winger Ben Marshall, and have

reportedly made a loan approach for Derby County striker Chris Martin. Sunderland

are said to be monitoring Manchester City’s England U19 international Lukas

Nmecha, and Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu (17). Meanwhile, the Black Cats

have also been linked with a move for Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman

(21) & West Brom midfielder Sam Field (19). Latest rumours link Sunderland &

Leeds Utd in a swap deal involving keeper Andy Lonergan and an ‘un-named’

Sunderland player. According to reports in Scotland, the Black Cats are looking to

sign Livingston striker Matthew Knox after the U17 international impressed on trial.

Tommy Block (18), midfielder with Bognor Regis Town, was on a 1 week trial from

15 January.

Sunderland have recalled Max Stryjek from his loan at Accrington Stanley. He was

injured just minutes into his debut, leaving him on the side-lines for months. On his

return the keeper has divided his time between Accrington and Sunderland U23s.

[OUT] Lewis Grabban has been recalled from his loan spell by Bournemouth and is

expected to join Cardiff or Wolves [Cardiff have bid £4m]. James Vaughan has

completed a permanent transfer to Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed

fee……..allegedly £300,000. Mika Domingues has left the club by mutual consent.

[OUT ON LOAN] Daniel Wright has joined Evo-Stik North side South Shields on a

28-day loan. The midfielder was on target for Sunderland U23s recently as they

defeated Derby County in the Premier League 2 at Eppleton Colliery Welfare. Wright

has represented England at three youth levels.

7

* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *

Andrew Nelson has joined Scottish Championship club Falkirk on an international

loan until the end of the season. The forward enjoyed a 28-day loan at Vanarama

National League North side Harrogate earlier this season after featuring heavily for

Sun

derland U23’s.

► PLAYER STATS: (to & inc 20/01/2018) Sq Y R G Sq Y R G 1 Steele 1 2 Jones 2 1

3 Oviedo 7 4 McNair 1

5 Djilobodji 1 6 Cattermole 9† 1*

7 Williams 1 8 Rodwell 1 1

9 Vaughan 5 2 10 Khazri 3

11 Grabban 1 12 12 Domingues

13 McManaman 2† 1* 14 Watmore

15 Galloway 2 16 O’Shea 1

17 NDong 4 1 18 Browning 4

19 McGeady 3 5 20 Maja 1

21 Matthews 1 22 Love 2 1

23 Kone 3 24 Gibson

25 26 Honeyman 4 4

27 Gooch 4 2 28 E Robson

29 Asoro 1 1 30

31 32 Stryjek

35 Clarke-Salter 36 Wilson 4

39

40 Embleton OG 1

Total Yellow cards 65 (58† League + 7 Cup) : Total Red cards 3

Total home league att [to & inc 20/01/2018]: 387,715 (Ave 27,694)

† includes 2 yellow cards in a match.

LEE CATTERMOLE suspended for match at Aston Villa after 5 ‘bookings’.

CALLUM McMANAMAN suspended for match v Wolves after sending off v

Reading*.

LEE CATTERMOLE further suspended for matches v Fulham, Birmingham & Sheff

Utd after sending off v Wolves*.

DIDIER NDONG suspended for 3 matches [ v Hull, Birmingham & Ipswich] after

Red Card v Cardiff. [SAFC appeal was dismissed]

* McMANAMAN / CATTERMOLE – sent-off for 2 yellow cards in a match

8

* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *

► INJURY UPDATE: Bryan Oviedo, Lee Cattermole, Didier Ndong, Lynden Gooch & Adam

Matthews have all recovered from injury…. Aiden McGeady (calf) returned as an

unused sub v Hull…. Lamine Kone returned to action for the U23 on 23rd

January…

Billy Jones suffered another injury v Hull City….Paddy McNair (groin & stomach)

remains side-lined……Darron Gibson has under-gone surgery on a groin injury after

tests revealed the muscle had torn away from the bone….. Jonny Williams is back in

training at the Academy of Light following a two-month lay-off. He has recovered

from shoulder surgery and trained alongside his team-mates earlier this week [15

January] .….. Duncan Watmore is still out.

►OUT ON LOAN: Wahbi Khazri (Rennes) – ‘subbed’ in recent matches v PSG & Olympique Marseilles

– they lost 1-6 and 0-3. Played full game in 4-2 win v Toulouse…..Fabio Borini (AC

Milan) – played the full match v Atalanta (23 Dec), then an unused sub v Inter Milan.

He was ‘subbed’ v Fiorentina, and then an unused sub v Crotone (06

Jan)…..Jeremain Lens (Besiktas) – ‘subbed’ in defeat at Sivasspor, then not involved

in Cup win v Osmanlispor…..Papy Djilobodji (Dijon) - scored in Cup tie v

Stasbourg but booked in 94th

minute. Was then sent-off in the 93rd

min of the draw v

Metz (13 Jan)…..Michael Ledger (Hartlepool) – played 90 mins in defeat at

Dagenham & Redbridge (06 Jan)….Andrew Nelson (Falkirk) completed his first 90-

minute run out for Falkirk in a 2-0 defeat by Dunfermline Athletic

► OLD BOYS NEWS: [at 24/01/2018] Blair Adams (Hartlepool Utd) – sent-off v Gateshead….Liam Agnew (Harrogate

Town) – has featured in recent matches….Ben Alnwick (Bolton) – booked in win v

Hull, and named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’ ….Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) – goal v

Brighton & named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’, scored in 2-2 draw at Arsenal….Julio

Arca (South Shields) – scored in 5-1 win v Mossley….Phil Bardsley (Burnley) –

booked in draw at Man Utd, and in defeat at Crystal Palace, and in a defeat at Man

Utd….Darren Bent (Derby) is wanted by Burton Albion on loan…..Liam Bridcutt

(Nottm Forest) was booked in a win at Wolves….Frazier Campbell (Hull) – booked

in loss at Bolton….Darren Carter (Solihull Moors) – scored in wins v Barrow &

Maidenhead….Roarie Deacon (Dundee) – has not featured in any games since mid-

December….Ahmed Elmohammady (Aston Villa) – booked in 1-0 win at Nottm

Forest…..Jonny Evans (West Brom) – booked in draw v Arsenal, scored in 2-0 win v

Brighton and named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’….Danny Graham (Blackburn) – 2

goals in 2-2 draw v Scunthorpe (his 7th

& 8th

for season), and another goal in 3-1 win v

Shrewsbury ….Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa) – booked in win at Middlesbrough,

then scored in 5-0 win v Bristol City, and in a 3-1 win v Barnsley….Billy Knott

(Lincoln City) has joined Rochdale on loan until the end of the season….Seb Larsson

9

* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *

(Hull) – booked in draw v Derby, and in 0-0 v Reading, and in 1-0 defeat at

Sunderland ….Grant Leadbitter (Middlesbro’) – booked in loss to Aston Villa, and in

0-1 defeat v Fulham…. James McClean (West Brom) – scored in 2-1 loss at West

Ham….Mikael Mandron (Colchester) – scored in win at Crawley….Vito Mannone

(Reading) was named in the Sun ‘Team of Day’ v Brentford…..Javier Manquillo

(Newcastle) – booked in win at Stoke….Simon Mignolet (Liverpool) is considering a

move to get regular 1st

-team football…. Liam Noble (Notts Co) – booked in the FA

Cup win at Brentford….Tommy Robson (Falkirk) – scored in a 6-1 win v Dundee

Utd….Jon Stead (Notts Co) – scored an 86th

min penalty in 1-0 win v Port Vale, and

scored the goal in a 1-0 FA Cup win at Brentford, and another in 2-2 draw at Lincoln,

and another in a loss to Exeter, and again in a loss to Crawley….Ross Wallace (Sheff

Wed) – booked in loss at Brentford, and 0-0 draw v Sheff Utd, and draw v Cardiff….

