Kidderminster striker Michael Gash speaking to BBC Radio 5 live ahead of their FA Cup tie with Sunderland: "We have come here with a game plan and Kidderminster will be turning up for a win and a place in the fifth round. For the players and the club days like this don't come around too often so we have to make the most of it."
Mark Lawrenson FA Cup fourth-round predictions: Sunderland v Kidderminster
I was not expecting Sunderland to get through their Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester United but they were very good and they deserved to make the final.
Kidderminster are sixth in the Conference Premier and the only non-league team left in the FA Cup.
They did brilliantly to get past round three because, once Peterborough drew at Aggborough, I thought that would be it. Instead Harriers went to London Road and won the replay.
On paper you would not give them a prayer at the Stadium of Light but I am going to go for a draw, because there might be a little hint of it being after the Lord Mayor's show for Sunderland.
You cannot get a much bigger contrast in the two cup ties they will play in the space of four days: the first one away at United and the second at home to Kidderminster, and Black Cats boss Gus Poyet will have to make sure his players are fully focused on this match.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Casey Stoney's prediction: Sunderland have had a bit of a revival recently. Gus Poyet has come in and has brought in a new way of thinking, and the players seem to have more confidence now.
I have got to be honest, I watched them in the first half of their game against Southampton last weekend and thought they were awful but am sure whatever he said at half-time turned them around because they ended up getting a draw.
I don't think there will be an upset here but I cannot see Sunderland winning by many. 1-0
Sunderland 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers - as it happened
Sunderland avoided an upset in the FA Cup by securing their progress to the fifth round by beating Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts made the perfect start to the game when Charis Mavrias opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a low strike to open his account for the club.
Kidderminster refused to crumble following the early setback but the non-league side failed to find an equaliser as Sunderland held on for the victory at the Stadium of Light.
Read below to find out how Gus Poyet's side knocked out the Harriers.
2.00pmGood afternoon everyone. This match is what the FA Cup is all about. Non-league Kidderminster Harries travel to the Stadium of Light to face Premier League side Sunderland. Can they cause a famous upset? Make sure you stay with me to find out.
2.03pmKidderminster have already upset Newport County and Peterborough United in this season's competition, but this is a different challenge. Andy Thorn's side could become heroes by knocking out the Black Cats today. We've seen the seemingly impossible happen before in the FA Cup.
2.05pmSunderland may be struggling in the Premier League but there will be renewed confidence around the Stadium of Light after they progressed to the Capital One Cup final. Will the penalty shootout success be the turning point in their season?
2.07pmPoyet has elected to make plenty of changes today, with Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini both making their debuts for the club. Full team news to follow shortly.
2.13pmLee Cattermole is the only player to keep his place in the starting lineup following the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final as Poyet chooses to make 10 changes. It's still a strong Sunderland side, despite the changes.
2.16pmDespite originally being ruled out of this game, Callum Gittings is fit enough to take a spot on the Kidderminster bench. Recent signing Adrian Cieslewicz is cup-tied, Lee Fowler misses out with a knee injury.
2.20pmSo, how can Kidderminster cause an upset today? They are the lowest ranked side left in the competition and not many people will be expecting them to qualify for the fifth round but Sunderland will be expecting a tough game. Kidderminster simply have nothing to lose. They can afford to have a go at the Premier League club today and ask questions of the rotated Sunderland side.
2.23pmHarriers striker Michael Gash insisted the visitors would be positive when he spoke to BBC Radio 5 live earlier today: "We have come here with a game plan and Kidderminster will be turning up for a win and a place in the fifth round."
2.26pmPoyet must make sure that complacency doesn't become an issue today. They're heavy favourites to progress but their name is not in the next round yet. Confidence is improving in the Black Cats camp and an extended FA Cup run can boost their survival hopes.
2.29pmYou can also follow live coverage of Southend vs. Hull and Bolton vs. Cardiff by clicking on your chosen game in the scores box on the right of the page. Will one of the Premier League clubs be sent out of the competition today?
2.34pmUstari joined Sunderland earlier in the week on a short-term deal. He makes his debut in goal today but you'd feel that he has a tough challenge to replace Vito Mannone, who has been superb in recent weeks between the sticks. Vergini also starts in defence following his loan move from Atletico Fenix. Poyet clearly rates the defender, who has been on loan at Estudiantes this season.
