Welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Monday, November 26.
The Black Cats ' showed character on Saturday in their draw with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. As well as Max Power being shown a third red card of the season, the ten man visitors then fell two goals behind and looked certain to be heading to just a second defeat of the season.
Goals from Aiden McGeady and Lynden Gooch rescued a point for Jack Ross' side, with the gaffer fuming after with the referee's decision to send Power off.
Sunderland are back at the Bescot Stadium next weekend in the FA Cup, but before that face a crucial clash with Barnsley in the league on Tuesday evening at the Stadium of Light.
The Tykes are third in the table, just two points behind Sunderland and both will be hoping to win and keep the pressure on league leaders Portsmouth.
We'll have all the latest Sunderland news, views and gossip throughout the day.
Sunderland 4-2 Barnsley
Grimsby boss on Embleton's future
Michael Jolley told the Grimsby Telegraph:
Kevin Ball came down to see us and see Elliot a few weeks ago, and we had a really good conversation with Kevin at that time.
“I’ve also spoken with Jack Ross, so both sides are aware of what the situation is - we continue to monitor it, and let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.
“I think Elliot Embleton’s a really good player – he’s done well for us, and we value him highly.”
Ross praises O'Nien
I mentioned a few weeks ago that Luke O’Nien has taken time to settle at the club, but that we were starting to see what he will bring to the squad. Dylan is still unavailable and other than that, it will be the same squad pending the appeal.”
On Duncan Watmore
Duncan will get some minutes tonight for the U23s. He should come through that ok because he has worked well with us. He was one of the first players I met in the summer, he is desperate to get back involved. He is in the best place possible frame of mind.”
On Walsall
Saturday was about the players. What you saw was all about the players’ heart and desire not to lose the game. We didn’t want to draw the game, but the manner of the match is what it’s all about.”
Ross on Power's appeal
We lodged our appeal for Max Power’s red card earlier today. Hopefully we should hear the outcome of that by the end of play today.”
Full transcript to follow
Right then, that’s the TV section of Ross’ press conference concluded. Stay with us for a full transcript of everything he said...
Biggest game of the season so far?
We always say the next game is the biggest one we play, Ross says. But he appreciates that the positions of the two clubs in the table and the fact both were relegated last season means that it is an extra significant game.
He thinks Barnsley will be there or thereabouts this season.
On Watmore
Ross confirms Watmore is playing for the U23s against Middlesbrough tonight. He should come through that no problem, Ross says and then we can start to plan getting him back involved in the first team.
Ross on fitness of players
He’s not concerned that fitness levels will be an issue on Tuesday. Ross says they’ve worked hard in training on fitness and are more than capable of handling three games in a week.
Power apologised to Ross
But Ross said there was no need for an apology.
Ross says he’s low right now because he’s facing the prospect of another five games out.
Ross really hopes for his sake that it’s overturned so he’s allowed to get on with his season.
On Power's red card
Ross says he’s watched it back and read over the league’s exact rules and terminology of what is deserving of a red card offence and says he absolutely certain it is not a red card offence.
Appeal for Power in
That will be heard this afternoon so Ross is expecting to know on that by close of play today.
Jack Ross press conference video
Here’s the video for Jack Ross. Refresh your page to see it above the live blog though because we will be providing live updates here so you might find the video constantly being pushed down your screen otherwise. Once it’s done we’ll provide a full transcript too.
Jack Ross updates coming soon
Due to start at 1.30pm. We’ll have the live video and then updates and a full transcript right here for you.
U18s boss Paul Bryson conceded his side were second best
They were beaten 4-0 by Everton. Bryson said after:
It was a disappointing result really.
“I didn’t think we started the game too badly, for the first 10 to 15 minutes it was an even contest.
“We scored from a free-kick that was offside, then a minute later we were 1-0 down and all of sudden we’re deflated and it knocked one or two of the lads’ confidence.
“A couple of goals in quick succession and the game was done and dusted as far as a contest was concerned, in the second half I was pleased with the way we stuck at our task but overall Everton were worthy winners.”
New date for Blackpool clash
The game which was postponed due to international call-ups in October will now be played on February 12.
ROI chief on decision to sack O'Neill
John Delaney told the Daily Mail:
The decision was made before the Denmark game, it was made on the Sunday.
“It was a tough last 12 months, no doubt about that. I think Martin would accept that the football was poor enough, of recent, and the attendances were also dropping - that’s a concern.
“You want to see progression in the team. We were relegated from the Nations League, technically, on the Friday night (when Denmark beat Wales), so the board took the decision.
“We met with Martin in a professional and respectful way. If I see Martin in the future I will be looking forward to having a cup of tea. They (O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane) had a great five years.”
Hibs reportedly want ex-SAFC striker target
Sunderland were linked to Gillingham striker Tom Eaves in the summer.
He’s had a fantastic start to the campaign as well, netting 13 goals for the Gills.
And according to the Scotsman, Scottish Premier League outfit Hibs have been scouting the 26-year-old ahead of the January window with a view to taking him to Easter Road.
Watmore returns to action tonight
The winger will feature for the U23s at Middlesbrough this evening as he looks to build his fitness ahead of a first team return.
Huge game tomorrow
After the weekend’s draw at Walsall, the Black Cats host Barnsley tomorrow. Jack Ross will be hosting his pre-match press conference ahead of that one today and it cannot be understated how big a game it is.
Second versus third.
Barnsley are just two points behind Sunderland in the league table so the Black Cats could really do with securing victory.