…and abroad: Seb Coates (Sporting Lisbon) - scored an own goal in a recent draw v

Belenenses, was then booked in a 1-1 draw v Benfica. Has played the full 90 minutes

in recent games v Martimo & Cova Piedade (10 Jan)….Ji Dong Won (FC Augsburg)

– was not involved in the recent match v Hamburger SV (13 Jan)….Emanuelle

Giaccherini (Napoli) – has been an unused sub in recent matches v Sampdoria,

Crotone & Hellas Verona. He was not in the squad for a recent Cup defeat v

Atalanta…. Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor) – has made 6 appearances since signing in

July 2017, scoring a goal in a 3-3 draw with Fenerbahce in October…..Gus Poyet is

the new manager at Bourdeaux….Stephane Sessegnon (Montpellier) – joined in Sept

2016 but has been an unused sub in last 5 matches.

► SAFC STATS - 2017/18: [at 20/01/2018] What’s in a number?.......

3 - the number of ‘Red cards’ this season

4 - the number of League games in which Sunderland have received NO bookings.

5 - the number of ‘clean sheets’ in the League.

5 - the number of successive defeats to M’brough

8 - the number of League games in which they have failed to score

7 - the number of years it took to win a game in the month of August

12 - the number of different goal-scorers (League games)….inc 1 OG

11 - the number of years since Sunderland won an ‘away’ game in September.

13 - the number of different goal-scorers (League & Cup games)

21 - the number of different players booked in League & Cup games this season

27 - the number of consecutive successful penalties (League & Cup) 30 - the number of goals scored in the League in the 1

st 28 games.

36 - the number of Sunderland managers in their 138-year history.

47 - the number of goals conceded in the League in the 1st

28 games. 65 - the number of bookings in the 1

st 31 games (League & Cup) this season.

10

* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *

► MORE SAFC NEWS…… DIDIER NDONG - Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has spoken openly and

candidly about Ndong’s future at the club. He has revealed that loan offers have been

tabled but insisted the club are focussed on ensuring any deal is a deal that ben efits the

Black Cats. Coleman also confirmed the Gabon international would like to leave the

club, but said he has ‘trained well’ since returning from an ankle injury.

“We’ve had that conversation – myself and Martin – about what do we get out of that

as a club,” said Coleman when asked if a loan deal would ‘be of much use’. “So, this

is what would happen, there’s a loan deal and if he plays 75% of the games there’s a

fee at the end of it, and he’d probably end up playing 73% of the games. Some people

must think we’ve just fallen out the back of a lorry – what are we getting out of that –

so there will be no loan deal unless it absolutely suited Sunderland financially. We’ve

had a couple of enquiries about Didier for loan deals which is not something we’re

going to agree to unless there is an absolute guarantee at the end of it, and, at the

minute, there isn’t so we’re not anywhere further forward than that. It’s common

knowledge that Didier would like to leave and he sees his future elsewhere”

JACK RODWELL - Sunderland have told £10million midfielder Jack Rodwell they

will tear up his contract if he can find another club. Press Association Sport

understands the 26-year-old, who has made just 76 senior appearances for the Black

Cats during his three and a half years to date on Wearside, has asked to leave the

Stadium of Light and has been told he can go for free. However, it is understood

Rodwell, whose five-year contract when he joined the club from Manchester City in

August 2014 did not include a 40 per cent wage reduction clause in the event of

relegation, is yet to accept the offer. Rodwell accepts his Sunderland career is over

and wants a fresh start at another club - but believes it is ‘unfair’ for the Black Cats to

expect him to tear up his £70,000-per-week contract, which has 18 months still to run,

and leave him ‘jobless’.

The capture of the former England international, who was signed by former boss Gus

Poyet, was seen as something of a coup at the time, but Rodwell's time in the north -

east has been dismal. Injuries and a lack of form have hampered his progress, and he

was not helped by a woeful record which saw him start 39 Premier League games for

City and Sunderland without tasting victory before the 4-0 win at Crystal Palace in

February last year, a wait of 1,370 days. He last turned out for Sunderland in their 3-0

EFL Cup defeat at former club Everton on September 20, the last of only three

appearances during the campaign to date.

Rodwell states: “It hasn’t worked out, but that’s not through lack of effort.”

[I wonder how many / few – fans agree with him? Not a lot!...CD[TSF]] LATE NEWS: He has gone on trial at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem

LATE, LATE NEWS: Vitesse Arnhem have withdrawn the offer of a trial! (25th

Jan)

11

SHEFFIELD UTD v SUNDERLAND [TUES 26

TH DECEMBER 2017]

Sunderland produced a lacklustre Boxing Day display at Bramall Lane as Sheffield

United claimed a comfortable win. John Lundstram opened the scoring before the

break and Richard Stearman and George Baldock found the net following the restart,

on a day to forget for Chris Coleman’s men.

Sunderland were dealt a hefty blow ahead of kick-off as top scorer Lewis Grabban was

ruled out due to a calf injury. The on-loan AFC Bournemouth striker has found the net

on 12 occasions this season, including one in last week’s draw with Birmingham City,

with his absence resulting in a recall for Aiden McGeady. Bryan Oviedo was also

recalled to the starting XI as Donald Love dropped to the bench, but Didier Ndong

wasn’t included in the match-day squad.

Sheffield United bossed the early play and their powerful frontline of Leon Clark and

Clayton Donaldson put the Black Cats under immediate pressure. With five minutes

on the clock, Donaldson beat the offside trap with ease but Robbin Ruiter was quick

off his line to close the angle and the striker was only able to clipp the ball over the

Dutchman and to safety. The Blades continued to play at a similar tempo with their

high-pressing style not giving Sunderland an inch, as James Vaughan and A iden

McGeady remained isolated.

Donaldson, who scored two goals in the Blades’ 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light in

September, continued to menace and with 14 minutes on the clock he missed a glaring

opportunity. Mark Duffy’s sumptuous cross put the ball on a plate for the striker inside

the six-yard box, but he put it well wide before his blushes were spared by an offside

flag. Sunderland, meanwhile, were sloppy in possession and their carelessness on the

ball ensured they were unable to apply any sustained pressure at the opposite end.

Duffy remained the chief orchestrator within the Blades’ ranks and it seemed

inevitable that the home side would open the scoring before the break – and they did

exactly that with the midfielder playing a pivotal role. With 36 minutes on the clock,

Duffy picked out Lundstram and the midfielder steered a low finish through the bodies

and into the corner to hand the home side a deserved lead. And the Black Cats were

fortunate not to find themselves further behind before the break, as Jack O’Connell

glanced a towering header inches wide of the post.

Sunderland switched to a 4-4-2 formation with the ball in the second period, as Ty

Browning moved to right-back and Adam Matthews pushed forward, and they showed

12

* MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS *

more signs of intent in the final third. But it wasn’t enough to test the home side and

off the ball they let themselves down with 58 minutes on the clock, as United doubled

their lead. Duffy’s free-kick curled into the danger area and the Black Cats failed to

react accordingly, allowing an unmarked Stearman to head in via the post. And it went

from bad to worse within four minutes as Baldock’s bullet header gave Ruiter no

chance to make it 3-0 before the Blades strolled to victory.

FINAL SCORE: SHEFFIELD UTD 3 SUNDERLAND 0

Sunderland: Ruiter, Matthews, O’Shea, Browning, Wilson*, Oviedo*, Gibson,

Honeyman (McManaman 79), Gooch (Asoro 67), McGeady, Vaughan (Maja 79).

[unused subs - Steele, Love, Embleton, Jones.]

* booked Attendance: 30,668 (2,213 away)

www.safc.com

Chris Coleman: “It was a bitterly disappointing performance. In the four weeks I’ve

been here, I’ve never seen that performance. We haven’t won every game but we’ve

been in games. We were never in that game today. It’s not good enough. Unless we get

better, stronger, meaner & hungrier then we’re never going to get away from where

we are.”

