Football Season Guide

Another disappointing season for League One big guns Sunderland last time out as they again failed to secure promotion. Manager Lee Johnson revived their fortunes after Phil Parkinson’s sacking in November and they were on course for automatic promotion. However, a dramatic loss of form saw them finish in the play-offs where they lost in the semi-finals. There have been significant player departures over the summer. Captain Power has left along with regular starters Scowen and McLaughlin. Several important squad players have also exited. However, the most eye-catching outgoing is that of Wyke. The powerful striker hit 30 goals in all competitions last season. So far only three outfield players have been added. Evans and Pritchard look good acquisitions, both have regularly featured in the Championship. 17-year-old centre-back Doyle has impressed in pre-season. Also returning to the squad for this campaign are Elliot Embleton and Will Grigg who both stood out in loan spells at Blackpool and MK Dons respectively last season. At the moment Sunderland’s squad is certainly weaker than it was at the end of last season. Assist machine Aiden McGeady is still at the club having signed a new contract. Apart from the full-back positions, the starting XI looks strong but they are lacking strength in depth. Their promotion push last season was hampered by a raft of injuries so more reinforcements are badly needed to try and guard against this happening again.