Sunderland

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We asked for your views on Danny Collins' list of the top five Sunderland centre-backs of the past 50 years (scroll to 12:26 BST on 4 July to see his choices).

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: How could any Sunderland supporter leave out Charlie Hurley? Number one by a distance.

Frank: Dave Watson and Charley Hurley were both phenomenal centre-backs. None of the others could compare - apart from Steve Bould (who was there with them), but there were not enough games under his belt.

John: Absolutely agree. Watson was not the biggest player, but for timing, athleticism and a sheer will to win every header and tackle, I've never seen a better one. Hurley may win it by the number of goals scored. You should have been at the matches to hear the whole crowd chanting "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" for him to come up for a corner.

Colin: Really depends on how old you are, but Hurley was the best centre-half to play for Sunderland that I saw. Watson was great too.

Steve: King Charlie wasn't someone you would like to experience too often in a tussle.

Paul: Shaun Elliott and Jeff Clarke?

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New Sunderland signing Noah Sadiki says his experience of winning silverware in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise have "shaped" him before he embarks on the challenge of playing in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old DR Congo midfielder was part of the Union SG team that won the 2024 Belgian Cup before playing 29 times last season as the club ended their 90-year wait to win the Belgian Pro League title.

"These achievements shaped me a lot because it wasn't easy to win the trophies," Sadiki said after moving to the Stadium of Light for a reported £15m on a five-year contract.

"Union SG has brought me a lot and it's thanks to them that I am here right now.

"I want to thank them and wish them all the luck in the Champions League. This team deserves it 90 years after winning the title.

"I am now ready for a new challenge."

Sadiki also revealed a conversation with Black Cats boss Regis le Bris played a key role in making the move happen.

"I talked with him and he convinced me to come to Sunderland," he added. "These kinds of people like to get involved a lot. I look forward to working with him because his playing style fits my style of play.

"What convinced me was the project that they had for me. The owner wanted to talk to me after the research they had done on me.

"Sunderland is a big club in England. I'm really happy to have made my decision. They talked to me about their history and what they wanted to build. This is my team now."

Sunderland's sporting director added: "Noah's enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.

Our interest in acquiring his talents was long-standing, and we believe our culture and playing identity will enable him to thrive."

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We have been revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top-five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.

Taking top spot is Dave Watson, who played for the club between 1970 and 1975 after a £100,000 move from Rotherham United.

Watson began his career as a striker but was converted into a centre-back while at Sunderland in 1972 by manager Bob Stokoe, before winning the FA Cup in 1973.

"It's difficult but one of them was part of a trophy-winning team," Collins told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Watson got converted from an attacking player to a centre-back and a year later was winning the FA Cup against a Leeds side who were right up there at the time," said Collins.

"He's gone in there and learned his new position within a season and it shows how good he was that he went on to make 65 appearances for England."

Watson did not miss a Three Lions match between 1976 and 1980 and featured in all matches at Euro 1980.

Here's a recap of Collins' five best centre-backs to play for Sunderland:

1. Dave Watson

2. Gary Bennett

3. Steve Bould

4. Jonny Evans

5. Dan Ballard

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Now it's over to you... what do you make of Collins' choices? Who is missing from the list?

Let us know here

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Sunderland have unveiled their 2025-26 away shirt as the club prepares for life in the Premier League.

The club said the shirt is inspired by the 1989-91 away kid, nodding to "an unforgettable era for the Lads".

The club said: "Paying tribute to Sunderland's proud maritime identity, the kit features a bespoke pattern inspired by the view of the Roker Beach lighthouse from through the 'C' Sculpture, woven into the fabric to reflect the city's deep connection to the sea.

"'City by the Sea' is stitched into the back of the neck, while the inside collar features a poetic nod to our coastal home with lyrics from The Lake Poets:

"'Yes, I come from a city by the sea

"and its shores and its waters

"have become a part of me'"

Image source, Sunderland AFC

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Throughout Friday, we are revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.

In third place, Collins chose Steve Bould, who spent a season at the club from 1999-200 after 11 distinguished and trophy-laden years at Arsenal.

"I know he didn't play too many games and came in at 36-years-old but Sunderland were back in the Premier League and secured a good, solid seventh-placed finish. He was a classy player and maybe would have doubted himself after so long at Arsenal.

"He was brilliant but only played 23 games, which is why we're looking at the other two."

Taking the silver medal is Gary Bennett, who made almost 450 appearances between 1984 and 1995 for the club, placing him fifth on the club's all-time appearance list.

