Sunderland

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The second half of Sunderland's pre-season opening double-header ended in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Gateshead.

Jack Clarke converted a penalty after Nazariy Rusyn was fouled in the box but a Owen Oseni first half brace secured the win for the Heed.

The Black Cats started with a line-up largely of first team regulars but just like in the earlier fixture against South Shields ended with mostly under-21s.

Nectarios Triantis and Abdoullah Ba weren't included in either squad.

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

Image source, Sunderland AFC

Sunderland made a bright start to pre-season and the Regis Le Bris era with a 5-0 win at South Shields.

First half goals from Patrick Roberts, Trai Hume, Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda and Adil Aouchiche gave the Black Cats a commanding lead at the break.

The home side made eleven changes for the more subdued and goalless second-half.

Sunderland made two substitutions after the opening 45 with Luis Hemir and Ben Crompton replacing Mayenda and Dan Ballard, Caden Kelly then replaced Rigg around the hour mark before the rest of the outfielders were swapped for under-21 players including star-man Tommy Watson after 70 minutes.

Trialist goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu was the only player to play for the full game keeping a clean sheet.

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

Sunderland's pre-season starts with a double-header against South Shields and Gateshead.

The Black Cats will also travel to Spain before more domestic friendlies before the Championship campaign kicks off again.

Which players do you want to see given a chance? What systems, tactics and partnerships should be experimented with?

What would make Sunderland's pre-season a success to you?

Have your say here, external.

Image source, Sunderland AFC

Sunderland announced the signing of Alan Browne earlier this week after the experienced midfielder's contract expired at Preston North End last month.

On BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, Lancashire Post reporter George Hodgson offered an insight into the transfer expressing Preston fans' confusion and disappointment in Browne's departure.

Hodgson described the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international as someone who will come in and set standards for the squad.

Presenter Simon Pryde, commentator Nick Barnes and striker-turned-pundit Marco Gabbiadini further discussed Browne's arrival on Wearside.

You can hear the full discussion on BBC Sounds.

We asked for your reaction to Sunderland signing Alan Browne. Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Good to see a signing with experience and a proven Championship pedigree hopefully many more to follow.

Robert: But he's not French. Did they get confused between the Irish and French accent?

Robin: Good to hear that have are attracting some players but where are out goals coming from?

David: No problem, hope this is the start of some positive signings. I hope the next one will be an experienced centre forward.

Dennis: Another free transfer the club seems determined not to spend any cash, the club desperately need a couple of strikers or else the season is over before it begins.

Colin: Need a lot more experienced players than just him if we are to do anything next season. As well as goal scorers, defenders, creative midfield players and pace all over the park, then we might just not have another calamitous season.

Alex: Really pleased with this transfer. Very experienced in the Championship, a consistent performer for years, proven leader, and a proven ability to play 40+ matches a season without injury issues. Just the kind of experience we need to help mentor the younger players.

Sunderland have announced the signing of Alan Browne after the experienced midfielder's contract with Preston North End expired this summer.

The 29-year-old is a Republic of Ireland international and has played more than 400 games for Preston.

The new man told the club website, "It’s a big change for me after being at Preston for such a long time, but it’s brilliant to be here.

"Sunderland is one of the biggest clubs in England and I can’t wait to get started. I captained Preston for some time, so hopefully I can bring those leadership qualities to the Stadium of Light and add to what is a very talented squad.”

How do you feel about the signing of Browne? Have your say here, external.

Kristjaan Speakman has spoken about transfers, Regis Le Bris and more in an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes.

Sunderland's sporting director insists the club are open to signing experienced players and although the transfer window offers no certainty, he hopes to retain the club's star players.

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

George Forster started selling badges and scarves to Sunderland fans in the 70s and is a legend among Black Cats supporters.

The 97-year-old visited the new club shop and shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes on the newly opened retail space, the new kit and new head coach Regis Le Bris.

You can listen to George's visit to the club shop on BBC Sounds here.