Sunderland

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your reaction to Alex Pritchard's Sunderland exit as the midfielder joined Birmingham City on deadline day.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Very sorry to see Pritchard go, one of Sunderland's best players we can ill afford to lose. Don't know what has gone on at the club regarding Pritchard, but he has acted in a very unprofessional way refusing to play for us again when he was under contract.

Robert: A good player and undoubtedly a loss to SAFC. The club needs to sign rather than lose a few more experienced players proven in the Championship to help the development of the younger squad members. I am not in a position to condemn him without knowing all the facts. As long as anyone in his position is prepared to take the consequences!

Simon: Selling Pritchard feels like a real backwards move. He is arguably the best midfielder we've had in a long time and the fact he is going to Birmingham to join Mowbray says it all. Beale is not up to the job and I just hope he doesn't drag us back into a relegation battle either this season or next. We should never have sacked Mowbray...

Phil: No fit player, under a reasonable contact, should be allowed to refuse to play! I do think he should have been given an improved contact, due to his importance over the last 18 months. Obviously, the club felt differently!

Charlie: While it’s disappointing to see Pritchard leave it’s been expected especially since he refused to play at the weekend. He has been a popular player since he arrived and helped the club to move forward but everyone’s time comes to an end eventually so goodbye and good luck in the future and thanks for the memories.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland defender Nectarios Triantis has joined Hibernian on loan for the rest of the season.

The Australian centre-back joined the Black Cats in the summer but has spent more time in the youth set-up than with the first team and will be looking for more playing time in Scotland.

Triantis reunites with former manager Nick Montgomery who he played under at Central Coast Mariners.

On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says, “Nectar’s move to Sunderland last summer was a big step for him – professionally and personally – and we are really pleased with his progress.

"We were happy for him to remain at the Club for the rest of the season, but felt this was a unique opportunity in a strong league at a Club where he has existing relationships, which will only help him.

"He has a strong ambition to play regularly during the remainder of the campaign, which we fully support, and we hope this period concludes a really positive start to his time at Sunderland AFC.”

Image source, Getty Images

Alex Pritchard has posted a goodbye message on Instagram after joining Birmingham City on transfer deadline day.

The 30-year-old midfielder says, "Dear Sunderland fans, staff, and team mates.

"I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing fans, dedicated staff, and everyone associated with the club. Your unwavering support and passion have meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the unforgettable memories we’ve shared.

"I am immensely proud of the part I played in our promotion and the exhilarating experiences of competing in the Championship. These moments will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish them for the rest of my career.

"At this point of my career, stability and security are paramount, so I had to explore other avenues in the best interest for my career.

"Once again, I want to express my deepest thanks to each and every one of you for your incredible support and the unforgettable journey we’ve shared. I will always look back on my time at Sunderland with fondness and pride. I wish you nothing but success for the future.

"With warm regards,

"Pritch 🔴⚪️"

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland's new winger Romaine Mundle is ready and raring to go on Wearside.

In an interview with the club, the 20-year-old discusses what attracted him to the Black Cats and his experience at Tottenham and Standard Liege but his face really lights up when asked what kind of player he is.

"Quick winger. Skilful and willing to work hard" sounds like the makings of a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.

Mundle says the move feels "surreal" and he "can't wait to get started, play in front of the fans and develop as a player."

The winger says, "For me, it was a no brainer. A club with a lot of history and I thought, yeah, this could be the right move for me in order to proceed in my career.

"The project and the fan base, the staff, I can't really say no to be honest. Sunderland is a massive club in England and I thought for me and my development, I thought this was the right step."

It's clear the fans are a big draw for Sunderland's recruitment team. With the highest home and away attendances in the Championship - besting plenty of the Premier League crowds too.

After visiting the Stadium of Light, Mundle said, "I can't wait for it to be packed and playing in front of the fans. Amazing stadium. It just needs to get going now."

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland full-back Trai Hume faces tough competition at right-back for Northern Ireland with the emergence of Liverpool's Conor Bradley.

Hume has become one of the Black Cats' key players while Bradley has broken into Jurgen Klopp's side following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold and has impressed with six goal contributions in nine appearances this season.

When asked about fitting Hume and Bradley into the team, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said, external, "Trai is a very versatile player.

"If you looked at the start of the campaign, we played with three at the back. So, we played with a wing-back.

"I felt Conor was better suited in the first two games and Trai didn't play in the first two games because I had watched a lot of Conor play as a wing-back for Bolton. So, they were playing with that system and he played extremely well.

"Trai was playing more as a traditional right-back in a back four for Sunderland. But what Trai has is great flexibility. I was at his game on Saturday against Stoke, he was playing left-back. He's played left-back for us, he's a left-wing-back out in Denmark.

"That's the challenge. I think Conor can play in various positions as well. I think he's versatile. I think he could play higher up.

"They could both play on the right hand side depending on what system of play you play and I think either player if push came to shove, would be comfortable playing on the left hand side of the pitch.

"So, it's a nice problem to have. I'd rather have it than not have it."

Image source, Getty Images

On BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport, Marco Gabbiadini discussed the possibility of Luke O'Nien moving back to midfield.

The former Sunderland striker said, "Now we've got some more defensive options, maybe Luke O'Nien might end up back in midfield again because I do think we need a little bit more steel in there."

O'Nien has partnered Dan Ballard this season for Sunderland but has previously played all over the pitch for the Black Cats, initially as a central midfielder.

The current club captain faces competition from new signing Leo Hjelde who can play left-back or left-centre-back and Jenson Seelt, who has been impressing at right-back, is an option at centre-back too.

With Timothee Pembele returning from injury and Trai Hume currently playing on the left, Sunderland are developing a strong depth of right-backs which could see Seelt force his way in at centre-back instead.

Gabbiadini said, "I thought Seelt did well on Saturday. He likes a tackle, gets stuck in but also not afraid to pass forward. He did pass forward quicker. It wasn't intricate from him. He got the ball into dangerous areas.

"I thought he did okay but all these players, they all have the same issue, they all want to play and get more minutes to keep improving. Pembele we've not really seen hardly any of him, so he'll be desperate to try and get some minutes under the belt but there's a few options."

When considering Sunderland's currently injured defensive options of Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, Niall Huggins. If everyone is fully fit, there's an embarrassment of riches in defence for Sunderland.

Corry Evans has been out for some time with a serious injury and Jay Matete has struggled with fitness too.

Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham have played the majority of games this season but there is a lack of cover and all of them have shown their strength in more attacking positions.

Many fans are crying out for a holding midfielder. Is Luke O'Nien the man for the job?

Have your say here.

Image source, Sunderland AFC

Sunderland have announced the signing of Romaine Mundle.

The winger joins the Black Cats from Belgian side Standard Liege on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

On the club website sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said, “Talented players like Romaine are highly sought after and we saw this first hand in the summer when he left Tottenham Hotspur.

"We didn’t anticipate him being available on a permanent basis, but when we sensed an opportunity, we moved quickly and decisively to make it happen - our ways of working and structure are a real strength in these moments.

"This is an important step in Romaine's career following a spell overseas and we look forward to helping him settle, as he makes Sunderland his new home.

"He’s got a bright future ahead of him as part of an exciting squad, and we look forward to working with him."

Image source, Birmingham City FC

Alex Pritchard has joined Championship rivals Birmingham City, reuniting with former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.

On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said, “First and foremost, we thank Alex for the contribution he has made to Sunderland AFC.

"He played an important role in our promotion from League One and has been a prominent member of our squad in the Championship, and I’m sure he will be fondly remembered by our supporters.

"Transfer windows are challenging periods for all involved, so we are pleased to have reached a suitable conclusion for the Club and Alex, who leaves with our best wishes.”

Pritchard was highly admired for his forward thinking creativity in midfield but in his final week some fans may have soured on him after the 30-year-old refused to play against Stoke City withdrawing himself from selection.