2.37pmPREDICTION: There's just over 20 minutes left before kick-off, so it's time to have a guess at what the outcome will be this afternoon. I'd expect Kidderminster to make it difficult for the hosts but an early goal for Sunderland could make it a long day. 3-1 to Sunderland.
2.40pmOver 4,000 Kidderminster supporters have reportedly made the trip to the Stadium of Light. That's an excellent effort from the visiting fans. They'll play a big part in attempting to make this an FA Cup classic.
2.43pmThis is the first time that these two sides have ever met in a competitive game. Kidderminster can equal their best effort in the FA Cup by progressing today, which would match their run in 1994 when West Ham knocked them out in the fifth round.
2.46pmTwo-time winners Sunderland haven't lifted the trophy since 1973. Survival in the Premier League is the number one target but the Black Cats have already shown this season how success in cup ties can quickly improve confidence.
2.50pmIf you fancy a flutter on an outsider today, some bookmakers are offering 9/1 on a Kiddermisnter victory today. Is that a fair price? I'm sure a few Harries supporters might fancy their chances of making history at the Stadium of Light.
2.54pmThe players are lining up in the tunnel now and it's the visiting supporters making all of the noise ahead of the kick-off. It's a special day for the non-league side. They'll make sure they enjoy the occasion.
2.57pmCattermole leads Sunderland out in front of the home crowd, who greet the Capital One Cup finalists with a good reception. The action is just moments away now.
2.59pmHere we go then. Sunderland will get the game underway.
1 minClose! Ba picks out Celustka, who whips in an inviting cross but Altidore's flick is cleared away inside the six yard box. Great start from the hosts.
3 minAll of the pressure is on the visitors at the moment. Sunderland win a couple of early corners but the Harriers make a couple of key blocks to keep the Black Cats out inside the first few minutes, with both Giaccherini and Larsson seeing shots stopped by defenders.
5 minGOAL! SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER (MAVRIAS)
5 minI mentioned how important an early goal would be this afternoon. Mavrias collects a loose ball after the visitors fail to clear and responds by drilling the opener into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club. Excellent start for Sunderland. It's going to be difficult for Kidderminster from here.
7 minCan Kidderminster respond? They've hardly seen much of the ball since the referee blew the first whistle. It's an impressive start from Sunderland, who seem in no mood to be the victims of an upset today.
9 minSAVE! It's a good comeback from the visitors. Giaccherini clearance falls at Gash's feet and his low strike forces Ustari to make his first stop in a Sunderland shirt.
12 minCLOSE! The chances keep on coming at the Stadium of Light. Roberge curls in a dangerous cross which just evades Altidore but Larsson arrives at the back post to fire a good opportunity over the crossbar.
14 minMore clever play from the Sunderland midfielders, who force the visitors to chase the ball for an extended period before Giaccherini strikes a long-range effort straight at Lewis.
17 minApart from Gash's effort at goal, Kidderminster have struggled to compete so far at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the match.
18 minRoberge has looked threatening when he's picked up the ball in space and another of his crosses almost causes problems when Ba flicks an effort wide of the near post.
20 minCattermole receives the ball 25 yards from goal and with very few options on offer, he decides to unleash a powerful shot. Lewis makes up the ground to collect the ball comfortably. Sunderland still on top.
22 minMuch better from Kidderminster. The away side win the ball in midfield and keep possession for a long period before Johnson's dangerous cross is cleared by Vergini at the near post.
24 minRoberge is the key man again as he beats a couple of defenders on the left before pulling the ball back to Celustka, who strikes a wayward effort well over the crossbar to the delight of the visiting supporters.
25 minCLOSE! Excellent football from the Premier League side again as Giaccherini drills a shot just wide after Mavrias had picked out the Italian just inside the penalty area. A second goal could be on the way soon.
28 minNice work from Jackan on the left for the visitors, who earns himself some space before clipping a ball towards Gash. However, the Sunderland defence respond well to clear the danger under pressure.
