Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Massive injury blow as Wolves loanee Dion Sanderson faces spell on the sidelines

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Sunderland followed a 2-2 draw against Hull City with a 3-3 draw with Accrington Stanley at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Black Cats are currently on a six-game winless run and haven’t won since the Good Friday clash against Oxford United.

But can Lee Johnson’s men regain any sort of form heading into the play-offs?

Indeed, if they win tonight and Portsmouth lose, Sunderland would be mathematically guaranteed a spot in the play-offs.

And the Sunderland Echo will have full coverage of the build-up to the clash plus the game itself in our live blog.

We’ll also be hosting another Watch Party – including live commentary and analysis of the clash with Blackpool – which you can find on our Facebook, Twitter and Daily Motion pages.

Here’s the latest from the Stadium of Light as Johnson’s men prepare to face the Tangerines at 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 (April 27)

Key Events

Sunderland face Blackpool at the Stadium of Light tonight (7pm kick-off).
Dion Sanderson is likely to miss the rest of the season with a back injury.
The Black Cats are currently on a six-game winless run.
Charlie Wyke has been shortlisted for the EFL’s League One Player of the Season award.

Mon, 26 Apr, 2021, 13:04 BST

Cats appoint new head of player recruitment

Stuart Harvey says he is relishing the chance to implement an ‘innovative model’ at Sunderland – having been confirmed as the club’s head of player recruitment.

Harvey joins the club from Blackburn Rovers where he was the Championship side’s head of club talent identification and player analysis and fills the void left by former recruitment chief Tony Coton, who left the Academy of Light last summer.

His appointment is the latest in a string of changes made by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus since his arrival on Wearside, with Sunderland’s footballing structure having been almost entirely rebuilt.

Harvey will help Sunderland implement their new data-led recruitment model and will work closely with Kristjaan Speakman, Lee Johnson and new head of data and analysis James Young.

Mon, 26 Apr, 2021, 10:42 BST

How can you watch and follow the game tonight?

What channel is Sunderland vs Blackpool on?

Unfortunately, the League One match between Sunderland and Blackpool won’t be shown on television.

Unlike the Black Cats’ games against Peterborough United in League One and Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy final, this fixture hasn’t been chosen to be broadcast.

Can I stream Sunderland vs Blackpool online?

Yes, Sunderland’s game against Blackpool will be streamed on iFollow via SAFSEE.

Frankie Francis and Danny Collins will be live from the 30 minutes before kick-off, with the duo also providing post-match analysis and reaction.

New users can set up an account and pay £10 to view the game by clicking here.

Existing users with a season pass can view the game by following this link.

The Sunderland Echo will also have full coverage from the Stadium of Light and will be hosting another Watch Party which you can find on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Mon, 26 Apr, 2021, 10:41 BST

Would you make changes?

Mon, 26 Apr, 2021, 10:40 BST

Portsmouth owner makes bold play-off prediction ahead of final games

Pompey owner Michael Eisner has predicted that Portsmouth can gain promotion through the play-offs this season,

Portsmouth could face Sunderland if they do make it into the play-offs.

Danny Cowley’s side are only outside the top six on goal difference, tied on points with Blackpool and Oxford United above them with three games left to play.

But Eisner remains confident that Pompey will be successful in their quest and took to social to send a message to the club’s supporters.

He tweeted: “I’m feeling Pompey will get into the playoffs and get promoted to the Championship.

He added: “Yes, I’m an optimist,” with the hashtag ‘Play up Pompey’.”

Mon, 26 Apr, 2021, 10:39 BST

Former Sunderland managers emerge as surprise contenders for Tottenham job with bookies

Chris Coleman has been installed as a contender for the vacant Tottenham job following Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

Ryan Mason is currently in temporary charge and oversaw Spurs’ 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup yesterday.

The former Wales and Black Cats manager has been installed at 40/1 with SkyBet to take the job.

Another former Sunderland boss, David Moyes, currently at West Ham, is also an outside shot at 50/1 with Roy Keane at the same price.

Sam Allardyce is a massive outside shot at 100/1 with Paddy Power.