TACTICS

Regis Le Bris applauds the travelling fans in the wake of Sunderland's goalless draw at QPR

Sunderland set to have three key absentees for Preston away game

Sunderland's players celebrate after their midweek win at Luton Town

Sunderland's players celebrate after their midweek win at Luton Town

JAMES HUNTER COLUMN

When does a strong start become a genuine push for automatic promotion?

Should Aaron Connolly start for Sunderland against Oxford?

Should Aaron Connolly start for Sunderland against Oxford?

Should Aaron Connolly start - and other key issues ahead of Oxford home game

It's an important pre-season for Patrick Roberts

It's an important pre-season for Patrick Roberts

Why pre-season holds an added importance for Patrick Roberts under Régis Le Bris

Would Alexandre Mendy be a good fit for Sunderland?

Would Alexandre Mendy be a good fit for Sunderland?

Wyscout analysis

Are Sunderland set to sign Alexandre Mendy? Is he the striker they need?

Sunderland players warm up during their pre-season tour of Alicante.

Sunderland players warm up during their pre-season tour of Alicante.

Alicante tour analysis

Six key takeaways from Sunderland's pre-season tour of Alicante

Sunderland staff talk with the players during their pre-season friendly against CD Eldense.

Sunderland staff talk with the players during their pre-season friendly against CD Eldense.

Alicante tour analysis

Hemir's thunderbolt, defensive duo impress and Alan Browne's first Sunderland start

Sunderland are put through their paces in the blistering heat in Alicante.

Sunderland are put through their paces in the blistering heat in Alicante.

Alicante tour diary

Inside Sunderland's training camp and team news ahead of CD Eldense friendly

Sunderland's players check out the pitch at Pinatar Arena ahead of their draw with Nottingham Forest.

Sunderland's players check out the pitch at Pinatar Arena ahead of their draw with Nottingham Forest.

Alicante tour diary

Sunderland boardroom talks in Alicante as Régis Le Bris gets positive feedback

Sunderland in action against Nottingham Forest at Pinatar Arena.

Sunderland in action against Nottingham Forest at Pinatar Arena.

Alicante tour analysis

Eliezer Mayenda impresses, Sunderland's effective press and Le Bris' selection hint

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris looks on during a training session in Alicante.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris looks on during a training session in Alicante.

Pre-season tour diary

Régis Le Bris' early injury problems, Alan Browne impression and one eye on Cardiff

Sunderland have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne

Sunderland have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne

Wyscout analysis

Alan Browne: Sunderland's 'no-nonsense' new addition in recruitment shake-up

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris took charge of his first two games as Sunderland head coach.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris took charge of his first two games as Sunderland head coach.

Instant analysis

Key talking points from Sunderland's friendlies vs South Shields and Gateshead FC

Jack Clarke joined Sunderland on a permanent transfer in 2022

Jack Clarke joined Sunderland on a permanent transfer in 2022

Two years of Jack Clarke: From doubting his decision to 'setting the standards'

Will Sunderland finally replace Ross Stewart this summer?

Will Sunderland finally replace Ross Stewart this summer?

Scouting series

Strikers: Will Sunderland finally find a replacement for Ross Stewart?

We Are Sunderland's scouting series focuses on wingers

We Are Sunderland's scouting series focuses on wingers

Scouting series

Wingers: Do Sunderland need a Jack Clarke replacement? If so, who?

We Are Sunderland's summer scouting series looks at possible midfield transfers.

We Are Sunderland's summer scouting series looks at possible midfield transfers.

Sunderland's central midfield options, academy prospects and potential transfers

We Are Sunderland's scouting series

We Are Sunderland's scouting series

Scouting series

Sunderland's centre-back options assessed: Do they need to strengthen?

Sunderland fans face some extremely long trips in the early weeks of the season

Sunderland fans face some extremely long trips in the early weeks of the season

Five key talking points from Sunderland's fixtures - and what you might have missed

What can Sunderland expect from their new head coach: Régis Le Bris

What can Sunderland expect from their new head coach: Régis Le Bris

Head coach analysis

Régis Le Bris: The tactical transition and academy success that led him to Sunderland

We Are Sunderland takes a closer look at Sunderland's goalkeeping department this summer.

