Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Lee Johnson press conference plus Aiden McGeady update Black Cats prepare for Lincoln City second leg
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The Black Cats will have to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final clash against The Imps
Lee Johnson’s men have a major task on their handson Wearside this weekend after a shocking performance at Sincil Bank last weekend.
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Hide AdAfter a tepid first half, the game sprung into life in the second period with Jordan Jones and Bailey Wright striking the bar in quick succession.
But Sunderland would be made to rue those missed chances when Tom Hopper put the Imps ahead, with Brennan Johnson then doubling the lead later in the second half.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson spoke to the media earlier today and provided updates on Aiden McGeady, Chris Maguire and Charlie Wyke.
Here’s the latest SAFC news from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP ( May 21)
Key Events
- Sunderland lost 2-0 to Lincoln City at Sincil Bank in the first-leg of the play-off semi-final
- The Black Cats now face the mammoth task of overturning that scoreline at the Stadium of Light this Saturday
- 10,000 fans will be permitted to return to the Stadium of Light for the first time since the pandemic
- Johnson will held his pre-match press conference earlier today
Thanks for joining us today
We’re signing off for today but have plenty more Black Cats content on the Sunderland AFC section of the Echo website.
We’ll have plenty more build-up ahead of tomorrow’s 3:30pm kick-off against Lincoln, as well as in-game analysis and post-match reaction.
See you soon.
Johnson on fans returning to the Stadium of Light
“We should really put a lot of credit to everyone at the Stadium of Light.
“Hopefully that’s them playing their part in a successful game for us. Everyone knows we need that support for 96 minutes and I think the fans will be right up for it.”
Johnson on fans returning at Lincoln
“I think it affected the referee. If you look at not just our game but a number of games.
“Certainly it was different, even to the point where you get used to not getting stick as a player and a coach.
“Thankfully we will be able to bank that now and move onto the next game.”
Johnson on McGeady
“It’s difficult for me to reveal contract situations, that’s not my place or fair on the player.
“All I can say is Aiden has been top drawer throughout my tenure and has proved his class.
”It shows he is a top human and a top player that he is available.”
Johnson on Maguire
“I think Chris is in the squad and is in the squad for a reason. He’s ready to go if we need him.”
Johnson on his defence
“That’s been the hardest part of my tenure, juggling that back four and the fitness.
“We’ve had to throw in players who have been nine, 10 weeks out and that hasn’t always gone to our advantage.
“You have to give the players credit for stepping up. At times they haven’t been 100 per cent fit and that’s just been unfortunate.
“Denver Hume and Conor McLaughlin are now both out for the season.”
Johnson on coming from behind
“It’s not the goalscoring bit that worries me but we have to be better defensively but without a question of a doubt the attitude for this game has to be about scoring goals.”
Johnson on lack of service for Charlie Wyke
“I think Charlie has got to get aggressive. He’s had a thigh injury and I need to see him back at it in terms of his sprints.
“I think it comes down to influence as we, can you influence your team-mate to deliver the right cross at the right time?
“At times we had good delivery into the forwards and at times the delivery was nowhere near good enough particularly in that first half hour.”
Johnson on Lincoln
“Strangely enough I thought we were much better in the second half after we conceded two goals.
“In the first half we lacked a bit of fluidity until the last 15 minutes and didn’t do enough, and in the second half it was much better.
“I think goals change games and that’s no different with this one. We have to have an attitude to score goals and be brave with our set-plays and mindset.”