Sunderland AFC news RECAP: Blackpool fallout plus Lee Johnson press conference ahead of Plymouth Argyle trip
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With two games remaining the Wearsiders still aren’t guaranteed a play-off place but were helped by the likes of Charlton and Portsmouth conceding late goals in Tuesday’s fixtures.
Blackpool’s Sullay Kaikai scored the only goal of the game as The Tangerines claimed all three points to boost their top-six hopes.
Catch up with all of today’s Black Cats news here.
Sunderland AFC news RECAP (April 28)
Key Events
- Sunderland have gone seven games without a win following last night’s 1-0 defeat by Blackpool.
- The Black Cats dropped to fourth in the table and still aren’t guaranteed a play-off place.
- Lee Johnson’s side were helped by other results as Charlton and Portsmouth dropped points.
- Sunderland are now preparing for Saturday’s trip to Plymouth.
Thanks for joining us today
We’re signing off for today but you can catch up with what was said at Lee Johnson’s press conference by scrolling back through today’s blog.
We’ll be back bright and early tomorrow and will have more news, analysis and more on the SAFC section of the Sunderland Echo website.
See you soon.
Johnson on social media blackout
“I think it’s something. I don’t think it will change a lot if I’m honest. It’s a consideration and effort to try and stop something like this.”
“It will never stop until people are asked for verification with a driving license or passport or something like that.”
Johnson on anxiety from fans
“I understand their anxiety but all I can do is give off really positive vibes, which I believe because I can’t fake it.
“If we can get over the line for that play-offs, I fancy us against anyone over two legs.”
Johnson on poor form
“I’m disappointed of course because I believe in this group.
“We have had good moments in this run, we have made some big errors but our attacking play has been really good.
“Last night it didn’t quite feel the same until we threw caution to the wind in the last few minutes.”
Johnson on injuries
“There are a couple of considerations that I don’t really want to reveal.
“Jake Vokins played for the 23s, Flannos is quite good, he’s not quite ready to join in with the boys this weekend.
“Connor McLaughlin could be involved this weekend.
“If you guaranteed me a ticket for the play-offs, there’s a couple that wouldn’t play.”
Johnson on Sunderland’s slump
“I’m very positive about the play-off but there’s no doubt there is a concern about our short-term form. I think there are a number of factors which go into any slump.
“The number of games, the contract situation can play on some peoples’ minds , players playing in different positions.
“Our back four unit was a lot better than it has been last night.”
Johnson on Blackpool
“I thought both teams nullified each other in the first half which we tried to correct, which in a sense we did only to get hit by another sucker punch.
“I thought they were a good side and we looked a little bit leggy, which is understandable given the games we’ve had. “
“We didn’t rally like we needed to and in the end they did well to come out with a win.”