WORRYINGLY……….we had NO corners…… and NO shots on target!

UNSURPRISINGLY…..Sheffield Utd stopped a six-match streak without victory!

CD [Silver Fox]

________________________________________________

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v SUNDERLAND [SAT 30

TH DECEMBER 2017]

Chris Coleman was a proud manager and believes his side were well worth this victory

at the City Ground, which moved them out of the relegation zone. Aidan McGeady’s

header five minutes before the break ensured the Black Cats took all three points and

piled the pressure on Forest manager Mark Warburton [NB – he was sacked after the

match…….CD]

“The guys were brilliant. I was critical of us last game but this time out I was so proud

of them. We played some good football and defended well for long periods. They hit

the post in the last minute but we deserved the 3 points and the performance had a lot

of meaning and intent. Some of our defensive play was stunning.” said Coleman.

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“It’s not just the action, it’s the organisation before the action happened, and to come

here and not let them get on top is really pleasing.” he continued.

Both sides were in need of a win and the opening period was a cagey affair, with the

visitors well organised under pressure from Forest. A long ball over the top nearly

caught out Black cats capt John O’Shea as hesitancy allowed Daryl Murphy in, but his

shot under pressure was easily dealt with. The home side were having the better of the

chances with Murphy’s effort leaving keeper Robin Ruiter stranded to the spot but

curling the wrong side of the post, and a diving header failing to trouble the

Sunderland goal. With chances coming for the home side, Murphy was again in the

thick of the action as he rose highest to a Ben Osborn cross, but couldn’t keep his

header on target from 6 yards.

The visitors struck the killer blow just before the break as a neat move down the left

saw Adam Matthews deliver a pin-point cross for McGeady to plant his header beyond

Forest keeper Jordan Smith.

Tactical changes at the break saw Forest look to play in a much more attacking

manner through a more attacking midfield, but the defensive display of the visitors

continued to frustrate the home fans. Sunderland’s back line continued to thwart any

danger, keeping their shape compact, and with Murphy departing injured midway

through the 2nd

-half, chances dried up for the hosts.

As the clock wound down, two late headers from Ben Brereton & Michael Mancienne

were off target, with the home side failing to test Ruiter in the Black Cats goal.

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Forest almost snatched a late equaliser as full-back Eric Lichaj’s shot, deep into injury

time, hit the post to deny the home side a share of the points.

FINAL SCORE: NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0 SUNDERLAND 1

Sunderland: Ruiter, Browning, O’Shea, Wilson, Love, Matthews, Gibson,

Honeyman, McManaman (Gooch, 70), McGeady (Oviedo, 83), Maja (Vaughan, 65)

[unused subs - Steele, Asoro, Jones, Embleton.]

NO BOOKINGS! Att: 26,830

The Football League Paper.

McGeady admitted it was the first headed goal of his career.

McGeady was named in the FLP ‘Team of the Day’

Gibson was named in the Sun ‘Team of the Day’

MATCH STATS………we had ONE corner……..ONE shot on target…..and NIL off-

target……we had the only offside of the match……we only conceded 4 fouls…..and we

had only 37% of possession. Sounds a really exciting match!

CD [Silver Fox]

_______________________________________________________

SUNDERLAND v BARNSLEY [MON 1

st JANUARY 2018]

Sunderland sank back into the bottom three after losing at home to relegation rivals

Barnsley.

Defender Ethan Pinnock headed home from a corner just after half-time to ensure the

Black Cats made a losing start to 2018, and to give Barnsley their first league double

over Sunderland since 1986-87.

The Wearsiders had started the day outside the relegation zone on goal difference, one

place and one point behind Barnsley. But this win meant Barnsley moved up to 19th in

the table, four points ahead of Sunderland, and with Burton Albion and Bolton

Wanderers winning, those sides both leapfrogged Chris Coleman’s side. The Black

Cats are now next-to-bottom of the Championship, two points behind Burton and Hull

City who are the sides immediately above them.

It was another hugely disappointing performance from Sunderland, far more

reminiscent of the turgid display they delivered in the Boxing Day defeat at Sheffield

United than in Saturday’s win at Nottingham Forest. And the frustration showed at the

Stadium of Light with boos ringing out at the final whistle.

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Coleman made two changes to the side that started at Forest. Bryan Oviedo came into

the side in place of Marc Wilson, who was not on the teamsheet and had presumably

picked up a knock at the City Ground. That meant Oviedo operated at left wingback

with Adam Matthews replacing Wilson as the third centre-back. James Vaughan

replaced teenager Josh Maja in a straight swap up front.

Barnsley took the game to Sunderland in the early stages, and were inches away from

taking the lead inside five minutes when Aiden McGeady lost possession midway

inside his own half and Mamadou Thiam’s long-range shot beat Robbin Ruiter but

came back off the bar. But Sunderland gradually began to get a foothold in the game

with Callum McManaman embarking on a surging run through the middle before

seeing his weak shot saved by Adam Davies. Sunderland suffered a blow just after the

half-hour when Darron Gibson appeared to aggravate the groin injury he has been

carrying and had to be replaced by Paddy McNair, who himself has only just

recovered from a groin problem. A couple of minutes later Lloyd Isgrove tested Ruiter

with a low shot from inside the area on the left but the Dutchman made a vital block.

And then a couple of minutes before the break it was Sunderland’s turn to rattle the

woodwork as Oviedo’s free-kick from just outside the right corner of the box beat

Davies only to hit the right-hand post and bounce clear.

Coleman sent on Maja in place of Oviedo at half-time and went 4-4-2, but within two

minutes of the restart the Black Cats fell behind. Zeki Fryers’ corner from the right

was somehow allowed to bounce inside the six yard area and Matthews failed to track

Pinnock as he ghosted in to head into the roof of the net from close range. Ruiter made

another good block from Potts to prevent further damage on the hour. Midway through

the half McNair volleyed wide of the right-hand upright from just inside the box. Sub

Joel Asoro saw a header blocked behind late on, but a second goal for Barnsley looked

more likely than a Sunderland equaliser with George Moncur firing across the face of

goal from a tight angle.

FINAL SCORE: SUNDERLAND 0 BARNSLEY 1

SUNDERLAND: Ruiter, Browning, O’Shea, Matthews, Love*, Gibson (McNair 33),

Honeyman, Oviedo (Maja 46), McManaman (Asoro 61), Vaughan, McGeady.

[unused subs : Steele, Jones, Beadling, Embleton]

* booked Att:28,311 Evening Chronicle

Speaking to safc.com post-match, Coleman mulled over a frustrating afternoon at the

Stadium of Light. “When you see the goal we have conceded it kind of optimised

[‘epitomised’ ?.......Editor] us all afternoon really,” he said. “We were slow to take

charge and we were bullied really from the first minute. Barnsley deserved the three

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points. There might have been a penalty right at the end but it would’ve been harsh on

them. It was hard for us because we lost Darron Gibson after 30 minutes and we are

short in that area with injuries. That was tough and we lost Marc Wilson before the

game,” he continued. “We had to revamp it a little bit but we never took charge of it

today. They started bright and we never really got into it. We showed some good signs

but after we lost Darron we never really got into our rhythm. “Here at home, I can see

it is a bit too much for us and because of the position we are in. “We were on our

heels, we looked nervous and we should’ve stepped in and taken more charge of the

situation.”

______________________________________________________

MIDDLESBROUGH v SUNDERLAND [SAT 6

th JANUARY 2018]

[F.A CUP 3rd

RD]

MIDDLESBROUGH cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they were

comfortable winners of their Tees-Wear derby with Sunderland.

First-half goals from Rudy Gestede and Martin Braithwaite proved decisive at the

Riverside, with the former rounding off some good work from the impressive Adama

Traore and the latter taking advantage of a goalkeeping error from Jason Steele.