31 minSHOT! It's been difficult for Kidderminster in the first half but Gash is doing his best to cause problems for the Sunderland defenders. Ustari is forced into action to deny the forward a clear opportunity.
33 minSunderland are being asked the questions now as Cattermole and Altidore combine to clear a free kick as the visitors begin to become more of an attacking threat.
35 minSHOT! Giaccherini tries his luck again and curls a shot wide from the edge of the box after tricking his way into some space.
37 minRoberge isn't far away from capping off an impressive display with a goal in the first half when he watches a deflected effort sail over the crossbar. Lewis reacts well to collect the ball from the corner that follows.
41 minKidderminster deserve a lot of credit for how they've coped after falling behind so early. Gash's chance may have been their only clear opportunity but they've improved as this first half has progressed. Sunderland will need a second goal.
44 minGiaccherini and Altidore link well on the edge of the box but Dowling steps in to make a crucial interception and deny the hosts another chance as the half-time interval approaches.
3.46pmHALF-TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER
3.48pmNo need for added time at the end of the first half. Sunderland are on their way to the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to an early goal from Mavrias. Can Kidderminster fight back after the break?
3.51pmAndy Thorn will be pretty pleased with what he has seen from his side in the first 45 minutes. The non-league side were expected to be completely outclassed but they've applied themselves impressively following the early setback. Sunderland certainly look the more threatening of the two teams but the job is far from over for the hosts.
3.54pmKidderminster have been positive when they've been able to enjoy extended spells of possession. Gash, in particular, has caused quite a few problems for the Sunderland defence. They remain in this game as long as it remains 1-0.
3.57pmYou can check the scores of all of the other FA Cup games on the right of the page. There is a couple of big shocks on the cards this afternoon. Kidderminster will be desperate to add another one here with a second-half comeback.
4.01pmThe players are back out on the pitch and Kidderminster will get the second half underway.
47 minSHOT! Ba picks up the ball on the edge of the box and fires a shot through a congested penalty area but Lewis makes a comfortable save.
48 minYELLOW CARD! A yellow card was given at the end of the first half, with the referee booking Mavrias for dissent as the players walked back inside at the interval.
51 minYELLOW CARD! Ba clashes heads with Morgan-Smith and the Sunderland midfielder was adjudged to have committed a foul, with a second yellow card being shown.
54 minExcellent goalkeeping from Ustari. Byrne latches onto a long kick from Lewis and breaks into the box but Sunderland's new shot-stopper rushes off his line to deny him an opportunity.
55 minDyer eyes a spot in tomorrow's headlines when he's gifted space 30 yards from goal but his effort is wayward and the chance disappears for the visitors.
57 minKidderminster win a free kick on the halfway line and choose to send a few of the big men forward. The cross is delivered into a good area but Ustari collects from Gowling's header.
59 minSAVE! Vergini almost steals the show on his debut but the defender's powerful 30-yard strike is pushed away by Lewis and the visitors manage to clear the danger.
62 minSunderland are increasing the tempo of their play now as Poyet urges his side on from the touchline. Ba, who has impressed this afternoon, creates space on the edge of the box before curling a shot over the bar.
64 minYELLOW CARD! Kidderminster skipper Storer is cautioned for a late challenge on the lively Roberge as Sunderland looked to launch another attack.
65 minSUBSTITUTIONS: Poyet makes two changes as Fabio Borini and Craig Gardner come on to replace Giaccherini and Ba.
67 minSHOT! A Sunderland corner is cleared to Cattermole, who fires a wild shot over the crossbar from 25 yards out.
68 minSUBSTITUTIONS: Thorn makes two changes of his own as Frederick Ladapo and Callum Gittings replace Johnson and Morgan-Smith.
70 minBorini has only been on for a couple of minutes but he's already managed to frustrate his teammates as he strikes over when a pass would have been a better option.
72 minSUBSTITUTION: Poyet uses his final substitution to bring on Jack Colback for Cattermole.
73 minKidderminster are running out of time at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have looked more likely to score the second goal but the Premier League side will be disappointed not to have killed the game off by now.
75 minCLOSE! Sunderland work a short corner to Gardner, whose deflected shot finds its way to Vergini at the back post and the defender heads wide from close range.
