Roker Roundup: Sunderland AFC prepares for a return to action!

Our Anton gets to grips with things... | Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Just another brick in the wall

Upgrades are required to the club’s media facilities ahead of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, and that means the personalised bricks on panel S5 (Jimmy Montgomery Stand) need to be relocated.

Those with bricks in this section can email [e-mail] if they have any queries or concerns. Panel 8 bricks have now been moved and can be found to the left-hand side of the main reception area at the Stadium of Light.

Photo by Dave Howarth/PA Images via Getty Images

Stadium of Light bricks (for illustrative purposes only!)

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Cymru connection

England reached the Euro 2025 final during the week, but prior to that had

to overcome Wales in the group stage. The Lionesses have featured several players with Sunderland connections over the years, and this time, tournament newcomers Wales had some familiar faces too – former Sunderland Women’s loanee Esther Morgan featured in St. Gallen, while there was a chance to see new signing Rhiannon Roberts in action now that she has left Real Betis to join the Lasses.

In recent days, Sunderland head coach Mel Reay has also brought in midfielder Hannah Greenwood, who will be familiar to North East fans having previously played for Durham Cestria, Durham Women and Newcastle United Women, Republic of Ireland internationals Grace Moloney and Jamie Finn, and forward Reanna Blades, who made her debut for Jamaica earlier this year.

Photo by Ashley Allen - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Finn in action against Sunderland in 2022

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Hitting the bar

Sunderland Women have also confirmed that they will be part of a Barclays Women’s Super League 2 trial during 2025-26 that will see supporters attending games able to drink alcohol in the stands during games.

Women’s professional matches are not covered by current Control of Alcohol legislation relating to areas ‘in view of the pitch’ and earlier test events have been positive, with no safety incidents being reported thus far and players/match officials yet to note a change in fan behaviour. Attendances, however, did show an increase, as did average food & drink expenditure in stadiums, and SAFC will communicate further details in due course.

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Coping strategy

Former Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand was a recent guest on the ‘How Do You Cope’ podcast with comedian and broadcaster John Robins.

Their in depth interview covered several topics including racism and mental health within football, and can be heard here.

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Goalkeeping union

David Preece has been appointed Lincoln City’s new first team goalkeeping coach. Sunderland born and a former player, Preece was part of the coaching staff when the Lads won promotion back into the Championship in 2021-22, and has since worked for Mumbai City.

This isn’t the only Imps link either, as since then their keeper Isaac Allan has left Sincil Bank (LNER Stadium) to join Graeme Murty’s Under-21 squad on Wearside. An unused League One sub, Allan will no doubt be working with another recently appointed coach, Matt Craddock, who has just started a role at the Academy of Light as a Professional Development Phase leader.

A stint as assistant manager at Bolton Wanderers, plus positions at Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, the FA and Waterford FC, all sit on Craddock’s CV.

Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

David Preece in Sunderland colours

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