Boro were the dominant side for the majority of the game, and having already beaten

Sunderland at home in the league this season, the Teessiders have now won their last

five matches against the Black Cats.

Chris Coleman’s patched-up side struck the woodwork through a second-half header

from Josh Maja, but never really looked like clawing back their half-time deficit. As a

result, they can now focus their undivided attention on trying to pull clear of the

Championship’s bottom three.

Tony Pulis could have made a host of changes to his Boro side, but the new manager

at the Riverside is keen to build some momentum and only made three alterations to

the side that began the New Year’s Day win at Preston. Coleman basically had to go

with the only senior players available to him, handing a first senior start to young

midfielder Ethan Robson.

The Black Cats lost 1-0 at the Riverside in the league earlier this season, and Bo ro’s

continued dominance was apparent from the off. Gestede headed Stewart Downing’s

ninth-minute corner wide of the target, but the Teessiders only had to wait another 60

seconds to break the deadlock. Traore was the most threatening player on the pitch a ll

afternoon, and the winger set up Boro’s opener with a mazy dribble that started in his

own half. After skipping past two opponents, Traore slipped the ball through to

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Gestede, and the striker prodded a first-time finish past an onrushing Steele.

Steele did rather better moments later, palming the ball away after Braithwaite shot

from the edge of the area, and while Daniel Ayala was forced to throw his body in the

way of a shot from George Honeyman moments later, Sunderland never really looked

like getting themselves back into the game. Honeyman was the only visiting player

who seemed to want the ball, with Callum McManaman a spectator and Maja looking

out of his depth in attack.

As a result, Boro continued to dictate proceedings, with Jonny Howson firing a 20-

yard shot straight at Steele and Braithwaite dragging a shot past the left -hand post after

skipping past a challenge on the edge of the box. Downing, who was making his 600th

career appearance, also fired wide, but Sunderland’s hopes of making it to the interval

without conceding a second goal were dashed three minutes before the break. Steele’s

return to the Riverside did not go to plan as he flapped at Downing’s corne r, and while

Ryan Shotton was unable to get a shot away, the ball broke kindly for Braithwaite to

roll home a simple finish.

Boro deserved their two-goal lead at the interval, but Sunderland came within inches

of clawing a goal back three minutes after the break. Maja stole ahead of his marker to

meet Honeyman’s corner with a near-post glanced header, but the ball rebounded off

the crossbar.

That was Sunderland’s only real chance of getting back into the game, and Boro

almost claimed a third goal moments later as Steele turned Traore’s shot around the

post.

Sunderland saw plenty of the ball in the second half, but didn’t really look like doing

much with it. Boro took their foot off the gas as they defended their two -goal

advantage, with Pulis shoring up his midfield via the introduction of Adam Clayton

off the substitutes’ bench. The Teessiders still pushed forward sporadically though,

and would have added a third goal with 16 minutes left had Steele not done well to tip

Gestede’s volley over the crossbar after the Boro striker met Shotton’s cross.

FINAL SCORE: MIDDLESBROUGH 2 SUNDERLAND 0

SUNDERLAND: Steele; Jones, O’Shea, Browning; Love*, Wilson, E Robson

(Embleton 81), Oviedo; McManaman (Asoro 53), Honeyman*, Maja (Vaughan 73).

[unused subs : Ruiter (gk), Galloway, Beadling, Gamble.]

* booked Att: 26,399

Northern Echo

SOME MATCH STATS……there were NO offsides in the match……we only conceded

7 fouls…..we had 49% possession.

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CARDIFF CITY v SUNDERLAND [SAT 13

th JANUARY 2018]

This match was shown ‘Live’ on Sky Sports…….and this is what I made of it all.

With the recent departure of Grabban & Vaughan it was no surprise to see a very

defensive line-up from Chris Coleman. New signing Clarke-Salter made his debut and

both Ndong & Gooch returned to action. Youngster Josh Maja was on his own

upfront. On the bench were the recently recovered Cattermole & Matthews. It didn’t

bode well for a win!

The 1st

-half was generally uneventful. Sunderland had just a few forays

upfield….Browning firing high & wide on 9 mins, and Honeyman off target on 12

mins. Ruiter made a good one-handed save on 22 mins. Oviedo (40 mins) & Gooch

(45 mins) were both booked, but there was no such fate for Cardiff’s Mendez-Laing (7

mins) for a wild kick on Oviedo! Sunderland looked ‘panicky’…. distribution was a

bit ‘iffy’ once again……Wilson’s distribution was ‘not good’ – to be kind! Maja took

a knock on 33 mins and was hobbling for a while. A couple of scrambles in the

Sunderland box – but it was 0-0 at half-time.

It all changed in the 2nd

-half. The first change was Cattermole replacing the ineffective

Wilson. Within a minute of the restart we were 1-0 down. Poor marking from a corner

on our left, some hesitancy from the keeper…..and in it went. Awful! Within a couple

of minutes we were down to 10 men after Ndong was sent-off for a tackle on Hollett.

Yes, he had his studs showing – as you tend to do when you stretch your leg forward

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to reach the ball – but, having watched it over and over on TV replays, his heel was

touching the ground and he connected with the bottom part of the ball with his foot –

unfortunately his foot rolled over the top of the ball and hit Hollett’s shin. I think the

red card was a bit harsh.

Sunderland were now in a mess and it got worse on 55 mins. Cardiff broke quickly

and the ball into the middle was met by Ralls who fired home. There was not a lot of

resistence from the Sunderland midfield / defence! On the hour Asoro replaced Gooch.

The change had no noticeable effect as Sunderland were all over the place. On 64 mins

it could / should have been 3-0 as defenders got in each others way and there was

chaos in the box….somehow the ball was cleared. We very nearly got a surprise goal

on 66 mins when, from a free-kick on the left, a Cardiff defender headed against his

own post. However things were soon back to ‘normal’ and Cardiff put a header wide

from an unmarked position at the far post.

On 78 mins McManaman replaced Maja, and we endured more defensive confusion &

mayhem. It was a surprise on 79 mins when O’Shea somehow avoided a booking for a

blatant body-check! A couple of minutes later it was 3-0 as the unmarked Paterson

fired home from the edge of the box. Sunderland were by now a complete shambles

and it was no surprise when Cardiff added a 4th

goal in the 94th

minute. Sunderland

gave away possession in the middle of the park and made no challenge as Cardiff

practically walked the ball into the net.

It was awful to watch. The 2nd

-half had been an embarrassment.

We had had NO shots on target…….we had forced ONE corner……BUT, somehow,

we seemed to have had 52% possession!

FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4 SUNDERLAND 0

Sunderland: Ruiter, Jones, Browning, Clarke-Salter, O’Shea, Oviedo*, Wilson

(Cattermole 46), Ndong†, Honeyman, Gooch* (Asoro 60), Maja (McManaman 78).

[unused subs: Steele, Robson, Love, Matthews.]

* booked †sent-off Attendance: 17,703

CD {Silver Fox]

Speaking post-match, Chris Coleman delivered his verdict from the Cardiff City

Stadium. “We were defending a corner after 30 seconds after they had already had a

shot on goal,” he said. “From the resulting corner we gift them a goal which isn’t what

it’s about. We can’t do that. For 45 minutes we came here, it was going to be tough.

Cardiff go man for man and it wasn’t easy in the first 45. But we gave them a goal and

psychologically it killed us. We are bottom of the league and after 30 seconds of the

restart we are 1-0 down. We can’t accept that. Forget the sending off – sometimes they

are given and sometimes they aren’t. We have given the referee the chance to make a

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decision. We have got to be right at it from the start and we weren’t clearly. It was a

defensive error that cost us the goal at the most vital time of the game. That led to the

downfall in the second half”

Former player Mickey Gray on Ruiter’s performance at Cardiff

“It was catastrophic mistakes, firstly from Ruiter,” he said. “It can’t happen. He’s

running around players, flapping his arm at it. This is an experienced goalkeeper. He’s

making silly mistakes every week, that’s why he can’t pick between two goalkeepers.”

