Bristol Rovers

Charlie Methven.

Methven acted as 'broker' for Bristol Rovers before Charlton takeover James Copley

Moses Odubajo of Queens Park Rangers is challenged by Bali Mumba. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images).

Ex-Sunderland youngster a vital part of Plymouth promotion push Ben Lightfoot

Jordan Willis in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle at Stadium of Light on January 19, 2021.

How Jordan Willis is doing at Wycombe Wanderers James Copley

Graeme Murty. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images).

Sunderland Under-21 boss linked with EFL job Richard Mennear

Josh Coburn of Middlesbrough. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images).

Middlesbrough make loan decision on striker ahead of January Richard Mennear

‘Bad omen’: Why Helen Flanagan and Bristol Rovers Scott Sinclair split Ethan Evans

Joey Barton, manager of Bristol Rovers.

Joey Barton responds to Bristol Rovers fans booing after winless run

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Former Olympique Marseille player and current Bristol Rovers manager, Joey Barton looks on from the crowd during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Marseille at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

SAFC defeat NUFC in youth game as Cats loanee nets hat-trick against Joey Barton James Copley

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Sunderland manager Alex Neil reacts on the touchline during the Sky Bet Championship between Sunderland and Coventry City at Stadium of Light on July 31, 2022 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Neil spotted watching Barton's Bristol Rovers lose to Barnsley in League One James Copley

Newcastle United No.1 Martin Dubravka.

This is why Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka's one to watch on tour Miles Starforth

John Marquis of Portsmouth in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Portsmouth and Northampton Town at Fratton Park on October 27, 2020.

Former £10m-rated SAFC 'target' joins Barton at Bristol Rovers in League One James Copley

Elliot Anderson celebrates his side's seventh goal during against Scunthorpe United.

Elliot Anderson set for Newcastle United opportunity Miles Starforth

Eden Hazard will reportedly snub moves to Newcastle United and Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Round-Up: Ex-Chelsea star to ‘snub’ transfer to Newcastle and Arsenal Joe Buck

Matty Longstaff in pre-season.

Nigel Clough issues update on Newcastle United's Matty Longstaff Miles Starforth

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Ali Koiki of Northampton Town in action during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Forest Green Rovers at Sixfields on January 15, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

What are SAFC fans are saying about Northampton Town left-back transfer links James Copley

Lee Johnson Sunderland AFC 1-0 Bolton Wanderers FC EFL1 Stadium of Light 25-09-2021. Picture by FRANK REID.

How Sunderland compared in League One this time last season

Sunderland attacking midfielder Elliot Embleton

Embleton to Blackpool update provided as Barton set for Bristol Rovers return James Copley

Aiden O'Brien scores against Port Vale earlier this year

Sunderland discover Carabao Cup first round opponents Phil Smith

Sunderland's promotion rivals set to take financial hit as Portsmouth man makes telling transfer admission

League One round-up: Sunderland's promotion rivals set to take financial hit Mark Donnelly

Joey Barton, manager of Bristol Rovers, looks on following the Sky Bet League One match between Bristol Rovers and Accrington Stanley at Memorial Stadium.

Barton 'won't accept relegation' as Ipswich labelled a 'Sunday League' team James Copley

Joey Barton.

'There’s no way that’s a penalty kick' - This is why Bristol Rovers boss Joey Ba... Richard Mennear

Lynden Gooch in action for Sunderland against Bristol Rovers.

Stephen Elliott: Sunderland deserve huge credit after win over Joey Barton's 'ho... Stephen Elliott

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland AFC news RECAP: Maguire scores in under-23s win; Jones update Jordan Cronin

Who impressed for Sunderland at Bristol Rovers?

Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Who shone and who struggled as Black... Phil Smith

Aiden O'Brien puts Sunderland in the lead

Sunderland secure crucial win over Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers Phil Smith

Lee Johnson has named his Sunderland side to face Bristol Rovers – and fans have been quick to react.

Sunderland fans hail this Johnson call as key man returns against Bristol Rovers Mark Donnelly

The Sunderland team that could face Bristol Rovers today - with TWO changes from Lincoln draw

The Sunderland team that could face Bristol Rovers today Mark Donnelly

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.

SAFC news RECAP: Lee Johnson reveals details of fresh 'COVID situation'

Joey Barton

Joey Barton delivers an extraordinary press conference ahead of Sunderland clash Mark Donnelly

Sunderland Echo SAFC Watch Party.

Sunderland Echo Watch Party for SAFC trip to Bristol Rovers Richard Mennear

Jack Baldwin

Jack Baldwin hails Joey Barton's impact as defender prepares for SAFC reunion Mark Donnelly

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton.

Joey Barton's message to Bristol Rovers squad ahead of Sunderland clash Richard Mennear

Simon Grayson during his days as Sunderland manager.

Ex-SAFC boss handed permanent contract as promotion rivals suffer double blow James Copley

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.

SAFC transfer news RECAP: Roy Keane to Celtic and Jordan Jones injury latest James Copley

Joey Barton, Bristol Rovers manager.

Joey Barton opens up on problems facing Bristol Rovers ahead of Sunderland clash Richard Mennear

Joey Barton, manager of Bristol Rovers, looks on following the Sky Bet League One match between Bristol Rovers and Accrington Stanley at Memorial Stadium on March 9, 2021

Every time Joey Barton has tried to wind up Sunderland fans James Copley

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.

SAFC transfer news LIVE: Wolves defender discusses future Joe Nicholson

Denver Hume

Denver Hume set to step up injury return in behind closed doors friendly Mark Donnelly

Crystal Palace v Sunderland U23s

Crystal Palace v SAFC U23s RECAP: Late drama in Premier League 2 clash Joe Nicholson

Dean Whitehead of Sunderland celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premiership match agains Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on October 29, 2005.

Whitehead eyeing managerial role as bookies offer short odds on Wear-Tyne derby James Copley

Joey Barton is the new Bristol Rovers manager.

Joey Barton to face Sunderland again after being named Bristol Rovers manager Ross Gregory

Charlie Wyke recalls the bizarre story of his first senior hat-trick

Burgled and hacked: Charlie Wyke tells the bizarre story of his first hat-trick Mark Donnelly

Mark Carruthers' Non-League verdict: FA Cup memories and why the hard work starts after the big day

Mark Carruthers' Non-League verdict: FA Cup memories and what happens next Mark Carruthers