On this day in 2003, Sunderland relieved Howard Wilkinson of his duties after a short but painful period of managerial calamity. As a player, Wilkinson did not have the most decorated career. After failing to break into the Sheffield United side, he joined his boyhood side Sheffield Wednesday in a cross-city move in the summer of 1962. He would only make 22 league appearances for the Owls in four seasons before joining Brighton and Hove Albion in 1966. After five years on the South Coast, he...

Sunday is the biggest day on the footballing calendar so far for us. The Wear-Tyne derby is ready for its 158th instalment after a hiatus of nine league seasons, and like anyone of either persuasion I cannot wait for it to start. The Lads go into the game sitting ninth in the Premier League after 14 games, three places and one point ahead of the Barcodes who have steadily risen the standings. Whoever wins on Sunday could gain a huge psychological boost, as well as a points advantage, over the...

Welcome to the second episode of the FM Experiment where we follow the fortunes of SAFC on the popular PC game Football Manager 2024 over...