_______________________________________________________

SUNDERLAND v HULL CITY [SAT 20

th JANUARY 2018]

After a few trips where numbers have been down, it all came together today when

everyone synchronised perfectly and we ran a full bus. It was nice especially as there

also seemed to be a bit more optimism around. I can’t speak for anyone else but for me

it’s due to Chris Coleman’s style where he comes across in a more positive manner

than either Moyes or Grayson did. We’ve still got huge problems which of course

won’t be fixed quickly but I like the manner in which he concentrates on those who

want to play for him/SAFC and leaves the rest to sort themselves out in a case of what

will be, will be.

Right, I looked at the weather forecast before setting off to get a gist of what to expect

today. Well, one has to get one’s wardrobe right because there’s nothing worse than

getting cold on Saturday and not getting warm until Sunday. After all, what would the

Tolerant Mrs C warm her feet on in bed? Rain was due all day at home but it was

going to be cold but sunny in the North East. And so it was. We waited for the bus at

the BCR in a drab Bedfordshire drizzle and it stayed drab, if drier, for much of the

way up. Once on the A19, there was still a fair amount of midweek snow remaining in

the fields much of which came right up to the edge of the road. Very picturesque,

especially when you’re looking at it through the window of a warm and cosy bus.

On arrival in Sunderland, we went through our usual pre-match routine of dropping off

those who wanted before heading for fuel, stotties and Juliet’s splendid rolls. What

simple pleasures we have. We had a much livelier pre-match spell in the Harbour

View today mainly because there were enough of us to keep a conversation going. It

also meant there were more than enough bodies to run the sweeps and swindles and

that was a bit of a laugh too. Of course, it’s all pretty random when the “last scorer”

tickets are picked because no one knows who’s got who until the team is announced

just before kick-off. However, Editor Dunn took the empty seat next to me at the

ground and, seeing which player he had as I filled in the sheet, seemed very keen that

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Brian Oviedo should push forward at every opportunity. To give Brian his dues, he

looks like a player who knows where the goal is compared to other defensive players

like Cattermole or Billy Jones. I’m sure they try just as hard but we often see their

efforts go high or wide.

Well today was a game of two halves. In the first, we fizzed about with lots of

movement and attacking passing. We scored too. In the second – especially just after

half time and towards full time – we were less so and they came onto us. Was it our

plan or did Hull use their initiative? Still, it all worked out well in the end. With our

two busy youths up front, things were looking pretty good. Not only are they

enthusiastic, they also seem to know where each other is so I guess their time together

in the lower levels has been well spent. Both had early attempts saved but around the

20 minute mark, we had a great passing move down the right which ended with a

lovely ball from Honeyman through to Asoro. Although a little wide in the area, he

shot across the keeper and inside the far post to score a superb goal.

Good lad but what a great team effort featuring crisp and accurate passing. It was a joy

to watch. By this stage, we were in control and it would have been great had we added

a second. It wasn’t to be but the team as a whole were playing well especially O’Shea

and Cattermole who have both come in for some critisism lately. Another young lad in

the ranks today was Ethan Robson who seemed to blend well with Cattermole in

midfield. They did get in each other’s way at times but it’s early days and I thought

both played well and complemented each other. If they develop a good pairing, then it

might do both them, and us, some good. Then when things were looking stable, Billy

Jones unfortunately took a bang to the head and after a lengthy stoppage, was replaced

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by Matthews. It’s not a worry as he too seems a better player under the current regime

and he fitted in nicely as a straight swap. Towards the end of the half, we conceded a

couple of corners but other than that, Hull didn’t threaten and although they had 3 ex-

SAFC players in Larsson, Meyler and Fraizer Campbell, none of them looked like

coming back to haunt us which is sometimes the case with ex-player syndrome.

There were no changes for the second-half, but with the visitors pressing, we resorted

to catching them on the break. In one, Robson set Oviedo away down the left with a

nice pass and when the ball reached Honeyman, their covering defender tried to let the

ball run out of play for a goal kick. They were just to the side of the goal but

Honeyman “eased him” out of the way, got a foot round the ball and gave it a little

flick towards goal. We all held our breath as the ball went into slow motion and rolled

agonisingly across the face of goal from one side to the other. Unfortunately it trickled

just past the far post and off to safety. It almost made it 2-0 but not quite. Oh for

someone to rush in and give it a wee tap into the goal. It wouldn’t have mattered if it

hit one of their defenders and gone in but it wasn’t to be. Things then got a bit shaky at

the back but everyone pitched in and we did enough to stifle them. I think it was

Cattermole who made a nice interception which not only broke up a Hull attack but

also sent Asoro clear on the left. He made his way into the area and went down

perhaps a little theatrically under a defender’s tackle. He was booked for diving but

even if it was dramatic, it still looked a penalty to me. I was hoping to see the incident

on “the Championship” later but they didn’t show it. In fact they didn’t show much of

our match at all concentrating only on the goal we scored and two saves still to come.

With a few minutes to go, Gooch arrived for the tiring Maja and there were a couple of

yellow cards for both he and Cattermole. Cattermole certainly 'took one for the team'

as the experts say. Beaten by his man and trailing in his wake, he had a good look

around to weigh up the situation and then tickled the back of his opponent’s ankle.

Down he went, peep went the whistle and Catts kept on going to take up a position for

the forthcoming free-kick. It wastes another couple of seconds as the ref then has to

attract his attention to show him the yellow card. It annoys me when other teams do it

to us but I did have to smile to myself this time as you could see exactly what he was

up to. I’ll forgive him this once. As mentioned a few lines above, Oviedo headed a

fierce shot off the line (sorry Colin, perhaps we’ll do a “last saver” sweep one day)

and Ruiter pulled off a cracking save to keep us in front. The keeper had been more in

charge this week and I was also pleased to see we had a defender on the line to stop

the other effort. It’s something we haven’t been doing recently and we’ve suffered for

it. I hadn’t been worried when we were under pressure earlier on in the half but I was

pretty pleased to hear the whistle when it finally came. It would have been such a

shame to have conceded an equaliser after being ahead for so long.

So, another win and 3 more very useful points. It might have been against a poor Hull

team who are also struggling but not that long ago, we would have got a draw or noth

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ing at all from a match like this. I think we might be on the verge of a quiet revival.

FINAL SCORE: SUNDERLAND 1 HULL CITY 0

Sunderland – Ruiter, Jones (Matthews 34), Browning*, Cattermole*, O’Shea,

Robson, Clarke-Salter, Oviedo, Honeyman, Maja (Gooch 87*) & Asoro*.

[Unused subs – Steele, McManaman, Galloway, McGeady & Love.]

* booked Scorer – Asoro (20) Attendance – 27437.

Colin Chandler

……AND A BIT EXTRA FROM THE SILVER FOX:

I joined the regulars for the trip up for this match. I have not been a regular over the

past 3 seasons or so, but miss the whole atmosphere of the day out. Admittedly the

poor football can make the journey home a bit of a pain……BUT I have not seen the

Lads lose at home so far this season, and I hoped that that would continue today.

There was nothing unusual about the trip up the A1M….until we reached the half-way

stop at Blyth Services. Now, as at ALL motorway services, you are confronted with

everything – shops selling everything you could possibly want for your journey….the

obligatory Burger King (or similar)…..the varied clientele (some weirder than

weird)…and the toilets! Yes, the toilets – usually awash with liquid of some

description, and with taps that don’t always work. Most such toilets have

contraceptive (‘johnny’) machines, and chewing gum machines on the wall. This one

had a slightly different machine…….a ‘Fuzzy Brushes’ machine! What's a Fuzzy

Brush? I could think of a few answers but didn’t expect such a thing to be on sale from

a little machine on the toilet wall…..but, then, where else would the machine be? I

thought about this for a while, shaking my head, smirking, and just generally bemused.