78 minSunderland win a free kick in a very dangerous position but Gardner's cross is easily collected by Lewis in a congested penalty area.
81 minThe hosts win a number of corners and free kicks in the space of a couple of minutes but Kidderminster are doing just enough to stay in the game. Can they create a late chance?
83 minSUBSTITUTION: One final roll of the dice from Thorn as Santiago Aloi replaces Dyer for the closing stages.
84 minSunderland remain on the front foot as Celustka sprints down the wing before seeing a cross cleared behind for a corner. Kidderminster remain stubborn at the back as they clear the danger from the set-piece.
86 minSHOT! Jackman isn't far away from equalising for the visitors when he fires just wide from a tight angle following a quick counter-attack.
87 minCHANCE! What a chance for the non-league side. Gash rises highest to win a header and finds Ladapo, who wastes a brilliant opportunity by firing wide from inside the box. The replay was there for the taking. Is that their chance gone?
90 minThe referee confirms that there will be four minutes of time added on. Sunderland are intent on holding on for the victory.
90+1 minThe hosts almost secure the win in stoppage time but Vaughan reacts superbly to block a Borini striker after the forward had found some space.
90+3 minKidderminster win a free kick just inside the Sunderland half. It's their final opportunity to send some players into the box.
90+4 minEveryone heads forward for the free kick but Ustari takes control to collect the ball and calm the nerves around the Stadium of Light.
90+4 minEveryone heads forward for the free kick but Ustari takes control to collect the ball and calm the nerves around the Stadium of Light.
4.53pmFULL-TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER
4.54pmIt's all over at the Stadium of Light. An early strike from Charis Mavrias proves to be enough for the Premier League side, who progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Kidderminster can be very proud of their display today. They were expected to struggle but they refused to crumble after falling behind.
4.56pmKidderminster had the opportunity to force a replay but they failed to convert their chances late on. Andy Thorn will be full of praise for his side, there's no doubt about that. Great effort from the non-league side.
4.57pmThanks for joining me for this FA Cup clash. I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Make sure you stick around on the site for live text commentary of Stevenage vs. Everton. Goodbye.
Moberg Karlsson and Mitchell at the double in impressive win.
David Moberg Karlsson and Adam Mitchell both bagged fine doubles as Sunderland’s development squad produced a superb second-half performance to defeat Hull City 5-1 in a mid-season friendly at the Academy of Light.
Johnny Margetts had earlier cancelled out Mitchell’s opener before Jordan Laidler put Kevin Ball’s side ahead just before the break.
The young Black Cats were set to travel to Reading in the Barclays U21 Premier League this evening, though that game was rearranged due to both clubs’ involvement in the FA Youth Cup.
Sunderland were the brighter side in the opening ten minutes with Laidler latching onto Andrew Cartwright’s through ball and rounding Joe Cracknell in the Tigers’ goal only for Ben Clappison to get back and deflect the ball behind.
Mitchell gave the under-21’s the lead just inside ten minutes as Scott Harrison’s powerful headed clearance fell into the path of the County Durham-born youngster and he curled a fine effort into the top left-hand corner of Cracknell’s goal from the corner of the box.
It was Mitchell causing most of the problems to the Hull defence throughout the early stages and he went close, after neat interplay with Lawson, to doubling the young Black Cats’ advantage only to be thwarted by Cracknell at close range.
Former Sunderland youngster Matthew Fletcher saw a low effort saved by Jordan Pickford before he pressured the England youth international into conceding possession in his own area and Margetts was on hand to tap home.
Mitchell forced another good save from Cracknell after linking up with Laidler before Harrison headed over at the back post from the resulting corner.
Ball’s side were back in front six minutes before the break as David Ferguson broke down the left and crossed for the on-rushing Laidler who got in front of his man and neatly finished from six yards.
Moberg Karlsson doubled the lead on the hour as he received the ball from Connor Oliver and broke at the Tigers’ defence before dinking a tidy finish over Cracknell.
The Swedish youngster came to life in the second half and twice cut in from the right onto his left foot and fired just over.
Substitute Billy Knott was the provider for Mitchell’s second as the Canvey Island-born forward set the ball out to Mitchell who smashed a left-footed shot against the inside of the far post and into Cracknell’s goal.
