Welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Sunday, December 9.
The Black Cats' league match at Accrington Stanley was abandoned after 70 minutes on Saturday due to adverse weather, meaning it will have to be rescheduled at a later date.
The good news is that players who have been on the long-term injury list are starting to come back. Duncan Watmore returned to action last week, but will be eased back to full fitness over time. Meanwhile, Lee Cattermole and Charlie Wyke are back in training too.
Next up for Sunderland is the FA Cup replay against Walsall before they then host Bristol Rovers in the league next weekend.
Meanwhile, January is now just round the corner and it could be interesting month for Sunderland. Jack Ross admits he'd be happy to keep his squad as it is, but given their success there's likely to be plenty of interest in their players, which could prompt new incomings too.
We'll have all the latest Sunderland news, views and transfer gossip throughout the day.
Key Events
Signing off - thanks for joining us!
We’ll be back tomorrow.
- After Adam Matthews’ Accrington Stanley injury, who are Sunderland’s right-back options?
- Accrington Stanley 1-1 Sunderland player ratings: Read James Hunter’s match marks
- Referee Oliver Langford got it right by giving Sunderland’s game a chance before calling it quits
- Jack Ross reacts to Sunderland’s game at Accrington Stanley being abandoned
- Accrington Stanley vs Sunderland: 5 talking points as League One game is abandoned
- Referee explains his decision to abandon Sunderland’s game at Accrington Stanley
Former Sunderland man trains with WBA
Greg Halford has played 45 minutes for WBA’s u23s. It’s thought they’re looking at a possible deal.
The right decision to call the game off?
Few would disagree - you can read the full story here.
Referee explains his decision
Oliver Langford said:
“It always a tough decision when you have to abandon the game.
“I saw the pitch at 10.30am this morning in its best state and by the end the pitch was at its worst.
“Both managers were in agreement and it was right decision to call time when I did.
“It’s unfortunate, but everyone was in total agreement and player safety was paramount.
“It was touch and go at the start. Conditions were OK, the rain started at 12.30pm and come 3pm conditions were OK in the first half.
“Then the heavens opened and I have never seen rain like that.
“It was coming down in sheets, and with the score 1-1 it was a sensible decision to make.
“I don’t want anyone getting injured and the way they were sliding round at the end, and the amount of water coming up, player safety was paramount regardless of the score.”