Then I realised……’Fuzzy Brush is a unique ‘all in one’ chewable toothbrush and

breath freshener designed by dentists. All you have to do is place the soft mini

toothbrush in your mouth and chew just like a piece of gum … the results are

amazing! While chewing the natural action of brush cleans your teeth as you

manoeuvre it around your mouth and sugar free Xylitol is released to freshen your

breath… quick, easy and very effective!’ Silly me for thinking otherwise!

Anyway, it was back on the mini-bus and off Northwards, arriving at the Harbour

View at about 1 min past midday – one minute LATE, in Ed’s opinion!

The usual ‘known faces’ showed their faces during the 2+ hours that we were in the

pub….including Hertfordshire’s own John & Mrs Mongan. Pleasantries were

exchanged. I took the opportunity to ‘advertise’ the branch by handing out half-a-

dozen copies of ‘Review’ No 300 – the 25th

Anniversary edition. I got some very

pleasant feed-back from fans who seemed amazed that we had travelled up from

Hertfordshire….and, indeed, REGULARLY travelled up from Hertfordshire!

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The Harbour View tends to stock a

good number of beers and today was

no exception – about 8 different ales

(bitter) in total. I elected to try

‘Rivet Catcher’ as it is a Great North

Eastern Brewery ale. I enjoyed each

pint of it that I drank!

Having filled our faces with the

stotties [that had been pre-ordered

on the mini-bus, and collected in Sea

Rd by Colin Chandler & Simon

Christie], it was time for the

traditional branch ‘sweeps’ to be

dealt with, and then it was time to

leave and head for the ground.

Colin Chandler has adequately

reported the match so I will just add

that it was good to continue my

‘lucky mascot’ run. Cattermole &

O’Shea had great games .

In fact the whole team played much better than of late. Three very welcome points.

Captain John O'Shea notched up his 200th league start for the club, and his 24th

appearance of the season and 240th of his Black Cats career

Meanwhile, midfielder Lee Cattermole is not far away from his 200th league start

for the club, having started for the 174th time in the league in Red and White*

yesterday. [* not strictly true…….in many of those matches he wore Sunderland’s

change colours – but I’m just being ‘picky’!]

Ethan Robson was named in The Sun ‘Team of the Day.’

[Hull had included former Sunderland players’ Fraizer Campbell, Seb Larsson &

David Meyler in their side]

Driver Simon dropped me off at my home at 9.15pm. It had been a very enjoyable day

out.

CD [Silver Fox]

A mini-break now until BIRMINGHAM (a) on Tuesday 30th

January.

25

U23, U18 & SAFC Ladies [Match Reports adapted from www.safc.com reports]

► U’23: > Stockton Town v Sunderland U23: 1-4

Sunderland did what they had to do to overcome a hardworking Stockton Town side

and booked their place in the third round of the Durham County Challenge Cup.

Chris Allan and Dan Wright struck inside the opening nine minutes to assert their

authority on the cup tie before Sonny Best and Jordan Hickey added to the scoreline

before the break. Alan Cossavella deservedly pulled a goal back for Stockton, who

fought to the final whistle. But Sunderland had done the damage in the first period and

Sunderland : Woud, Gamble, Robson, Hickey (Scothern, 45), Taylor, Storey, Allan,

Best (Leonard, 60), Diamond (Poame, 45), Wright, Greenwood.

[unused subs – Patterson] Attendance: 326

Sunderland will face Dunston UTS on Wednesday 31 January, kick-off 7.30pm, at the

UTS Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Durham County Challenge Cup.

> Sunderland U23 v Derby County U23: 2-1

Sunderland brushed aside an experienced Derby County side at Eppleton CW .

Sunderland were without several U23 regular’s due to their inclusion at the Riverside

Stadium, but there was no such dilemma for Derby County as the Rams named a

powerful side at Eppleton CW. Jason Shackell, Ikechi Anya and former Black Cat

Darren Bent were all included in the starting XI, as Elliot Embleton, who played

against Middlesbrough less than 24 hours earlier, also started. Owen Gamble and Tom

Beadling – both unused substitutes on Teesside – were also selected by Elliot

Dickman, with under-18 striker Connor Slack on the bench.

There was little to note during the opening 20 minutes as both sides saw time on the

ball ultimately wasted. Derby edged the possession stats but Sunderland were happy to

soak up any pressure mounted by the visitors and they were comfortable for much of

the opening period. Embleton and Rees Greenwood were the Black Cats’ most -

advanced players, but they didn’t see enough of the ball in the final third to threaten

the Derby goal during the opening exchanges. But that all changed on 34 minutes.

Under pressure from Wright, Rams stopper Mitchell scuffed his clearance straight to

the midfielder who gleefully gobbled up the chance and tapped the ball into the empty

net. As a result, confidence flooded through the young Black Cats and they dominated

the game from then on.

Derby crafted the first opening of the second half, as Thomas weaved his way through

the final third before seeing his effort deflect wide, and from the resulting corner the

26

U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *

ball whistled across the six-yard box where a crowd of bodies were unable to connect.

Just two minutes later, they were made to pay as Wright once again pounced on a

defensive error, with another simple finish nestling into the net after a Derby defender

appeared to kick the ball out of Mitchell’s grasp.

Derby pulled one back late on as they mounted a late surge against the Black Cats'

tiring backline, but Dickman's side rode out the storm to claim a hard-fought victory.

Sunderland: Woud, Gamble, J Robson, Beadling, Taylor, Storey, Wright, Embleton,

Greenwood, Allan, Brotherton. [unused subs - Edmundsson, Talbot, Poame, Slack]

> Sunderland U23 v Chelsea U23: 0-5

Jack Diamond, Benji Kimpioka & Jake Hackett began for the Black Cats as Elliott

Dickman looked to blood the next bunch of young talent at the club. With the trio into

the final stage of their scholarships at the club, Dickman handed them starting berths

against Chelsea as the Black Cats sought a second-straight victory.

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a hat-trick as Sunderland endured a tough afternoon on

home soil. Ike Ugbo opened the scoring after just two minutes before Hudson-Odoi

seized control of the game scoring once - with Ethan Ampadou adding another -

before the break. Hudson-Odoi then scored a second-half brace to seal Sunderlands

fate.

Sunderland : Woud, Gamble, Robson, Beadling, Taylor (Greenwood, 45), Storey,

Diamond (Connelly, 69), Embleton, Kimpioka, Hackett, Allan.

[unused subs -Brotherton, Talbot, Young]

> Brighton & Hove Albion U23 v Sunderland U23: 3-1

After being recalled from his loan spell at Sky Bet League Two club Accrington

Stanley on Thursday, Max Stryjek was named in the starting line-up for Sunderland.

Elliott Dickman also handed starts to four second-year scholars – Lee Connelly, Jack

Diamond Benji Kimpioka, and Jake Hackett – as he continued to blood the next batch

of players. Jacob Young and Williams Kokolo also featured on the bench.

Sunderland’s hopes of qualification in the Premier League Cup were dealt a blow as

Brighton produced a strong display and swiftly gained the advantage when Jiri Stalak

broke the deadlock on 17 minutes. Viktor Gyokeres then doubled Albion’s lead on the

stroke of half-time before his cross on 56 minutes was turned home by the helpless

Josh Robson. Elliot Embleton pulled one back from the penalty spot, but it proved too

little too late to mount a comeback and defeat has s een Sunderland slip to third, behind

Albion on goal difference.

Sunderland U23: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Gamble, Taylor, Storey, Diamond

(Young, 91), Embleton, Connelly, Kimpioka, Hackett (Kokolo, 84)

[unused subs: Woud, Allan, Brotherton]

27

U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *

> Sunderland U23 v Leicester City U23: 2-0 [Premier League International Cup]

Sunderland’s U23s clinched their place in the knockout stages thanks to a 2-0 win over

Leicester City at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 23rd

January.

