Mike Dodds

‘All over the place’… Former Sunderland loan man slams club over manager fiasco

20/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland has now surpassed the four-month mark without having a manager in place. The club dismissed Michael Beale on February 19th, 2024, and appointed Mike Dodds as interim manager until the summer. Since then, it seems Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has missed out on several top candidates for the managerial position. Will Still, the top choice, reportedly agreed to replace Beale but ended up taking the RC Lens job. Liam Rosenior was then in line for further talks before he also withdrew, leaving Sunderland struggling in their search. Both Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have faced significant criticism, and now former Sunderland loan player Alan Hutton has voiced his opinion on the matter.

Sunderland must not give in to Trai Hume transfer pressure: View

20/05/2024 Raymond 0

The Black Cats experienced a turbulent 2023/24 season, finishing in a disappointing 16th place despite initially appearing poised for a playoff spot. Managerial instability, with three different managers over the season, contributed to their inconsistency. Tony Mowbray began the season but was replaced by Michael Beale in December, who had a brief and unimpressive tenure before Mike Dodds took over temporarily. Despite having a squad rich in young talent, their inexperience was likely a factor in their struggles. Among their standout players was 22-year-old Trai Hume, whose exceptional performance this season has attracted interest from top clubs. Retaining Hume should be a priority for Sunderland as they prepare for the next season.

Transfer gossip: Sunderland line up England youth player to replace £20m-rated star

01/04/2024 Raymond 0

Amid preparations for the Championship’s decisive phase, Sunderland finds itself amidst a whirlwind of transfer news and speculations. The club is already scouting for a successor to Anthony Patterson in anticipation of heightened interest during the summer transfer window. Patterson, a homegrown talent, emerged as a pivotal figure during Sunderland’s League One campaign, playing a key role in their promotion via the playoffs. Maintaining his status as Sunderland’s primary goalkeeper under various managerial regimes, Patterson’s consistent performances have attracted significant attention, with reports indicating Sunderland’s valuation of £20 million for the Academy of Light graduate. However, Sunderland is now exploring alternatives and has reportedly set its sights on Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle.