Welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Friday, December 14.
The Black Cats crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday night as they lost 1-0 to Walsall after a poor performance.
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, and played again in the FA Cup clash. Meanwhile, Lee Cattermole returned against Walsall and Charlie Wyke is back in training too.
The Black Cats may be out of the cup but on the plus side it's one less competition to stretch the squad for. Next up they host Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
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.
Signing off
That’s all for today folks. Thanks for joining us. Back tomorrow for live match build-up and action.
Press conference round-up
A reminder of yesterday’s big talking points from Jack Ross’ press conference.
Pre-match Opta stats
- This will be the first league meeting between Sunderland and Bristol Rovers since a 2-2 stalemate in January 1993, and the first in any competition since the Black Cats beat the Pirates 2-1 in the third round of the League Cup in October 2000.
- Bristol Rovers are winless in their 12 league visits to Sunderland (D5 L7), failing to keep a clean sheet in each of those games.
- Sunderland are on the current longest unbeaten run in League One (11 games), while Bristol Rovers are on the longest current run of defeats in the competition (4).
- Sunderland are the only side to have scored in 100% of their League One games this season.
- Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke has scored five goals in his four league starts against Bristol Rovers, more than he has against any other opponent in the EFL. He scored his most recent league hat-trick against the Pirates for Bradford City in September 2017.
Juan Sartori still committed to SAFC
He suggested in an interview that he’d be dropping all of his business interests to focus on his run at presidency in Uruguay, but according to Stewart Donald he is still invested in SAFC
Story behind the documentary opening sequence
That animation and that powerful song. Wow! The story here:
Fowler interested in Bristol Rovers job
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is said to be interested in the Bristol Rovers job.
The former striker has achieved his UEFA Pro Licence and has worked at the Liverpool academy since 2013.
Former Rovers and Liverpool player Nick Tanner tweeted: “Bristol Rovers job exclusive. LFC legend Robbie Fowler is interested in taking his first step into management at Bristol Rovers. Whether he gets that chance is down to the board. I would love to see him given the chance!”
Josh Ginnelly's goal vs Sunderland nominated for Goal of the Month
He scored in the 2-2 draw at Walsall and that is up for goal of the month.
The story behind the opening sequence to Sunderland Til I Die
If you’ve watched even one episode you’ll understand. Powerful, poignant and emotive... this is the story of the opening sequence and the song used for it
Jack Ross' praise for Reece James
Ross said:
I think he could play at a higher level.
“I think he’s a good enough player.
“If you look at his pedigree and the club where he started at, and his record in this league it shows that - also, he is still fairly young as well.
“He’s been one of our steadiest performers, and that’s testament not just to his ability but also to his character.
“Not so long ago, he probably saw himself as third-choice in that area because of the form of Bryan and the emergence of Denver Hume.
“Circumstances meant that got the opportunity to come in and all you can ever ask is that a player takes the opportunity, and he has very much done that.
“He has made himself a fixture in the back four and in the team, and I have been really pleased with his contribution.
“His absence during the week was simply to give him a breather because he has played a lot of football recently.”
Ejaria struggling at Rangers
Steven Gerrard will hold crunch talks with Ovie Ejaria to decide whether the on-loan Liverpool youngster still has a Rangers future.
The 21-year-old ex-Sunderland loanee was left behind in Glasgow while Gers failed to reach the Europa League last 32 after losing 1-0 to Rapid Vienna. Gerrard admitted the midfield playmaker was “unsettled” at Ibrox after struggling to adapt to the physical nature of the game in Scotland.
Ejaria has often cut an isolated figure since moving to Scotland from Anfield on a season-long deal back in the summer.
And Gerrard now admits he may have to cut that loan arrangement short if the player decides he does not want to see out the campaign with Gers.
Asked if there was a danger that Ejaria may soon pack up and head back to Merseyside, he said:
“That’s something I need to discuss with Ovie in the coming days.
“I had a chat with Ovie a few days ago and he’s slightly unsettled.
“Liverpool are aware of the situation - we’re in dialogue with them and I’ll have a conversation with Ovie on Friday and see where we go from there.”
Netflix documentary
Sunderland Til I Die is out now. Here’s our review on why you absolutely must watch it...
Morning
Hello and welcome to this morning’s live blog where we will bring you all the latest safc news, views and gossip. We will also be building towards tomorrow’s Bristol Rovers clash
