Sunderland AFC news RECAP: Lee Johnson eyeing Everton reinforcement, Grant Leadbitter retires, Cats prepare for Fleetwood Town in League One

Sunderland’s impressive early campaign form continued at the weekend with another victory last weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A thrilling first half saw the Black Cats take the lead against Accrington Stanley through a Dan Neil screamer before Stanley levelled the scores after a Michael Nottingham header.

Carl Winchester put Lee Johnson’s men back ahead in the second half and Sunderland were able to hold on for the win and remain top of the division.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Focus now switches to this weekend’s trip to Fleetwood Town in League One.

The Echo's live daily Sunderland AFC blog.The Echo's live daily Sunderland AFC blog.
The Echo's live daily Sunderland AFC blog.

Sunderland are pushing for promotion this season and are the early pacesetters in the third tier as they look to build on an impressive window and a good start.

Simply scroll down for the latest news from the Stadium of Light:

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

Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP (September 14)

Key Events

  • Sunderland face Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Saturday
  • The Black Cats defeated Accrington Stanley last weekend to remain top of the table
  • Lee Johnson is reportedly looking to bring a fresh face to his coaching setup

Thanks for joining us today

We’re signing off for today but will be back bright and early tomorrow as the Black Cats prepare for Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood.

You can also find much more analysis, news and more on the SAFC section of the Echo website.

See you soon.

The former SAFC striker considered retirement

Striker Andrew Nelson has spoken candidly about how he considered ‘walking away’ from football due to injury.

The Sunderland academy prospect is now in his second spell with National League North side Darlington following an unsuccessful period with Torquay United and he has now opened up on his struggles over the last 18-months that led to him questioning his career, despite being just 23-years-old.

“Because of the knee injury that I picked up at Torquay United, the pain has been really bad some days. I wondered whether it was worth going through the pain barrier anymore,” he told the Northern Echo.

The deal has been done

Everton have signed Sunderland youngster Francis Okoronkwo, according to reports.

The Toffees have concluded a deal for the striker in a move worth up to £1m.

That’s according to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope.

The 16-year-old caught the eye on Wearside last season and regularly played above his age group in Sunderland’s U18s team.

Some fantastic memories here

This is how Sunderland fans reacted to the news

Grant Leadbitter has announced his retirement

Grant Leadbitter has announced his retirement from playing professional football.

The hugely popular midfielder says the memories of his two spells at the club his family have supported since he was a boy ‘will live with him forever’.

The 35-year-old has been weighing up his options since leaving Sunderland earlier this summer, and will now consider his next steps in the game.

Everything you need to know

When is Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland?

Sunderland take on Fleetwood Town this coming Saturday (September 18) at Highbury Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.

What are the odds for Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland?

Odds provided by SkyBet.

Sunderland win –1/1

Draw – 9/4

Fleetwood win – 12/5

All odds correct at the time of writing. Over 18s only. Please gamble responsibly and Be Gamble Aware. www.begambleaware.org.

What TV channel is Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland on?

The clash between Sunderland and Fleetwood Town won’t be shown on any television channels.

Can I stream Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland online?

Sunderland’s clash with Fleetwood Town won’t be streamed.

Although the EFL have confirmed that they will return to their pre-COVID-19 position on streaming games this season.

That means Sunderland fans in the UK will not be able to stream games that take place between 2:45 and 5:15 on a Saturday afternoon.

Only fans overseas will be able to stream those games, provided that they have not been selected for international television broadcast in a territory that has an overseas broadcast partner.

However, the EFL have also confirmed that clubs will be able to offer a streaming service to UK supporters for any games that take place outside of that Saturday window.

That means that all midweek games not selected for TV can be streamed, as well as matches moved from their Saturday slot for non-TV purposes.

Games that take place on a bank holiday can be streamed, and all Papa John’s Trophy games up until the semi-final can be streamed.

Are there any other ways I can follow Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland?

BBC Radio Newcastle will provide full match commentary.

Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be available on the following frequencies: 95.4FM, 96FM, 103.7FM, 104.4FM and 1458AM.

The Sunderland Echo will also have full coverage on our website with Phil Smith and Joe Nicholson at the ground.

Are there any tickets available for Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland?

Tickets for the game went on sale last Wednesday but appear to have sold out quickly.

Supporters have been advised by the club that all tickets must be purchased online unless you require a personal assistant ticket, which are available by calling the ticket office on 0371 911 1973.

Is there any team news ahead of Fleetwood Town vs Sunderland?

Thorben Hoffmann started in goal against Accrington Stanley and will likely do so again having replaced Anthony Patterson in the XI last weekend.

Midfielder Corry Evans could be in line to make a return to action after remaining on the bench against Stanley.

And Sunderland fans will be hoping to catch a glimpse of new signing Leon Dajaku after the German was left out of the squad last weekend.

Head coach Lee Johnson is due to speak to the media this week, and The Echo will provide full coverage of everything he has to say ahead of the game against Fleetwood.

Interesting news from Sunderland’s rivals

Promotion rivals suffer injury blow ahead of cup clash with Sunderland

Wigan Athletic have suffered an injury blow early into the season.

That’s after it was revealed that goalkeeper Jamie Jones is set for a spell on the sidelines.

According to Wigan Today, the Latics could be without the stopper for ‘a number of weeks’.

Jones fractured his hand in Wigan’s game against Wolves U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Wigan boss Leam Richardson said: “Jamie fractured his hand in the Wolves game, so he will be out for a number of weeks now. It’s disappointing because he is a big part of what we do.”

Wigan Athletic are currently second in League One with two points separating them from Sunderland in top spot.

Indeed, the Latics could well be without Jones for the clash against the Wearsiders in the Carabao Cup later this month.