Roker Roundup: Your run down of random Sunderland news!
Today at 02:16 AM
There may have been an international break, but there has still been plenty going on at Sunderland AFC over the last couple of weeks…
Another cup for the U21s
A smart Aaron Connolly double plus a trademark Tommy Watson strike gave the Under-21s a win in the Premier League Cup at Huddersfield Town in midweek, but the club has also announced details of a separate tournament they will be taking part in this season. The National League Cup is a 32 team competition made up of participating Premier League 2 sides and first team squads from the Vanarama National League, with the two best places finishers from the four groups of eight progressing to the knockout stages.
Graeme Murty's side have initially been placed in Group C and will play in the following four away games;
5th November Boston United
19th November Tamworth
4th December Gateshead
28th January Halifax Town
See the squad in training
The half-term holidays are nearly here, and parents looking for things to do may fancy taking their kids to the open training session planned for the Stadium of Light on Tuesday the 29th of October.
Previous events have been well attended, with youngsters getting to speak to the players afterwards and get autographs/selfies. Doors open at 09:30, with the squad entering the pitch at around 11:00. The Foundation of Light will also be there too running various activities, with under 14s allowed in for free as long as they are with a fee paying adult.
Tickets can be purchased here Event Information Screen - eTickets (eticketing.co.uk)
Aaron's settling in
Connolly's goals in Yorkshire came on the back of another impressive showing against Derby County's Under-21s at Eppleton earlier in the month, during which he had also scored. It would appear that he is enjoying being able to get back on the pitch again, having used the recent World Mental Health Day to open up about some of the personal issues that have hampered his career of late.
It was an extremely brave step that will hopefully act as a support or prompt to others to seek help, and everybody hopes that the Republic of Ireland international is given all the care and understanding he needs during what with be a changeable route along the road to recovery.
Pedro's settling in too
New Assistant Head Coach Pedro Ribeiro has been getting down to work at the Academy of Light and will hopefully prove to be a shrewd appointment.
The Portuguese has an extensive CV and has join Régis Le Bris' existing team of fellow Assistant Head Coach Mike Dodds, First Team Coach Michael Proctor and Head of Goalkeeping Alessandro Barcherini. The addition to the back room staff is expected to allow Dodds to focus on some of his areas of expertise – he is thought to be an excellent one to one coach - but it is good to note that Le Bris has so far allowed his colleagues a bit of freedom and variety in terms of job role. Although something like a dedicated set piece coach may still be needed for example, those already here have had an input across different aspects and it would appear that the players appreciate the joined up approach.
Show Racism the Red Card
Today is Wear Red Day, a national day of action on behalf of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign. The organisation has spent the last ten years sharing its message of unity, tolerance and inclusion, and is once again asking supporters to take part in the fight against racism by continuing to be aware of the issues surrounding it.
You can show solidarity by sharing your Wear Red Day photos on social media (using the hashtag #WRD24) or by making a donation to support much needed educational programs. For their part, Sunderland has confirmed that the match against West Bromwich Albion on the 26th of November 2024 will be dedicated to Show Racism the Red Card and more information about the movement can be found via https://www.theredcard.org.
Can Kelly be a hero at Darlington?
Prospect Caden Kelly has followed in the footsteps of teammate Matty Young and agreed to join Vanarama National League North side Darlington on an initial one month loan arrangement.
Goalkeeper Young impressed greatly whilst at the Quakers last season and attacking midfielder Kelly will hope to have a similar impact for Steve Watson's team, whilst the proximity to Wearside will mean Sunderland are still able to keep tabs on the former Manchester City and Salford City hopeful. Young meanwhile has done things the other way round, and is spending a year at Salford where he has so far made three first team appearances.