"Longevity - 443 games. Goalscoring centre back who chipped in after scoring on his debut. I didn't see too much of Benno but by all accounts he was a modern centre back in the way he stepped in on the ball. He could drive forward, was quick and ticked a lot of boxes.

"He's on one of the staircases [at the Stadium of Light]. I see him every time I'm at one of the games. The achievements and longevity is amazing."

Listen to Collins' selections here

Or come back later on Friday to discover who Collins considers the best centre-back to play for Sunderland.

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Throughout Friday, we will be revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.

In fifth place, Collins has opted for current player Dan Ballard, who was the goalscoring hero in last season's dramatic play-off win over Coventry City.

"You see what he brings to the team," said Collins.

"Big call to bring him back in against Coventry and he was outstanding, best player on the pitch for the two games, and again outstanding at Wembley in the final. Old school, rugged centre-back. I like watching him out there."

Since joining Sunderland from Arsenal in July 2022, the 25-year-old has made 89 appearances, and fought back from a hamstring injury late in the season to play a key role in the successful play-off campaign.

Jonny Evans, who had two loan spells at the Stadium of Light from Manchester United between 2006 and 2008. was selected in fourth place.

"I had the pleasure of playing aside him and even at that age, the composure of the young lad coming in was impressive," Collins said on Evans.

"Then he came back in the season after we got promoted and progressed. The club were looking to buy him but United could see he was a player and kept him and he won numerous trophies and won 107 caps for Northern Ireland.

"Fantastic player - 37 now and still about it."

Listen to Collins' selections here

Or come back later on Friday to discover who Collins considers the best centre-backs to play for Sunderland.

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BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde has been discussing what Sunderland's new director of football Florent Ghisolfi will bring to the Stadium of Light, and how his responsibilities will differ to current sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

Ghisolfi, 40, left a position as sporting director at AS Roma last month before taking the role at Sunderland, which he will begin on Thursday.

"Kristjaan Speakman covers a lot of bases," Pryde said, "He's in overall control of everything that goes on in the football club. From the academy, to the first team, to the strategy that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus [the chairman] wants to implement.

"I think Ghisolfi will be on recruitment. His umbrella will be over player recruitment and the first team squad. Speakman has a wide brief at the moment and this will allow him to focus because the structures in the Premier League are vastly different than those in the EFL. [There are] a lot more hoops to jump through and lot more administration.

"Ghisolfi has plenty of experience. [He was] assistant manager at Lorient for two years. [As a football director] he's been at Lens and he's been at Nice so he has a glowing reputation within football as a director."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, 25, is set to join Saudi Arabian side Neom, despite Sunderland having a £12.8m bid accepted for the Poland international. (Meczyki - in Polish), external

The Black Cats therefore have turned their attention to signing Chelsea's Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, 25, but face competition from Aston Villa and Bournemouth. (Times), external

Finally, Sunderland are also nearing the capture of Union Saint-Gilloise's DR Congo player Noah Sadiki, 20, who can play in defence or midfield. (Sunderland Echo), external

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Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus says the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi as the club's new director of football "enhances our capabilities".

Ghisolfi, 40, left a role as sporting director at AS Roma last month and Sunderland say his appointment is part of the "organic evolution of SAFC's long-term strategy".

Ghisolfi, who was previously sporting director at Ligue 1 sides Lens and Nice in France, said: "The club – players, staff, and supporters – achieved an amazing result last season.

"Together, these people brought Sunderland back to the Premier League and I'm strongly determined to bring my experience and support this group to ensure the squad is ready to take the next step.."

Owner Louis-Dreyfus said Sunderland "face a new challenge" after sealing promotion to the Premier League and believes Ghisolfi is part of their adapting to increased demands.

"The appointment of Florent marks an exciting new chapter in that journey," Louis-Dreyfus said. "[It] enhances our capabilities in line with the club's long-term vision, and evolving our leadership structure in this way reflects our continued commitment to building a sustainable and competitive football club."

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We asked you for your reactions to the news Sunderland have signed Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for a club record fee reported to be £30m.

Here's a selection of what you said about the midfielder:

Glyn: Looks a good signing on paper - young but experienced in Ligue 1. Are there some older hands who are going to be out of contract at Premier League clubs? Some bargains to be had?

Steve: The club has wasted the windfall fee received for Jobe Bellingham by spending it in its entirety on an undistinguished player who averages just one goal per 10 games.

Michael: We still need more experience in the side and squad. I would be happy if Jordan Henderson was brought back.

