As we fast approach our first away game of the season against Preston North End, we thought we’d take a look at some of the stories from on Wearside and beyond.
QPR WANT BATTH
The ongoing Batth transfer saga took another twist as another club, Gareth Ainsworth’s QPR, look to bolster their defensive ranks with experienced centre-back Danny Batth. Danny Batth, 32, who was BLC Supporters' Player of the Year last campaign has been subject to rumours of a move away from Wearside this summer. He’s also been linked with Blackburn Rovers during this window. QPR look desperate to try and address their defence woes, conceding four to Watford on opening day and five to Oxford United during pre-season. Many supporters will be concerned with a potential Batth exit, as he is one of the most senior members of this current squad. Although the counter argument to this is that we need to free wages up to sign players in positions where we don’t have as much squad depth and the player himself wants to leave to get a longer contract and more guaranteed play time. At his age it’s hard to blame him for wanting to leave, but in my opinion we should only let him go if we have another experienced player lined up.
SUNDERLAND U21S SET TO START PL2 CAMPAIGN
Sunderland’s U21 side are set to begin their PL2 campaign by hosting Norwich U21s on Monday night (7pm) at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground (tickets to be released in due course). They’ve had a brilliant pre-season ,with highlights including a 7-2 thrashing of Newcastle Blue Star and a 6-1 win over Huddersfield U21s and going unbeaten. With trialist Silko Thomas scoring a brace in their most recent outing and Max Thompson coming back from injury, it’s shaping up to be a good season for the U21s. There’s also a new format, with there now only being one division of 26 teams rather than two leagues, more information on this can be found HERE.
DERBY DAY DELIGHT FOR SAFC WOMEN
Sunderland continued their good form against local side Newcastle United in every part of the game by defeating NUFC Women 4-2 last night at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground. 1,572 were in attendance as new signings Jenna Dear and Mary McAteer scored one and a brace respectively, with Katy Watson with the other goal. Emma Kelly, who departed Sunderland for Newcastle this summer, was also sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