How will you remember Pritchard and how do you feel about him leaving?

As deadline day looms, we want to know what your ideal final day of transfer business would look like for Sunderland.

So far the only business of the window has been signing Leo Hjelde from Leeds and Jewison Bennette leaving on loan to Aris FC.

Do the Black Cats need to make any signings? If so, who should they look to bring in? And does anyone need to be offloaded?

Alex Pritchard looks set to leave the club while Romaine Mundle appears Wearside-bound. Amad Diallo and Kieffer Moore are also among the names reportedly linked with Sunderland.

Let us know your views here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has reacted to Jewison Bennette leaving the club to join Aris FC on loan.

On Total Sport, BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in, the Black Cats icon said: "He's a player who's played in a World Cup so immediately your ears prick up and think 'oh god, he must have a chance' but he came very young.

"He's still very young and hasn't quite got regular minutes has he?

"We've seen some flashes of quality from him but he hasn't been able to put together enough to make a case to be a regular in the team.

"From what I've read there's been talk of a view to a permanent deal but that's been knocked back so, I think probably the thinking is that he goes and gets some experience and comes back to us in the future and keeps progressing.

"As I've said, very young player, we've seen he has the ability to excited but you know, you've got to bring consistency and a little bit more experience to the table and that's what this will do.

"Fair play to these lads, you know, he's Costa Rican, he's come over to England, he's had time here and now he's going off to Greece which is again a very different culture.

"I had a little spell in Greece. There's an intensity about Greek football and he'll have to get up to that speed very quickly."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Newcastle understands that Sunderland are still short of what Bournemouth want for striker Kieffer Moore.

The Cherries don't think star man Dominic Solanke is going anywhere and may be minded to keep Moore, so it may be down to how much the Black Cats' target agitates for a move.

Ipswich and Sunderland appear to be ahead of Cardiff but all three clubs remain a long way off what Bournemouth are looking for in terms of wage contribution.

Image source, Getty Images

Jack Clarke's agent, Ian Harte has denied claims of a bid from Luton for the Sunderland winger.

A transfer rumour page on X posted, "Luton Town have made a £10M for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke. The deal could rise up to as much as £20M based on performance bonuses.

"The agent of the player will be down south to discuss contract terms, it’s thought he’s been offered a four and a half year deal.

"Medical to happen whilst contract terms discussed."

In response, Harte quoted the post, adding "Luton are having a fantastic season but this is not true."

Speculation is rife as to whether Clarke will remain on Wearside. The Black Cats have rejected bids from Lazio in the past week and a number of Premier League clubs including West Ham and Burnley are long-term admirers of the 23-year-old.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has repeatedly insisted in interviews that there is no pressure to sell their best players.

Image source, Getty Images

On this day in 2015, Jermain Defoe scored his first goal for Sunderland.

The England international signed for the Black Cats on 16 January from Toronto. His debut came away at former club Tottenham the following day. He failed to score, breaking his record of scoring on his first appearance for every club he's played for.

His first goal would come in his home debut instead, netting against Burnley in a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

The striker would go on to score 37 times in 100 appearances across two stints for Sunderland.

Image source, Getty Images

Marco Gabbiadini has spoken about the potential signing of Romaine Mundle as a succession plan from Sunderland for the possibly outgoing Jack Clarke.

Talking on BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport, the former Sunderland striker said: "It's difficult because I know it's not what the fans want.

"They want some experienced players and we've heard the manager say he wants some grey hairs in the dressing room but these two players [Hjelde and Mundle] aren't filling that, but you can look at this as a succession signing, can't you?

"Jack Clarke may or may not go in this window but if he carries on as he has done in the last 12 months. Let's hope that again he does. This is where the bigger picture works.

"Jack Clarke was a player whose career wasn't going in the right direction when he came to the club but he's been given the minutes and he's been given the patience and played in a team that's played good football and he's given a lot back to the team and to the club and he's ready now to move on to the next level, you would think.

"Keeping that conveyor belt going is going to be the big test for Kristjaan Speakman and his team."

