Hello and welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Wednesday, June 12.
The Black Cats are preparing for another important summer as they look to mount another promotion campaign following the disappointment of last season.
Jack Ross knows only promotion will do, and will spend the coming weeks assessing what changes he needs to make to his Sunderland squad.
The club released their retained list on Tuesday, with Adam Matthews and Max Stryjek among those leaving Wearside this summer.
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Inside Sunderland's Academy
Stuart Rayner was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Sunderland's Academy. Here are the key stories and features.
Better than Liverpool
Better than Liverpool: How Sunderland's Academy is blazing a trail in football
We're so proud of Henderson and Pickford - but it's just the start
How Sunderland's Academy graduates are making the grade together
Why loan moves can be crucial for Sunderland's stars of tomorrow
From the head down
'From the head down rather than the feet up' - Sunderland's safety net is vital
Judgement comes every day for Sunderland's youngsters - dealing with that is crucial
Sunderland Acacdemy role models don't have to take the Premier League route
Evolution
How Sunderland are at the forefront in the evolution of coaching juniors
Four key principles - but flexibility is the key for Sunderland's Academy
It's not just football - why focus on education and psychological needs is growing
Why
Forget the league table - this is why Sunderland's academy have had a good season
'The academy players probably get more scrutiny' - Sunderland's Lynden Gooch
Premier League poachers provide biggest threat to Sunderland's academy
What Sunderland's first team want from the Academy - and how they deliver
Key Events
The squad numbers available to Sunderland signings next season
A certain Lawrence Shankland wears 17. I wonder if that’s available...
Luke Molyneux reacts after joining Hartlepool
Watch his first interview as a Pools player, here.
Danny Collins on the importance of Sunderland having its own Hall of Fame
Speaking to safc.com, the former Black Cats defender said prior to this Friday’s inaugural Hall of Fame dinner:
“I think it is important for the fans to have a Hall of Fame, as it’s good to remember the players who gave so much to SAFC during their careers.
“The players who have made hundreds of appearances for the club, those who achieved honours, including the two FA Cup wins in 1937 and 1973, the first division titles and, of course, the many promotion seasons we have had, are rightly going to be honoured.
He added: “For the players, I believe they will feel immensely proud with the club showing gratitude towards them and what they did whilst wearing the red and white stripes.”
Hartlepool announce the signing of Luke Molyneux
After being released by Sunderland yesterday, Molyneux has joined Pools on a free transfer.
Reports: Sunderland offer contract to Lawrence Shankland
It appears Sunderland’s interest has now been made concrete.
SUNDERLAND have tabled an offer for ex-Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland.
The prolific frontman has been at the centre of serious interest from a number of clubs following his 34-goal haul in the Scottish Championship last season.
Shankland, 23, left the Somerset Park club at the end of the campaign.
And it had been reported that Rangers, Hull and Nottingham Forest have all been monitoring his progress.
But Jack Ross is desperate to land the hitman and has offered him a deal.
Emmanuel Eboue reflects on his Sunderland departure
Eboue was banned from football for one year for failing to pay a former agent, just weeks after joining Sunderland on a free transfer.
And he has spoken about his struggles in the aftermath of that decision.
He told RMC Sport.
“I couldn’t train during the day and was too embarrassed to stay at home,.
“My children always asked me when I was going to return to the field, so whenever I stepped out in the morning, I pretended to go to work.
“Unbeknown to my children I was staying outside and returning home when they were already in bed. I didn’t want them to ask me why they didn’t see me play on television.”
Jack Rodwell urged to show 'devilment' at Blackburn Rovers
The former Sunderland midfielder is mulling over a new deal at Rovers, and manager Tony Mowbray has been speaking about his future.
“We’re at a stage, I’ve just got back, and his agent has been on the phone to sort a meeting.
“I’m happy to sit down and we’ll see where we both stand.
“I like Jack Rodwell as a human being, as a football his talent is unquestionable.
“He’ll want to know, ultimately, if he is going to play more in the team.
“That will come down to our recruitment, and to him, showing me the devilment he needs to find in his game to make sure he gets in the team.
“I have no problem with Jack being in and around our squad. If he forces his way in to the team and the team is winning then he will stay in the team.”
Max Stryjek's message to Sunderland
After his release yesterday, the Polish goalkeeper took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the Black Cats.
I would like to take a moment to say thank you for over 6 years in @SunderlandAFC. I want to especially give thanks to Mark Pruds who was not just a goalkeeper coach but also a good friend. Thanks to all the staff and people who were supporting me. I wish everyone all the best.
Former Sunderland striker on the move
Veteran forward Jon Stead has joined National League side Harrogate Town.
Stewart Downing 'weighing up' Sunderland offer
The Black Cats are interested in the former England international this summer and he is available on a free transfer.
Blackburn are also interested and a report in the Lancashire Telegraph claims Downing is weighing up a number of offers, including one from Sunderland.
Talking about Blackburn’s interest in the winger, Rovers boss Tony Mowbray said:
“There’s no offer, there’s been conversations.
“Stewart is an out of contact footballer. I’m relaxed and comfortable.
“If Stewart Downing wants to come to Blackburn Rovers then I think he’s a very talented footballer.
“If he wants to go to any of the other clubs that have been mentioned then that’s fine also, whether that’s to play more football or earn a few more quid.
“That would be no problem.”
Potential exits
After Sunderland released their retained list yesterday, Sean McCormick looks at some players who could yet leave Wearside this summer.
Top stories
The most-read overnight.
- Stewart Donald moves to assure fans over Sunderland’s transfer plans
- Sunderland retained list revealed with Matthews and Stryjek leaving
- The impressive amount Sunderland’s squad is worth as League One rank revealed
- Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford: I’ve grown following off-field drama
- Sunderland target Jason Pearce reportedly has his heart set on Portsmouth return
- Maddison, Marquis and Shankland - the players Sunderland fans want to see the Black Cats sign
Morning
Hi everyone and welcome to today’s Sunderland live blog.
We’ve got all the latest news and views coming right up.