Paul: A great signing that shows the owners are serious about making us stronger from the off. I like the way business seems to get done without the usual is he, isn't he signing.

Leonard: What a signing indeed. Habib has it all. If we keep bringing in footballers of his calibre then I'm pretty sure we will survive in the Premier League.

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French football expert Baptiste Reynaud has talked up Sunderland's record signing Habib Diarra as a "good fit" for the club.

Senegal midfielder Diarra joined the Black Cats from Strasbourg on Tuesday for a reported £30m.

The 21-year-old made 31 appearances for Strasbourg last term, helping the club to finish seventh in Ligue 1 and secure European football for only the second time in 20 years.

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Reynaud, from Le Classique & Le Beau Jeu podcast, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "People should be excited. He is a full Senegalese international now.

"He's got the pedigree that makes it a very interesting signing. Also, the fact he's played for a club that's had its troubles and brushes with relegation makes him a good fit in the sense that he's used to adversity.

"What makes me particularly enthusiastic about it is he fits with the philosophy of Sunderland.

"He's played as an eight, as a 10, on the wing when necessary. At heart, he's a box-to-box midfielder, but he's also very versatile and played in a number of systems.

"He's a very adaptable player. He's young, very productive and experienced, and he's used to facing very different scenarios for his club.

"He's got resale value and strikes me as a very good signing for Sunderland."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Sunderland are interested in Chelsea's 19-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith, but face competition from Rangers, Middlesbrough and Stoke City. (football.london), external

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Midfielder Habib Diarra says he will "fight for these colours" after completing a move to Sunderland.

The 21-year-old has joined from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a five-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m, which would be a record signing for the Back Cats.

Diarra captained the French side throughout a successful 2024-25 campaign, which culminated in the club securing European football for only the second time in 20 years.

He made 31 appearances last term, scoring five times and registering four assists, while also surpassing 100 senior career games.

"I'm happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can't wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans," the Senegal international told club media.

"Everyone saw last season's success and I guarantee that I'll give everything for this team and fight for these colours in the Premier League.

"I'm ready for this challenge and I can't wait to get started."

Diarra becomes the club's second signing of the summer as they look to bolster Regis Le Bris' squad ready for their Premier League return.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC.

"At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he's been a captain in one of Europe's elite leagues. This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre.

"Like Sunderland, Habib is ready for the Premier League, and we look forward to taking this exciting step with him."

What do you make of the new signing? Is he what Sunderland need? What else do they require this summer to be ready for the top flight?

Let us know

Nick Barnes
BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

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Sunderland appear to have pulled off a coup in signing the highly-regarded Senegalese international Habib Diarra, who made his national team debut in March last year.

He has come through the Strasbourg youth system. Last season under Liam Rosenior he made 30 appearances.

He has reportedly signed for a fee rising to 35m Euros - around £30.5m - for a five-year deal.

He's being seen as a replacement for Jobe Bellingham.

Send us your thoughts on the deal

Sunderland have offered Reinildo Mandava a two-year contract worth £65,000 a week following the 31-year-old Mozambique left-back's release by Atletico Madrid. (Guardian), external

Sunderland are among several Premier League clubs interested in Toulouse's 22-year-old England Under-21 centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who has an £18m release clause in his contract. (Sun), external

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Sunderland and Wolves are keen on Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. The Lions are resigned to losing the 26-year-old this summer, though could sell him abroad - with clubs in Germany, France and Turkey interested - as his £1.2m release clause only applies to Premier League clubs. (TeamTalk, external)

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We asked for your views on former Sunderland player Martin Smith's top-five list of Black Cats hard men after Kevin Ball was handed top spot.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Bally was solid! Great leader and gent. Played against him in training for an under-16's Sunday League club match (his son was part of it). Five of us couldn't get the ball off him when we were messing around after bothering him to join in.

Sean: Kevin Ball was always going to be number one. He tackled someone on the halfway line during the derby with such force the ball hit our own bar! John Kay breaking his leg and paddling off his stretcher, and Gary Bennett's handling of David Speedie are real moments of Sunderland folklore too.

Mel: Raw meat Joe Bolton used to leave his bite on many good wingers, and pretty much anyone else that came near him.

Ian: Joe Bolton should be in the top five hardest players - a local lad who was left- back from 1972 to 1981. Absolutely as hard as nails.

Tom: Joe Bolton, left-back who played 300+ times for Sunderland over 10 years from 1972-3 was solid in the tackle and tough player for sure.

