Expert makes 'spectacularly bad' Sunderland claim as League One referees slammed after 'horrific' calls

Here’s the latest news from around the third tier concerning Sunderland and they rivals:

Financial expert offers their take on Sunderland’s Premier League losses

Kieran Maguire has been speaking to the Price of Football podcast about Sunderland’s financial losses during their time in the Premier League – after a week which saw the Black Cats release their latest set of accounts.

And the financial expert wasn’t shy in voicing his opinions on the ‘spectacularly bad’ decisions made by previous regimes.

"They are the fifth-biggest loss-makers in Premier League history,” he explained.

"If you take a look at the payoffs that they’ve had to former chief executives, they’re quite spectacular.

“What have they got for being the fifth-biggest loss-makers in Premier League history? They’ve got three years in League One, despite for two of those years being in receipt of parachute payments.

He continued: “Historically, some of the people that have been running your club from a financial point of view have made spectacularly bad decisions on a regular basis.”

Play-off rivals Blackpool handed injury boost

Blackpool could be set to be handed a double injury boost ahead of the League One play-offs.

While the Seasiders are yet to mathematically secure their place in the top six, a point from their final two games will be enough.

And their ranks have been bolstered by the returns of defender Marvin Ekpiteta and forward Keshi Anderson.

When quizzed on their returns, Critchley joked: “I had to shut him [Anderson] up because he’s been telling me how long he should get and that he was ready to play.

“That was a decision we took on Friday. He trained during the week and we felt with the games we’ve got coming up, now was the time to start introducing him back.

“We didn’t need to wait because he’s done everything in training. He’s fit and ready to go.

"He’s another one where he’s done his work to the absolute letter. He’s done everything by the book, wanted to get back and done his work unbelievably well. This is his reward.

“If we can extend our season, we’ll get the best of Keshi at a very good time.”

League One referees slammed after ‘horrific’ calls

Both Gillingham and Lincoln City have received apologies from the EFL’s head of refereeing Mike Jones after decisions went against their sides on Saturday.

The Gills saw a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside before a controversially-awarded corner led to Burton Albion netting a late leveller.

“It’s a wrong call by the assistant referee and little consolation on a Sunday morning,” said manager Steve Evans

“I look at the season and wonder why the standard of officials has dropped so low this season and that is coming from all the managers, and indeed supporters, we cannot all be wrong.”

Lincoln, meanwhile, were denied a shot at automatic promotion after a late penalty was awarded to Peterborough United in the two sides’ 3-3 draw.

"Basically, they’re apologising for the decision,” said Imps boss Michael Appleton.

"I’m not surprised. I think it was one of them, it was that horrific, they couldn't do anything other than apologise. It doesn’t change anything. It wasn’t a good day for the ref.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor