Sunderland

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An ankle injury picked up in training means Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil will miss the rest of the season.

In a statement on the Club website, The Black Cats say: "Sunderland AFC confirms that Dan Neil will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

"The midfielder has enjoyed another stellar campaign in the Sky Bet Championship, but an ankle injury sustained in training rules him out of the Club’s final three league fixtures.

"Neil will continue his rehabilitation throughout the summer and he is expected to return to action in pre-season."

Nick Barnes has completed his commentary notes for Sunderland v Millwall.

The BBC Radio Newcastle commentator for the Black Cats' beloved colourful books have been published and been part of exhibitions in the past.

You can hear commentary from Barnesy alongside Gary Bennett for Sunderland v Millwall on BBC Radio Newcastle on Saturday from 15.00 BST.

We asked for your predictions and general pre-match thoughts ahead of Sunderland v Millwall. Here are some of your comments:

Linda: Sunderland's last several games hasn't been very good. I therefore think if not a 0-0 draw, Millwall may win by 1 goal. Sunderland, pull your act together for next season!

Darren: This season sees me err on the negative side of things. Since Mowbray left the performances have been mostly poor. Yes, we've found some solidity at the back, but our strikers are sadly lacking. I'm going for another. Having said that I'll say we'll scrape a 1-0 win in a pretty dour game, though watch Honeyman and Watmore spoil the party.

Richard: Scrappy 1-0 (own goal) win.

Colin: Another clean sheet but will we find the net? I think we will, so 2-0 win.

• Sunderland are unbeaten across their last five league games against Millwall (W1 D4), with three of the last four meetings between these two sides finishing 1-1.

• Millwall have won just one of their last ten away league games against Sunderland (D3 L6), whilst two of the Lions’ losses in that time have seen them concede exactly six goals.

• Sunderland have failed to win any of their last five home league games (D2 L3); the Black Cats haven’t endured a longer such run since a run of six matches which ended in January 2021.

• Millwall have lost each of their last three away league games and will be looking to avoid recording four in succession for the first time since September 2019.

• Former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore has scored two goals in his last three league appearances for Millwall, after only netting once across his first 28 Championship outings this season.

Mike Dodds has spoken to Nick Barnes ahead of Sunderland v Millwall.

The interim head coach has given an update on the returns of Dennis Cirkin and Corry Evans alongside a reflection on the Black Cats' recent form and an assessment of Saturday's visitors.

You can also listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here.

Sunderland host Millwall at the Stadium of Light this Saturday with the chance to climb into the top half of the Championship.

After five clean sheets in their last six games, The Black Cats have found some solid form to finish the 2023-24 campaign. If results go their way, Mike Dodds' side could finish the weekend in 11th.

With just three games left to go, Sunderland have nothing to fight for with the play-offs and relegation both now ruled out.

Millwall are in a similar mid-table position, relatively safe from dropping into League One but finishing in the bottom three is still mathematically possible.

What are your general pre-match thoughts and predictions? Have your say here.

Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini has shared his thoughts on Sunderland's 1-0 away win against West Brom.

As a pundit on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, Marco said: "I was surprised how poor West Brom are.

"If you think that they're a team that are probably in a similar position to what we were last season and they just... I kept having to check the table because you just looked at them and thought what on earth are you about here.

"Even before the sending off, they didn't really take the game to us. They didn't cut us open. They didn't really show any intent. Players were slow to the ball.

"Jack Clarke again came into the side. He had a good performance against Leeds the other night and again he was carrying the ball metres and metres and metres before anyone was really engaging him.

"In the end, maybe their frustration, was borne out in those two challenges which caused the red card.

"It was a strange afternoon. A, because of how poor West Brom were and probably how we didn't have to do too much either. They didn't really try to hurt us in the second half.

"We did our job. We kept it tight. We played some nice stuff at times. I thought Bellingham was excellent up front again, made himself available all the time.

"We didn't really have to go and put too much pressure on. Neither team really mounted a great amount of pressure during the game for a 10 or 15 minute spell or anything like that but, you know a nice way to win.

"Sometimes you just do get games like that where you cruise through it, everyone does their job and they deserved it with a fine goal."

We asked for your reaction to Sunderland's 1-0 win against West Brom. Here are some of your comments:

Alex: Rigg at 16 is showing great potential, I hope we can hold onto him. The clean sheets are encouraging too even if we should have got one or two more against ten men. Let’s hope the Millwall game has us moving up the table.

Milo: Is this a win I see before me? Wasn't particularly pretty but a win is a win...

Peter: Well done Mike Dodds turning Sunderland back to winning ways.

Ian: I thought it was a very professional performance. They did the basics well and Patterson had a fairly comfortable afternoon.

Malcolm: What might have been sums up my feelings about a thoroughly botched season.

Colin: Well it was three points against 10 men, but it still doesn't cover up this teams deficiency, I only hope and pray next season is a vast improvement, but I'm not holding my breath.

Jim: Pleasantly surprised and happy to keep another clean sheet.

Richard: Solid performance. Where would we be with a centre forward? Should have speculated by loaning Moore from Bournemouth.

Alex: Very professional performance. A little nervy for a spell ten minutes from time.

Image source, Getty Images

Dan Ballard says being booed by West Brom fans gave him a boost during Sunderland's 1-0 win at The Hawthorns.

The defender received a hostile reception from the Baggies' supporters after a strong challenge on Josh Maja in the reverse fixture left the striker side-lined with injury.

Ballard says the reaction is 'fair enough' and 'fans can do what they want' but admitted he felt tired going into the game and the boo during his first touch inspired a better performance.

You can listen to the full interview here.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland's interim head coach has reflected on his side's win away against West Brom.

The Black Cats' boss emphasised the importance of a professional performance and admitted he would have liked a better attacking intent but liked the lack of involvement from goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

You can listen to the full interview here.

Pierre Ekwah earned Sunderland a 1-0 win over 10-man West Brom at the Hawthorns.

The French midfielder netted in extra time of the first half shortly after Brandon Thomas-Asante was dismissed for the home side, picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Dan Ballard.

The result also means it's Sunderland's fifth clean sheet in six games.

What did you think of the result and the Black Cats' performance? Have your say here.

Nick Barnes has completed his iconic commentary notes ahead of Sunderland's trip to West Brom.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator is famous for his colourful book that has been published in the past and showcased in museums.

You can hear Barnesy's commentary alongside Black Cats legend Gary Bennett on BBC Radio Newcastle on FM, DAB and Freeview from 15:00 BST.

Sunderland have announced a return to their partnership with hummel with the brand becoming 'technical kit partner' from the 2024/25 season.

In a statement on the club website, external, they say: "Rekindling an iconic alliance first born in 1988, the legendary sportswear brand will become the Club’s new Technical Kit Partner from July 2024.

"The multi-million-pound agreement, which will run on an initial five-year term, represents one of the largest commercial deals in the Club’s history."

The Black Cats’ Chief Brand and Commercial Officer David Bruce said: “We have been working on this agreement throughout the season and we are delighted to welcome hummel back to Sunderland.

"Although multiple global brands expressed an interest in SAFC, our ownership group made it clear that any agreement had to be fully bespoke and custom to our Club.

"hummel shone through from day one, demonstrating an understanding of Sunderland that fully embraces our culture and our future. We are thrilled with the collections planned for this summer and beyond, with further developments to our retail and servicing operations also being finalised. Our fans deserve the best and this agreement represents that – it’s for our people, our Club, and our city.”

Neil Burke, the CEO of hummel UK: "We are thrilled to announce our long-term partnership with Sunderland AFC.

"With boundless excitement, we embrace our reunion with Sunderland 30 years after the chevrons left the iconic kit.

"Reaffirming our presence in the heart of English football, our return not only underscores the enduring significance of our partnership but also highlights the pivotal role of the English market in our global strategy.

"To the passionate supporters of Sunderland, you are the lifeblood of this club, and it is our honour to stand by your side once more. Together, we forge ahead, unified in our dedication to excellence and the enduring legacy of Sunderland Association Football Club."

We asked for your reaction to Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Leeds. Here are some of your comments:

Colin: Not a great performance but happy with a point.

Humph: Will take that, a clean sheet and 0-0.

Mick: To those that thought that Leeds would run away with a cricket score get a grip. It's 11 v 11. You can have all the possession but not putting the ball in the back of the net, you get nowt. Four points gained over second in the Championship. Ha'way the lads. Onwards and upwards.

Eva: A lot of effort put in by the lads which is important given the backing they had at Elland Road. Could have gone either way if Leeds had got a penalty or two but we had good chances too through Jack Clarke. I hope the team pull out some more good results and that leaves our owners rueing poor decisions they have made this season!

Doug: The hysteria continues unabated from certain quarters but as last night's performance amply demonstrates we've had a transitional season punctuated by one poor managerial appointment. If Speakman can find the humility to learn from his mistake we should continue to progress. We have a young squad that can benefit from another year in this league.

