Hello and welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Friday, June 14.
With the 2019/2020 League One fixtures to be released in a week's time, planning is well under way at the Stadium of Light ahead of the new season.
The Black Cats have published their retained and released list, which confirmed Robbin Ruiter , Max Stryjek , Adam Matthews and Luke Molyneux were all leaving.
Owner Stewart Donald revealed that potential investment is 'moving along' and it will not hinder the club making in-roads in the transfer window. 'It will not stop any signings from progressing and we are working on targets,' he wrote on Twitter. 'I am sure there will be news soon on players we know we need to keep improving the squad.'
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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
Four new academy teams in the Checkatrade Trophy this season
Some new possible opponents for Sunderland this term.
MK Dons swoop
Wales Under-21 captain Regan Poole has joined MK Dons, the Sky Bet League One club have announced.
Defender Poole makes the switch on a free transfer after being released by Manchester United.
Poole spent last season on loan with Newport, playing 25 times. He becomes MK Dons’ fifth signing of the summer.
The youngster moved to Old Trafford as a 17-year-old in 2015 but made just one appearance for the first team.
Connor Shields close to joining Aldershot on a free transfer
After his release from Sunderland, Shields is close to joining the National League club.
Sunderland striker Connor Shields has agreed a deal to join Aldershot on a free transfer, Football Insider can reveal.
The north-east giants announced earlier this week that the forward, 21, will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.
A source with knowledge of the player’s situation has told Football Insider that Aldershot have moved quickly to agree a deal with Shields as they look to build a side capable of winning promotion back to the National League next season.
Robbin Ruiter
Sunderland goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter has reportedly turned down the chance to sign for Sparta Rotterdam.
AD report that the shot-stopper, who is leaving Wearside this summer, won’t be joining newly-promoted Sparta, but that there is interest from Spain for his services.
Welcome
Hi everyone and welcome to our SAFC live - where you’ll find all the latest Sunderland news and views.