After the discussion of first games came up on the Total Sport Sunderland AFC podcast, we asked you about your first experiences fo watching the Black Cats.

John: Not my first game but the first I can remember specifically. 1964 FA Cup quarter-final vs Man U. Two replays, I missed the second in Leeds, 270 minutes, 16 goals, sadly knocked out 5-1 in the second replay. Aged 11, I took a stool to stand on at Old Trafford so I could see.

Samson: There was a blizzard during the game and it got abandoned after 20 minutes. This was in the middle of April! Rory Delap broke his nose!

David: My first ever game was back in the days of Roker Park and a gentleman by the name of James Baxter (The late, GREAT) was making his debut, against Sheffield United, I believe he actually scored two goals that day...MAGICAL.

Alan: My first Sunderland game was on the 26 December 1962. My biggest memory of the game was of Brian Clough getting injured and seeing him being stretched off. Although he tried to make a comeback later on in his career ultimately this ended his playing. The team they were playing was Bury and their centre half at the time was a lad called Bob Stokoe.

Tony: Sunderland v Sheff Wed, 1-2 at Roker Park. First Division but both went down that season. Great steak pies and bovril in The Clock Stand. 8-years-old.

Steve: First game: Home to Forest in 1965, won 4-0 in our first season back in the First Division. I remember Mike Hellawell scored one of the goals.

Simon: My first ever game was Sunderland v Newcastle at Roker Park in 1979. I was 6-years-old and went with my dad and uncle. All I can remember is the score was 0-0 and it was raining Newcastle Brown Ale bottles. Lifelong fan ever since. Ha'way the lads.

Kevin: I’ve been going to see Sunderland since 1954, I was 9. The first game was against Wolves 0-0 can’t remember anything about it. I read recently that Bob Murray’s first game was in that year. The next game was against Aston Villa again it was 0-0. Can’t remember when I saw my first goal. By the way Sunderland will be fine. Trust the owners for once.

Terry: The first match I ever saw was at Roker Park on Saturday 10 September 1955. I was with my twin brother Tony, my father and two of my uncles from South Shields. Sunderland beat Chelsea 4-3 and we were then living in Bradford and both have been supporters ever since. We were passed over the crowd to watch behind the goal line. Crowd 45,650.

Nev: First ever Sunderland game was Sheffield Wednesday in 2005, perhaps? I was 4, and my dad had taken me while my mum was working. We went with my little brother, who despite being a rabid football fan now, hated the entire experience. We were right at the back and couldn’t see a thing. 1-0 victory though, so it didn’t really matter!

Michael: My first Sunderland game was 1965 versus Leicester city 3-3 and Derek Forster debut, the youngest player to wear a Sunderland strip. I remember that the Alan Brown had left before the game and we had a caretaker manager. The attendance was 45,465 and I was at the front of the Fulwell end George Mulhall scored after 3 minutes and the place erupted.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini reacted to the signing of Leo Hjelde from Leeds on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport last night:

"It's another one of those players coming in that we don't know too much about.

"We're going to have to suck it and see, I suppose because he doesn't bring a wealth of experience with him. It's hard not to and I don't want to be critical but it's going to be a learning curve.

"Hopefully from the data and the analytics that they've used to recruit him, if he gets the minutes, he will hit where they think he should be and prove a valuable player.

"It's worked with a number of the players. Let's hope it's another one that rolls off the ranks but it hasn't all gone to plan so we'll have to wait and see.

"Sorry for sounding a little bit underwhelmed but he's not a big name player coming in or an experienced player.

"So, we know what to expect as far as the reaction to these things but, and I don't want to be disrespectful to the player himself because he's been training with Leeds and near the first team. If you get to that level, you're doing well.

"So, let's hope he can come and prove it in red and white stripes."

Image source, Getty Images

On this day in 2021, Ross Stewart signed for Sunderland from Ross County.

After a slow start, the Scottish striker would become a favourite on Wearside spearheading the Black Cats' play-off promotion from League One to the Championship.

The Loch Ness Drogba became one of the most respected forwards in the football league but finished his time at Sunderland injured before moving to Southampton and has since been ruled out again - only making two appearances for the Saints.

Stewart scored 40 goals in 80 games for the Black Cats and pitched in with eight assists too.

How do you remember Stewart's time at Sunderland? Have your say here.

As we edge closer and closer to the closure of the January transfer window, we asked for your views on what business Sunderland need to do before the deadline.

Here are some of your comments:

Samson: Desperate for a central midfielder who can add a bit of steel. Rather sign that than a striker.

Chris: Would love a mix of a defensive midfield replacement for Evans, the Leeds defender (Hjelde) and any physical striker over the age of 24.

Colin: I think all Sunderland supporters will say the same, a centre-forward is by far the most important.

Nigel: Sign an experienced centre-forward and a tall centre-back.

Edward: A striker is definitely needed and holding midfielder would be a good addition as I believe we are close to signing a left full-back.

Korky: Keep the players they’ve already got, sign Amad Diallo, and offer Alex Pritchard a two-year contract.

Image source, Getty Images

The Yorkshire Post's Leeds United writer Joe Donnohue joined BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport to give insight into Sunderland's new signing Leo Hjelde.

"I was looking at Kristjaan Speakman's comments today.

"It made a lot of sense that he can play multiple positions and the ones I assume he means by that are left-back, left-wing-back or left-sided centre-half because he's got ability to get up and down, and he's athletic, he's physical and he can compete well aerially. So, he has the capacity to play at centre-back as well.

"I think last year while he was on-loan at Rotherham, Matt Taylor, who's the boss there at the time said he probably wasn't ready to be a Championship centre-back at that time but again he was only 19 then. He's someone with potential I'd say.

"He's a self-professed ball-playing-defender. He likes to get on the ball and sort of wrap passes into midfield and into the forward players - because of his age that's with varying success and again he hasn't had huge first team exposure at Leeds.

"It's difficult to gauge just how successful he'd be if he got a run in the team.

"He's someone that does appear to be comfortable on the ball. Where I'd maybe have my reservations is with his positioning. I don't think he's come through the academy systems at wherever he's been, at Celtic before, playing as a left-back. I think he's played more as a centre-back.

"Sometimes his defending in transition maybe isn't spot on and maybe 1v1 defending isn't so hot at times. On the ball, that's probably one of the key aspects that attracted him to the Sunderland recruitment team."

Listen to the full interview here.

Image source, Getty Images

Jewison Bennette has joined Aris FC on loan.

The Sunderland winger will spend the remainder of the season with the Greek side.

On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We want to increase Jewison’s playing opportunities over the second part of the season and provide him the best chance for international selection - through both of these, we create the best conditions for him to return in the summer for our pre-season programme.

"There is no option or obligation in the agreement to convert it into a permanent move and it’s very much about the player’s development.

"We look forward to supporting Jewison’s progress from afar throughout the next few months.”

What do you think of Jewi leaving on loan? Have your say here.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland have announced the signing of Norwegian Leo Hjelde.

The defender joins from Championship rivals Leeds United for a reported £2million on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

On the club website, Hjelde says: “It feels great to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

"I spoke to my dad, who showed me the size of the club and the support, and I knew it was a move I simply couldn’t turn down.

"I’m a ball-playing centre back, or left back, and I like to get up and down the pitch.

I’ve been at some big Clubs previously and this has helped me develop as a player and as a person, but I’m now ready to push on and take the next step.”

Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “We’re really pleased to have acquired Leo on a permanent basis, as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time.

He possesses the ability to play three different positions in our backline, depending on the formation, and he joins us having already experienced the EFL Championship.

We hope this will allow him to hit the ground running and help our team throughout the next 16 games, whilst also bringing added strength our squad in the long term.”

What do you think of Sunderland's new man? Have your say here.

Sunderland agree deal for the permanent transfer of Romaine Mundle from Standard Liége. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's gossip column