We Are Sunderland takes a closer look at Sunderland's goalkeeping department this summer.

Summer scouting series

Assessing Sunderland's goalkeeping department, signings and departures

QPR boss Marti Cifeuntes has been linked with the vacant Sunderland position.

QPR boss Marti Cifeuntes has been linked with the vacant Sunderland position.

Head coach report

Marti Cifuentes, the 'three P's' and why Sunderland are right to be interested

Marti Cifuentes (L), Rene Maric (C) and Liam Rosenior (R) have all been linked with the vacant Sunderland position.

Marti Cifuentes (L), Rene Maric (C) and Liam Rosenior (R) have all been linked with the vacant Sunderland position.

Head coach latest

Rosenior, Maric, Cifuentes, Dodds - who will be Sunderland's next head coach?

Former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen has been linked with the vacant Sunderland managerial position.

Former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen has been linked with the vacant Sunderland managerial position.

Head Coach analysis

Pascal Jansen: The Sunderland head coach target inspired by Johan Cruyff

Jobe Bellingham has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer

Jobe Bellingham has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer

Jobe Bellingham's debut season at Sunderland and why he'd be a miss if he leaves

Sunderland were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League 2 play-off final

Sunderland were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League 2 play-off final

Tottenham 3-1 Sunderland: U21s pride despite missing out on Premier League 2 prize

Chris Rigg has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign with Sunderland.

Chris Rigg has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign with Sunderland.

StatsBomb analysis

The stats behind Chris Rigg's Sunderland breakthrough and why the club must keep him

Liam Rosenior has held talks with Sunderland over a move to the Stadium of Light

Liam Rosenior has held talks with Sunderland over a move to the Stadium of Light

Head coach analysis

Liam Rosenior holds talks but what would he bring to Sunderland?

Sunderland's lack of goals from strikers was the main talking point of the 2023/24 campaign, so where do they go from here?

Sunderland's lack of goals from strikers was the main talking point of the 2023/24 campaign, so where do they go from here?

StatsBomb analysis

Inside Sunderland's striker struggles, winger creativity and 'lack of quality'

West Ham United's Divin Mubama has been linked with a move to Sunderland this summer.

West Ham United's Divin Mubama has been linked with a move to Sunderland this summer.

Divin Mubama scouted: FA Youth Cup and Europa Conference League winner

Danny Rohl has made a big impression in his role as Sheffield Wednesday head coach

Danny Rohl has made a big impression in his role as Sheffield Wednesday head coach

Head coach analysis

'Astonishing' Danny Rohl: Why he is 'destined for the top' with or without Sunderland

Former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is on Sunderland's shortlist to take over at the Stadium of Light.

Former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is on Sunderland's shortlist to take over at the Stadium of Light.

Head Coach analysis

Paul Heckingbottom: A Championship promotion that sets him apart in head coach search

Will Still is among the candidates to be named Sunderland's new head coach

Will Still is among the candidates to be named Sunderland's new head coach

Head coach analysis

The story of Will Still and why Sunderland are right to be interested

Chris Willock has been linked with a move to Sunderland this summer, but what would he bring to the Black Cats?

Chris Willock has been linked with a move to Sunderland this summer, but what would he bring to the Black Cats?

Chris Willock scouted: Championship experience, versatility and an eye for goal

Rene Maric (highlighted) has been linked with the vacant Sunderland head coach position.

Rene Maric (highlighted) has been linked with the vacant Sunderland head coach position.

Rene Maric insight

Rene Maric insight: 'Tactics don't exist,' identity and head coach ambition

Sunderland secured their play-off place in dramatic style with an emphatic win over Preston North End in 2023

Sunderland secured their play-off place in dramatic style with an emphatic win over Preston North End in 2023

Sunderland's dramatic play-off accomplishment one year on: A lot has changed

Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty has played a key role in transforming the Black Cats Academy side.

Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty has played a key role in transforming the Black Cats Academy side.