Moberg Karlsson scored his second, and arguably Sunderland’s best of the afternoon, as he finished off a good move by beating two defenders and firing a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Young Black Cats with two late goals to draw with Burnley.
Sunderland’s development squad scored two late goals to earn a share of the spoils in a 4-4 draw with Burnley in a mid-season friendly at the Academy of Light on Saturday afternoon.
Carl Lawson and Adam Mitchell both notched in the closing stages for Kevin Ball’s side after Jamie Frost and Cameron Howieson had given the Clarets a two-goal advantage.
Jason Gilchrist had given the Lancashire outfit an early lead before Ross Holland and a Jordan Laidler penalty put the young Black Cats ahead.
Steven Hewitt equalised after ten second-half minutes from the penalty spot for Burnley as Sunderland played out their second 4-4 draw in three games.
It was Burnley who took the lead on 17 minutes as Gilchrist latched onto a neat through ball and smashed a left-footed drive beyond Joel Dixon in the Black Cats’ goal.
Ball’s side were level on the half hour, though, as Louis Laing’s strike bounced back off the base of the post and fell kindly into the path of Holland who tapped home from close range.
And the hosts were ahead just a minute later as Craig Lynch was brought down in the area and Laidler stepped up to fire into Burnley keeper Conor Mitchell’s bottom left-hand corner, sending the Northern Irish stopper the wrong way in the process.
Lynch then instigated a counter-attack as Sunderland began exert dominance on the affair and Mitchell was unlucky not to double the advantage with a curling effort from the corner of the box.
The Clarets were level in the 55th minute as Scott Harrison was penalised for a foul on Gilchrist in the area and Hewitt stepped up to equalise from the spot.
And the visitors were ahead three minutes later as Hewitt saw his shot blocked before substitute Frost was well-placed to fire home.
Howieson doubled Burnley’s advantage 20 minutes from time with a low side-footed effort as he rushed in at the back post.
However, as has been the case for the 2013-14 season, Ball’s side never gave up and found a way back into the game in the final minute as Connor Oliver played Lawson through and the forward fired across Mitchell and into the bottom corner.
And the young Black Cats got their reward when Mitchell fired into the top left-hand corner of his namesake’s goal from Laing’s corner in the dying seconds.
Youngsters defeated at Man City Published: 25 January, 2014
Young Black Cats defeated by the league leaders.
Sunderland’s under-18 side went down 2-0 to Barclays U18 Premier League leaders Manchester City in stormy conditions in the north-west on Saturday afternoon.
The young Black Cats went down to a goal in either half against City’s young side who are now unbeaten in 12 games.
Kean Bryan opened the scoring on the half hour for the Citizens as he smashed into the roof of the net from the edge of the box despite the best efforts of Peter Burke in the Sunderland goal.
The conditions got worse as the game progressed and both sides were hampered in their attempts to try and play free-flowing football.
Bersant Celina sealed the win for City after ten second-half minutes as coach Carlton Fairweather rued two mistakes in a close affair at City’s Carrington training complex.
"I thought we played very well,” Fairweather said. “Two silly mistakes cost us the game – we had several chances to get back into it but unfortunately we didn't take them.”
Sunderland: Burke, Ledger, T. Robson, Colquhoun, Beadling, E. Robson, Smith, Wright, Greenwood (Pybus, 45), Nelson (Stinson, 65) Gooch (Blinco, 80).
Mavrias fires winner as Black Cats book fifth-round place.
Sunderland confirmed their place in the hat for the fifth round of the FA Cup with Budweiser by successfully dispatching non-league side Kidderminster.
The Black Cats, who had three-quarters of the overall possession, were largely comfortable throughout and had the lead as early as the fifth minute when Charis Mavrias blasted home his first goal for the club.
And the Greek’s effort proved to be the decider, with Kidderminster throwing men behind the ball in an attempt to keep the deficit at one and strike on the break.
Barring an early chance for Michael Gash and a late flurry, a much-changed Sunderland side were comfortable as they booked their spot in the next round.
Gus Poyet made his intention to make changes clear following the midweek heroics at Old Trafford and the Sunderland boss was true to his word.
Of the side which prevailed in Manchester, only Lee Cattermole started, with 10 changes made including debuts for Argentine duo Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari.
Other alterations included a first Sunderland start for El Hadji Ba after the young Frenchman impressed as a substitute against Carlisle in the previous round.
Seb Larsson, Ondrej Celustka, Modibo Diakite, Emmanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore and Valentin Roberge also came in, as did Mavrias for his first appearance since September.
A strong start from the hosts almost saw them take the lead inside the first minute when Altidore flicked a dangerous Celustka cross goalwards only to be denied by a clearance from Jack Dyer.
But Mavrias wasted no time in making an impression as he blasted the Black Cats into the lead inside five minutes.
Josh Gowling made a mess of clearing Altidore’s flick-on, scooping the ball straight to the youngster who had no hesitation in dispatching a low shot into the far corner beyond a helpless Danny Lewis from 12 yards.
That start was exactly what the visitors, backed by a big away following, didn’t want, but debutant Ustari had to produce a key save at the other end to prevent Harriers from levelling as the 10-minute mark approached.
Giaccherini’s backward pass was too strong for Cattermole and ran straight into the path of Gash, whose shot was well blocked by Ustari before the former Getafe man dropped on the loose ball as it ran towards goal.
The chance was sufficient warning for Sunderland, who tightened their grip on the game with Larsson blasting off-target at the back post before Cattermole forced a save from Lewis with a left-footed effort from 30 yards.
Poyet’s side almost doubled their lead just before the half-hour after Mavrias pulled the ball back from the by-line for Giaccherini, whose shot though a pack of players whistled just past the post.
The visitors were toiling away and got into a couple of promising positions, but the hosts looked comfortable as Roberge, up from the back, saw a 30-yard blast strike a defender and end up on the roof of the net.
Sunderland went in a goal up at the break and looking to extend that advantage to guard against the perils of a slender lead.
Ba forced Lewis into a save two minutes into the second period, firing the ball straight at the Kidderminster keeper from just outside the box after Mavrias found his way to goal blocked.
The visitors were doing their best to frustrate Sunderland, sitting deep and mainly restricting the hosts to shots from distance, including a powerful effort from debutant Vergini which was well beaten out by Lewis.
Poyet introduced Craig Gardner and Fabio Borini off the bench in place of Giaccherini and Ba as he looked to up the ante with 24 minutes to go.
Borini was quickly in the thick of the action, firing wide from the edge of the area after a neat passing move before twisting and turning in the box only to see his shot well blocked by Mickey Demetriou.
Jack Colback replaced Cattermole on 72 minutes, with Larsson taking the captain’s armband as the hosts looked to break Harriers’ dogged resistance.
Celustka nodded Larsson’s free-kick over the bar but there was no way through for Sunderland as Kidderminster, sensing a late opportunity, launched an offensive in the closing minutes.
Left-back Danny Jackman blasted wide from distance, and hearts were in mouths two minutes from time when Gash won a flick-on to sub Frederick Ladapo, who hit his angled shot well only to see the effort flash just wide of the far post.
At the other end Borini was denied a goal only by a fine defensive block following a Sunderland counter-attack as the hosts closed the game out to secure a fifth-round berth.
Sunderland AFC
Team Sheet
Ustari 32 Vergini 27 Diakité 21 Roberge 29 Celustka 12Yellow Mavrias 35 Cattermole (Colback) 33Yellow Ba (Gardner) 22 Larsson 7 Giaccherini (Borini) 23 Altidore 17
Kidderminster Harriers
Team Sheet
Lewis 1 Vaughan 2 Gowling 30 Demetriou 3 Jackman 16 Dyer (Aloi) 26 Johnson (Gittings) 11 Morgan-Smith (Ladapo) 22 Storer Yellow 4 Gash 9 Byrne 7
Manchester City v Chelsea
Sheffield United or Fulham v Nottingham Forest or Preston Arsenal v Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion v Hull City
Cardiff City v Wigan Athletic
Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton Athletic Sunderland v Southampton
Everton v Swansea City
What time is the FA Cup draw? Teams, dates and everything you need to know about the fifth round draw
With the teams dropping out and the spectre of Wembley beginning to loom larger, FA Cup dreams are getting closer to being made a reality
The FA Cup is starting to heat up with the eight fifth round ties set to be drawn as the clubs involved can begin casting their eyes over a potential date at Wembley.
