The Sunderland Chronicle
Squad23 Aug 2027
A one-man rearguard from Robin Roefs
There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Match21 Aug 2027
Nowhere to hide for Sunderland
1‑5 against Arsenal, and no complaints that would survive the replay. The manager spoke about character afterwards; the terraces used shorter words.
The terraces23 Aug 2027
The boos come down from three sides
“We pay for this every fortnight. The least we want is somebody who looks like he cares.” 7 of the 31 senior players walked off into it; the rest were not playing.
Market23 Aug 2027
Sunderland say no — this time
The offer from Preston for Jocelin Ta Bi was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.
Squad23 Aug 2027
Brian Brobbey signs on for more
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Brian Brobbey and Sunderland agree another 5 years.
Squad23 Aug 2027
Tempers go at Sunderland
Omar Alderete was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad23 Aug 2027
The manager makes an example of Granit Xhaka
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Market23 Aug 2027
Pedro Amaral told to find a new club
“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Pedro Amaral has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Sunderland.
Boardroom23 Aug 2027
Nobody left the Sunderland dressing room in a hurry
The door stayed shut a long time after the final whistle. What was said in there is between them; whether it worked is between them and Saturday.
In brief
- Market A long bet from Sunderland on Thomas Wood
- Market Sunderland sign Robert Davis, one for the future
- Player ratings Simon Adingra leaves them behind him