David: Two 0-0’s in a row. Oh for a Striker who can score. Here’s hoping.

Bob: Sunderland hierarchy take note. Without a centre forward our team struggle to score goals. Although it’s only been approximately 20 months since Ross Steward was injured.

Jim: An unexpected bonus point so I will take it. Great to keep a clean sheet again shame we can't score!

Andy: Went in hoping for a 0-0. We played for a 0-0. The result was 0-0. We got the job done.

Gary: Well executed game plan, rode our luck with handball penalty off O’Nien. Good point away from home; surely the senior team have to invest in two recognised forwards and bring in the new manager asap to hit the ground running with play offs next season a minimum target, but a top 2 finish the main objective.

Richard: Super all round performance. Could have nicked it with a centre forward.

Image source, Getty Images

Mike Dodds has shared his thoughts on Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Leeds.

The interim head coach told BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Nick Barnes after the game at Elland Road, "The out of possession stuff I thought we were really good with.

"We obviously played them earlier in the year and nullified them then. They made one shot on target which I think is an achievement based on the Premier League talent they have at the top end of the pitch. So, I'm happy from what perspective.

"I thought our in possession stuff wasn't good enough. We need to be better with the ball. I think we would have made it a much more comfortable evening for ourselves if we had been better with the ball and that's something we've discussed in there [the dressing room].

"I think that's, what, four clean sheets in our last five games now? So, the out of possession stuff, I think we're in a really good spot albeit one of the games we want to try and forget.

"If we can improve the in possession stuff, we're a match for anyone in the league."

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here.

Sunderland held promotion chasing Leeds to a 0-0 draw away at Elland Road.

It's the Black Cats' second successive scoreless game but Mike Dodds' side can be happy to pick up back-to-back clean sheets in the Championship after a solid defensive display.

Sunderland remain 13th in the league table while the result takes Leeds to second and in place for automatic promotion to the Premier League but have played an extra game than rivals Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

What did you think of the performance and result? Have your say here.

We asked for your thoughts and score predictions ahead of Leeds v Sunderland. Here are some of your comments:

Alan: We will struggle to score. Leeds should pressure us throughout the match. Can't see us getting much. Hope for a 0-0.

Colin: Can't go beyond a home win. They are much better team than us.

Johnny: In my opinion, if we play like we did on Saturday, then we can provide a good test for Leeds. Also, the side lost their last game against Coventry. Ironically, it was Ellis Simms who got the first goal. That result for Leeds should halt their momentum and, we take the performance to Elland Road, we could get something out of the game. I think 2-2.

Steve: Sunderland are very easy to play against press and close them down and they will continue to make mistakes and give the ball away my prediction v Leeds is 4-1. Hope I am wrong.

Geoff: Leeds 6-0 Sunderland. We are now an easy target for teams. We are poorly managed. Our transfer market failures this season have cost us dearly and the appointment of Michael Beale shows the management is out of touch with the fans. A total disaster.

Dan: Leeds away. Hmmm. The optimism from the beginning of the season has evaporated. Now left just hoping it won’t be a cricket score.

David: Can't see any other result than a Leeds win, 3-0. Leeds will want to get back to winning ways after Saturday's defeat.

Kevin: It’s going to be a long night. Bring on the end of the season and hopefully a major rethink about the club’s direction of travel.

• Leeds United are winless in their four home league games against Sunderland (D1 L3) since a 2-0 win at Elland Road in the Premier League in April 2002.

• Sunderland are aiming to complete a league double over Leeds United outside of the top-flight for just the second time after the 2006-07 season, following a 1-0 home win in December.

• Leeds are yet to taste defeat at Elland Road in the Championship this season (W16 D4), while they could record 10 successive home wins in the top two tiers of English football for the first time since August 1969 (run of 13).

• Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Cardiff last month ended a run of seven successive away league games without a win (D2 L5); they last won successive away league games in September (run of three).

• All 11 of Dan James’ home league goals for Leeds this season have come across the last 14 games, with no player in the competition netting in more different home games this season than his 10.

Image source, Getty Images

Mike Dodds has confirmed Trai Hume was injured during Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Bristol City.

The interim head coach told BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Nick Barnes, "Trai picked up a little bit of a knock in the game.

"He got through it. There's one or two we're having to manage a little bit. So we'll see how they react.

"There's obviously still another 24 hours 'til the game and 24 hours can be a lifesaver for someone like myself when you're relying on certain players so we'll see how they react in the morning but there were one or two that obviously left the game slightly worse for wear shall we say."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here.