Chris: They were before Martin's time, but Billy Whitehurst and Mick Harford would be in my top five. I can verify what Martin says of Vinnie Jones. I was staying in a hotel in Guildford, at the bar having a pint before dinner when in walks Vinnie Jones. We got chatting and I asked him who was the hardest he had ever faced. Vinnie didn't know that I was a Mackem. He said a guy at Sunderland, Kevin Ball, I just burst out laughing.

Roger: Dave Watson must be on the list. Further back Len Ashurst used to put wingers on the gravel!

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Throughout Thursday, we have been revealing the players that ex-Sunderland attacker Martin Smith has picked as the Black Cats' all-time toughest tacklers.

And the top spot goes to...?

Well, in the former player's words: "There can only be one number one" - and that is former captain Kevin Ball.

"I think some of the hardest players in the country have said that he is the hardest player they have ever played against," Smith explained on BBC Radio Newcastle. "As soon as you mention hard men, it has to be Kevin Ball.

"I remember Vinnie Jones saying he was the hardest opponent he ever played against. It has been said many times that he trained the way he played, which was horrendous for us fair players!

"Unless you have been on the end of one of his tackles, it is hard to describe what it was like. It was like being hit by a cannonball. The force he could tackle with used to just send shivers through you."

So here is the final list of Sunderland's top five hard men, according to Smith:

1. Kevin Ball

2. John Kay

3. Gary Bennett

4. Lee Howey

5. Lee Cattermole

Do you agree with this list or is there someone else that ought to have been thrown into the mix?

Let us know here

Listen back to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Throughout Thursday, we are revealing who former Sunderland attacker Martin Smith has picked as the Black Cats' all-time toughest tacklers.

In third place, he has picked "stylish and classy" centre-back Gary Bennett, who made more than 350 appearances for the club during an 11-year stint.

"You would always find out about it if you got on the wrong side of him," Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I spoke to somebody else who also played with him, just to confirm what I thought, and even they said he could handle himself.

"He could always stick his foot in. If you think back, as a centre-back, some of the players you were up coming up against were real handfuls.

"There were some proper centre-forwards that would stick their elbows in and stamp on your feet, but Bennett always stood up to that. He was just solid."

At number two, Smith has gone for another cult hero - the 'red and white tractor' John Kay.

"He got that nickname in a game against Leeds United," he explained. "I remember when Peter Haddock came off, Howard Wilkinson said it looked like he had been ran over by a tractor because of the stud marks down his chest.

"I always knew his reputation, so playing practice games against him was quite intimidating.

"I remember sticking a ball through his legs in a practice game once. He told me not to do it again but, thinking nothing of it, I did it again. He then told me he was going to break my legs and, the next time I had the ball, he absolutely wiped me out."

But who has Smith crowned as Sunderland's greatest 'hard man'?

Find out on BBC Sounds now - or come back to this page a little later today

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Throughout Thursday, we are going to be revealing who former Sunderland attacker Martin Smith has selected as the Black Cats' all-time toughest tacklers.

In fifth place is Lee Cattermole, who Smith says he was "a big fan of" and describes as being "the last of an era of real hard men" in football.

"He was playing when you could still get away with stuff that you just can't get away with now because of VAR," Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle. "He enjoyed the physical side of the game.

"He used to go round geeing up the team and, if the chips were down, he would still be there. He was just a proper captain. He loved pulling on the strip and he would always give everything.

"You always knew what you were getting from him."

Coming in at number four is Sunderland-born fan favourite Lee Howey, who Smith describes as "the big man".

"He was just a real solid fella," he explained. "He was given the nickname 'Lunge' because on training days, if the ball managed to get away from him, he would just lunge and take everything that was in front of him with him.

"He would run through brick walls for the team. He would put his head and feet where others wouldn't.

"I used to take corners and I knew that if I put the ball in an area, he would come hurtling towards it and would do everything he could to get to it.

"He was a horrible player to play against really, up front and at the back."

But who does Smith see as the greatest hard man?

Find out on BBC Sounds now - or come back to this page a little later today

Sunderland have held talks with Nice over a deal for 25-year-old Poland goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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Sunderland have asked Sassuolo about the availability of 26-year-old French winger Armand Lauriente. (ESPN), external

Watford midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze is wanted by Sunderland and fellow Premier League new boys Burnley, with Birmingham also keen on the 25-year-old Georgian midfielder, who is valued at about £5m. (Sunderland Echo), external

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