Sunderland U21s

Inside Sunderland's Premier League 2 play-off campaign born in the depths of failure

Mason Burstow's loan move to Sunderland has failed to work out this season

Mason Burstow's loan move to Sunderland has failed to work out this season

Inside Mason Burstow's Sunderland loan move: Why it failed and will he be back?

Sunderland pay tribute to Charlie Hurley ahead of the final day of the Championship season against Sheffield Wednesday

Sunderland pay tribute to Charlie Hurley ahead of the final day of the Championship season against Sheffield Wednesday

Instant analysis

Sheffield Wednesday FC

Sunderland 0-2 Sheff Wed: A season to forget, Danny Rohl watch and Clarke's farewell

Sunderland have had the youngest squad in the Championship in each of the last two seasons

Sunderland have had the youngest squad in the Championship in each of the last two seasons

Sunderland's age-old question and why they may be rooting for Leeds United

Sunderland's Adil Aouchiche can play a big part for the Black cats next season.

Sunderland's Adil Aouchiche can play a big part for the Black cats next season.

Adil Aouchiche can become key Sunderland figure with 'maturity'

Sunderland interim head coach Mike Dodds.

Sunderland interim head coach Mike Dodds.

Key Sunderland statistic swings in Mike Dodds' favour to give platform for next year

Sunderland's Jack Clarke in action against Watford.

Sunderland's Jack Clarke in action against Watford.

Instant analysis

Watford 1-0 Sunderland: Missed opportunities prove costly after Aouchiche experiment

Dan Neil has enjoyed his most productive season to date for Sunderland but remains undervalued

Dan Neil has enjoyed his most productive season to date for Sunderland but remains undervalued

Dan Neil is one of Sunderland's most valuable assets, so why is he underappreciated?

Dennis Cirkin scored one of the goals of the season for Sunderland in their 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in April 2023

Dennis Cirkin scored one of the goals of the season for Sunderland in their 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in April 2023

Seven players, 15 passes, 56 seconds: How SAFC scored one of the goals of the season

Sunderland loanee Callum Styles is set to head to the Euro's with Hungary this summer.

Sunderland loanee Callum Styles is set to head to the Euro's with Hungary this summer.

StatsBomb analysis

Sunderland must not miss Callum Styles midfield opportunity in Dan Neil absence

A scramble in the box during Sunderland's home defeat to Millwall

A scramble in the box during Sunderland's home defeat to Millwall

What Sunderland desperately need next season - and why change must start at the top

Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Millwall at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Millwall at the Stadium of Light

Instant analysis

Sunderland 0-1 Millwall: How Black Cats' miserable 2024 continued against Millwall

Dan Ballard came through a potentially difficult afternoon against West Bromwich Albion as the Sunderland defender continues to show his Premier League credentials

Dan Ballard came through a potentially difficult afternoon against West Bromwich Albion as the Sunderland defender continues to show his Premier League credentials

Ballard survives battle of the Hawthorns & continues to knock on Premier League door

Pierre Ekwah gives Sunderland the lead against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns

Pierre Ekwah gives Sunderland the lead against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns

Instant analysis

West Brom 0-1 Sunderland: Third consecutive shutout earns win over 10-man Albion

Timothee Pembele in action for Sunderland against Leeds United.

Timothee Pembele in action for Sunderland against Leeds United.

The key role Timothee Pembele played in Sunderland's draw with Leeds United

Mike Dodds speaks with Jobe Belingham during Sunderland's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Mike Dodds speaks with Jobe Belingham during Sunderland's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Instant analysis

Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland: Mike Dodds' blueprint and a platform to build on

Mike Dodds masterminded Sunderland's win over Leeds United at the Stadium of Light but can they repeat that at Elland Road

Mike Dodds masterminded Sunderland's win over Leeds United at the Stadium of Light but can they repeat that at Elland Road

Tactical analysis

How to beat Leeds: Sunderland have done it before but can they do it again?

Jack Clarke and Dan Neil were among Sunderland's best players for On Ball Value against Bristol City.

Jack Clarke and Dan Neil were among Sunderland's best players for On Ball Value against Bristol City.

Sunderland's On Ball Value vs Bristol City highlights their creative talents