After a heavy defeat to Chelsea last time out, Elliott Dickman’s side dusted themselves

down and goals from Lee Connelly and Elliot Embleton were enough to see off the

Foxes. The result ensured the Black Cats top Group B, as Leicester finish as runners -

up.

Lamine Kone ended a two-month stint in the treatment room with a start at the

Stadium of Light as Dickman named an otherwise inexperienced side. Connelly led

the line flanked by Benji Kimpioka and Jack Diamond, but there were also starts for

Max Stryjek, who returned from a loan at Accrington Stanley last week, and Elliot

Embleton as Chris Coleman and his coaching team watched on at the SoL.

The opening half-hour was a scrappy affair as both sides failed to enjoy any periods of

sustained dominance. Marshalled by Kone, the Black Cats were relatively untroubled

as Embleton and Diamond saw efforts from range come and go at the opposite end.

The game needed a goal and with 36 minutes played Dickman’s side op ened the

scoring, as Connelly latched onto a long ball over the Leicester defence before curling

a fine finish into the corner. And the club’s youngsters continued in their ascendancy

as confidence filled their veins and they went in search of a second.

On 43 minutes, it arrived. The Foxes backed off and Embleton pounced, with the

midfielder bending a sumptuous 20-yard strike beyond Daniel Iversen to ensure a

commanding advantage at the interval.

Leicester responded following the restart and Sunderland were forced to weather the

brewing storm, but they refused to be breached and when called upon Stryjek stepped

up. After Kone came off with 60 minutes in the tank, Steve Beaglehole’s almost

snatched a route back into the game but Trialist’s thumping effort cannoned off the

post.

Layton Ndukwu forced the next scare as the Foxes continued to push forward but the

striker was unable to connect with an inviting cross to the back post, with Brandon

Taylor standing up to Josh Eppiah in close quarters before producing an excellent

block soon after. Eppiah then lost his man but was unable to steer his effort on target

after a cracking cross from Hamza Choudhury. And that proved to be that despite both

sides trading blows in the latter stages, as the Black Cats clinched a fine win.

Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Gamble, Taylor, Kone (Storey 60), Diamond,

Embleton, Connelly, Kimpioka (Kokolo 86), Hackett (Allan 67)

[unused subs: Woud, Young, Greenwood, Brotherton.]

FORTHCOMING LEAGUE FIXTURES

U23: Feb 5 West Ham (a) 7.00 Dagenham & Redbridge FC *

* May be a car going from Stevenage.

28

U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *

U23s Premier League Cup fixtures….. Sunday 11 February – Exeter City (A), 2pm

Friday 23 February – Hull City (H), 7pm

► U’18: > Watford U18 v Sunderland U18: 1-0 FA Youth Cup

Jack Diamond dropped down from the U23 ranks to start for Mark Atkinson’s side in

Hertfordshire. Scottish striker Lee Connelly led the line while Swedish youngster

Benji Kimpioka and Williams Kokolo went into the match on the back of a sickness

bug which had hampered the Black Cats’ preparations. Bali Mumba, still an under-16,

also started for the youth team.

Lewis Gordon scored the game’s only goal after the Black Cats were reduced to 10

men when Rayed Derbali was dismissed with just 26 minutes on the clock.

Jake Hackett struck the post before Lee Connelly saw his close-range effort chalked

off for offside as Sunderland looked to mount a comeback. But Watford held off the

Black Cats’ late onslaught to advance to round four.

Sunderland: Patterson, Howard, Young, Derbali, Kokolo, Hickey, Mumba, Hackett

(Scothern), Diamond, Connelly, Kimpioka (Dunne)

[unused subs - Devine, Leonard, Newman]

> Sunderland U18 v Manchester United U18: 1-2

Benji Kimpioka, Jack Diamond and Jake Hackett were not included in the starting

line-up as it’s expected they will be involved in Sunday’s U23’s match at Eppleton

Colliery Welfare.

Manchester United kept up their title hopes as they dispatched 10-man Sunderland at

the Academy of Light. A goal in each half from Tahith Chong was enough for the

visitors to seal the points on Wearside, despite Robbie Dunne initially levelling the

U18 Premier League fixture.

After an even opening where Sunderland enjoyed large spells of the ball, the visitors

made the breakthrough on 32 minutes when Chong converted a penalty. Ethan Laid

was felled after a powerful run into the box and Chong confidently slotted the ball past

Anthony Patterson. United’s lead only lasted seven minutes, though. Having looked

assured defensively throughout the opening period, Jordan Hickey broke free through

the defensive lines before unselfishly squaring the ball to Dunne for him to slot home.

United didn’t seem too fazed by Sunderland’s leveller and picked up where they left

off in the 2nd

-half, with the Black Cats once again forced to defend deep and in num-

bers. And eventually the lads’ frustration to dealing with long spells of pressure told

when Scothern tripped Largie Ramazani before being shown a red card by the referee.

With the man advantage Manchester United lay siege to Sunderland’s goal, sensing a

winner was near. And so it proved with 11 minutes left to play. Ramazani opened up

29

U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *

Sunderland’s defence with a slipped pass through to Chong, who did the rest to fire

home his second of the afternoon and secure the points for United.

Sunderland U18: Patterson, Young, Mumba, Edmundsson, Kokolo, Hickey, Howard,

Leonard (Greenwood, 64), Connelly (Evans, 74), Scothern, Dunne (Slack, 71).

[unused subs - Newman, Devine.]

> Derby County U18 v Sunderland U18: 0-1

Sunderland produced an organised display to secure three vital points in the U18

Premier League.

With Sunderland U23’s playing in Brighton on Friday night, Mark Atkinson was

without Benji Kimpioka, Jake Hackett, Jack Diamond Lee Connelly, Jacob Young and

Williams Kokolo. However, that was to be expected as Atkinson admitted in midweek

a crop of his second-year scholars will be featuring more heavily in the development

squad during the second half of the season.

Having not secured a victory since November, Mark Atkinson’s side headed to the

East Midlands looking spark a run of form after the disappointment of exiting the FA

Youth Cup prematurely. Both sides showed glimpses in the opening 20 minutes, a

period in the game that was largely cagey but highly competitive as Derby looked to

improve on their third-place position.

Jordan Hickey struck five minutes from time to deal Derby County the knockout blow

and secure three vital points which moved them onto 16 for the season.

Sunderland U18: Patterson, Devine, Mumba, Edmundsson, Hickey, Evans (Leonard,

54), Scothern (Lilley, 77), Connolly, Derbali, Greenwood, Dunne (Slack, 62)

Subs: Newman

> Sunderland U18s will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup

at the Academy of Light on Saturday 27 January - 11am kick-off.

► LADIES: > SAFC Ladies v Birmingham City: 3-0

SAFC Ladies moved up to fifth in the FA Women’s Super League thanks to a superb

win. Dominique Bruinenberg, Hayley Sharp and Abbey Joice were on target at

Mariners Park, as Mel Reay’s side moved to within one point of fourth -placed

Arsenal.

30

….and a few ‘Bits’ to close By Lars Minit

(1) SPOT THE THREE SAFC LINKS………….

A LITTLE CLUE?........THIS IS THE BOLTON SQUAD FROM 1977/78

ANOTHER CLUE?......CHEER UP AND PLAY IT AGAIN WITH A KIDS TOY.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

________________________________________________________

(2) “WHAT’S YOURS, BALLY?”…….. MONTY & ‘OOH

BALLY, BALLY’

TRYING OUT

THE NEW ‘APP’

TO ORDER A

HALF-TIME

PINT. [Download

the SwipeStation

app (from the

Apple App Store

or the Google Play

Store) and enter

your card details.

You’ll then be able to order drinks from the terraces AND also beat the queues by

collecting them from special FAST LANES on the East and West concourses. Scan the

QR code on your phone at a SwipeStation to process the payment, then take your

printout to the SwipeStations located on the East and West concourses.

31

NOW CHRIS CAN SEE THE FULL

HORROR STORY By Chris Dunlavy, The Football League Paper – Sunday 14

th January 2018

Beaming beneath a spatter of sponsors on his first day as manager of Sunderland,

Chris Coleman listened patiently as the press pack questioned his sanity.

“It’s a daunting task, I admit.” insisted the Welshman, “but I’ve come into this job

with my eyes wide open.”

Maybe he did. Yet, two months on, you have to wonder whether those eyes were

covered by rose-tinted spectacles.

The simmering, furious figure who stalked into the Riverside media centre last

weekend was a far cry from buoyant optimism of mid-November. Gone too, was any

hint of diplomacy.

Beaten 2-0 with a bare-bones line-up, Coleman laid into the workshy cabal of

perpetually injured players who are as likely to be spotted in a Sunderland shirt as

Alan Shearer.

“Could one or two be doing a bit more with us?”, considered the 47-year-old, airing an

issue that has been open secret on Wearside all season. “Yes they could.”

Later he criticised the now-departed Lewis Grabban and complained of going “into a

dogfight with kittens.”

Though Coleman didn’t name individuals, every Sunderland fan knew the malingerers

he was talking about.

Ostensibly, it is a welcome dose of honesty at a club bled pitifully dry by mercenaries

and charlatans. Why should anyone cover for such people, least of all the manager

they’re letting down?

Yet his outburst is fraught with risk. Based on the scale of Sunderland’s debts and the

silence emanating from the boardroom, Coleman will have about 95p to play with in

the transfer window.

He has been told to sell before he can buy, but nobody of sound mind would dream of

paying a fee for players who a) don’t try, b) earn a fortune, and c) Sunderland don’t

want. Plausibly, his words could be a last-ditch attempt to wring a bit of professional

pride from the shirkers, but that seems unlikely.

Anger and contempt – from a man who had his own career cut short by a car crash –

are more likely causes. Assuming the ‘kittens’ will now be permanently ostracised,

wilfully or otherwise, Coleman will be left to fight relegation with the same Dad’s

Army of youngsters, loanees & veterans that have so far proved unfit for purpose.

The depressing conclusion is that Coleman felt he had nothing to lose by letting his

heart rule his head, that the absent players were so useless and unwilling they wouldn’t

have played for the first team anyway.

32

More worryingly for supporters, it suggests the problems at Sunderland are far worse

than Coleman imagined when he bounced into town.

He talked of realism and not having much cash to play with. He even consulted Simon

Grayson, his short-lived predecessor.

But did he really understand just how bad the recruitment had been over the years?

Just how much ‘dead wood’ would be heaved on to the former centre-half’s

shoulders?

For a man who enjoyed an exceptional bond with his Wales players, the pockets of

poison in the Sunderland dressing room must have been an appalling shock.

On current form, Sunderland are heading for League One. Judging by the eruption

from Coleman, so soon after his ebullient arrival, he is worried.

Anger has not yet become disillusionment. But, if he doesn’t get fresh blood by the

end of this month (January) and the Mackems continue to toil, don’t be surprised if

Coleman walks before the season’s end.

33

Upcoming ‘home’ games are Ipswich Town (3rd

Feb), Brentford (17th

Feb) &

Middlesbrough (24th

Feb). There will not be a mini-bus for Ipswich or Brentford

matches, but an 8-seater has been booked for Middlesbrough.

Upcoming ‘away’ games are Bristol City (10th

Feb) & Bolton (20th

Feb) – a midweek

game. Following that the next two ‘away’ games are at Millwall (3rd

March) & QPR

(10th

March) – both convenient for travel by rail/underground. Think ahead and get in

touch as soon as possible if you are interested in attending any of those matches so

that any ticket / travel requirements can be met.

As always, get your ticket & transport requests in early to guarantee your seat.

Let’s push on. Ed Rayner Mobile 07789035483 : Home 01462 813963 E-mail edrayner@talktalk.net

________________________________________________________

TICKET INFORMATION:

Ipswich Town (H) Sat 3rd

February KO 3.00pm NOW ON SALE Adults from £25 : O65s £19 : U22s £16 : U16s £10

Bristol City (a) Sat 10th

February KO 12.30pm

Allocation – 3,400. General sale to commence from 9am Monday 29th January

Adult @ £32, O65 & U25 @ £29, U22 @ £26, U19 @ £15, U12 @ £10 ***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ALL TICKET GAME AND THERE WILL BE NO SALES ON THE DAY***

BOLTON (A) Tuesday 20th

February KO pm

MILLWALL (A) Saturday 3rd

March KO 3.00pm

Q.P.R. (A) Saturday 10th

March KO 3.00pm

NO TICKET DETAILS AVAILABLE TO DATE [24TH

DECEMBER]

DON’T FORGET:

U23 v WEST HAM (at Dagenham & Redbridge) – Sun 5th

February KO 7.00pm

CD {The Silver Fox]

________________________________________________ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 31: [Cheer up] PETER REID (No 17),

[Play it again] SAM ALLARDYCE (No 10) & [A kids toy] RAY TRAIN (No 14)

34

FIXTURES 2017/18

CHAMPIONSHIP

Aug 04 DERBY CO * (H) 1-1 13 Norwich City (a) 3-1

16 Sheffield Wed (a) 1-1

19 LEEDS UTD * (H) 0-2

26 Barnsley (a) 0-3

Sep 09 SHEFFIELD UTD (H) 1-2

12 NOTT’M FOREST (H) 0-1

16 Hull City (a) 1-1

23 CARDIFF CITY (H) 1-2

26 Ipswich Town (a) 2-5

30 Preston N E (a) 2-2

Oct 14 QUEENS P. R. (H) 1-1

21 Brentford (a) 3-3 28 BRISTOL CITY (H) 1-2

31 BOLTON W (H) 3-3

Nov 04 Middlesbrough * (a) 0-1

18 MILLWALL (H) 2-2 21 Aston Villa (a) 1-2

25 Burton Albion (a) 2-0

Dec 02 READING (H) 1-3

09 Wolverhampton (a) 0-0

16 FULHAM (H) 1-0 23 BIRMINGHAM (H) 1-1

26 Sheffield Utd (a) 0-3

30 Nott’m Forest (a) 1-0

Jan 01 BARNSLEY (H) 0-1

13 Cardiff City * (a) 0-4 20 HULL CITY (H) 1-0

27 Birmingham City (a)

Feb 03 IPSWICH TOWN (H)

10 Bristol City (a)

17 BRENTFORD (H) 20 Bolton W (a) 7:45

24 MIDDLESBRO (H)

Mar 03 Millwall (a)

06 ASTON VILLA (H) 7:45

10 Queens P. R. (a) 17 PRESTON N E (H)

31 Derby County (a) 7:45

Apr 02 SHEFFIELD WED (H)

07 Leeds Utd (a)

10 NORWICH CITY (H) 7:45 14 Reading (a)

21 BURTON ALB (H)

28 Fulham (a)

May 06 WOLVES (H) tbc

* Sky sports + itv #bt sport

FIXTURES 2017/18

FRIENDLIES Jul 07 Bury (a) 3-2

09 Hibernian (a) 2-2

12 Livingston (a) 3-0 15 St Johnstone (a) 0-3

22 Bradford City (a) 2-1

26 Scunthorpe (a) 0-0

29 Celtic $ (H) 0-5

$ Dafabet Cup

CARABAO CUP Aug 10 Bury * (a) 1-0

22 Carlisle Utd (a) 2-1

Sep 20 Everton (a) 0-3

F.A.CUP Jan 6 Middlesbrough (a) 0-2

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