Holders Wigan Athletic edged through their fourth-round match with Crystal Palace to continue the defence of their trophy.
Last season's beaten finalists and trophy favourites Manchester City are also in the hat, having come from two goals down to power past Watford.
Fellow big guns Arsenal and Liverpool are also sticking around, as are Everton and Swansea City.
They'll be joined by Chelsea or Stoke, after their tie on Sunday, while Sunderland and Southampton are also in the hat.
League One Preston are the lowest-ranked side in the hat, having held Championship Nottingham Forest to a draw.
And they could be joined by fellow third-tier side Sheffield United, who meet Fulham ahead of the draw.
Who is in the draw?
Arsenal
Nottingham Forest/Preston
Liverpool
Sunderland
Cardiff City
Southampton
Charlton Athletic
Brighton & Hove Albion
Hull City
Sheffield Wednesday
Wigan Athletic
Manchester City
Swansea City
Everton
Sheffield United/Fulham
Chelsea/Stoke City
When are the fixtures?
Ties will be played on the weekend of February 15.
When is the draw?
The FA Cup with Budweiser fifth round draw takes place at approximately 5.35pm.
Where is it and how can I watch it?
The draw will take place at Wembley Stadium and the guests who will select the teams are Tottenham and England winger Andros Townsend and his father Troy.
The draw will be broadcast on TheFA.com and ITV - following the Chelsea v Stoke game.
You'll also find plenty of coverage, reaction and analysis here at Mirror Football as we bring you the latest fixtures as and when they happen.
Phil Bardsley: Expected to sign a new contract at Sunderland
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has told Phil Bardsley not to worry about his future as he wants to keep the defender beyond the summer.
Bardsley's contract expires at the end of the season and it looked like his time at the club was coming to an end when he was frozen out by previous boss Paolo Di Canio after being pictured at a casino in May, before mocking the team on a social media site after their opening day loss to Fulham.
However, Poyet offered him a clean slate and the 28-year-old has re-established himself as a key member of the Sunderland side.
He scored against former club Manchester United in midweek as the Black Cats booked their place in the Capital One Cup final, and Poyet is now keen to sort out a new deal.
"It was a shame Phil's goal wasn't the winner in a way because that would have been a great story - with him being ex-Man United and the year he has had," Bardsley said in the Sunderland Echo.
"But it was still an amazing evening for him and I think it was very emotional for him.
"He cares very much for the team and I know he cares for the club and the supporters too, whatever has been said.
"When I first joined, he was being held separate from the rest of the squad - I gave him a chance but he had to take it, and he has done.
"Now he knows he has a real Premier League future, which is great, considering the situation he was in before.
"I would like to keep him at the club and I have told him so and I know he wants to stay too.
"So that is good news, it is a matter of agreeing where we are and doing that sort of thing, but I don't want him to worry about his future."
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Phil Bardsley told he has a future with Gus Poyet's revived Sunderland
SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet has assured Phil Bardsley that he has a future at the club.
The right-back, told by ex-boss Paolo Di Canio he would never play for the club again, has seen his career revived under Poyet.
Bardsley, 28, had disciplinary issues during Di Canio’s stormy reign. But Poyet said: “Now he knows he has a real future here."
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Sunderland's Phil Bardsley a Fulham transfer target and they have offered relegation rivals £1m
Cottagers trying to lure full-back who'll be a free agent in the summer away from one of their relegation-battle rivals - but he's in no hurry to leave Wearside
Fulham made a shock bid for Sunderland hero Phil Bardsley this week, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People.
The Cottagers were hoping their £1million offer for the defender – who is out of contract in the summer – would persuade Gus Poyet's League Cup finalists to let him go, but they will be out of luck.
Poyet is desperate to keep the 28-year-old, especially after his efforts in recent weeks when has put his troubles under Paolo Di Canio behind him.
Sunday People Sport understands Bardsley has been informed of Fulham’s interest but has indicated he would prefer to stay at the Stadium of Light with the promise of a new contract in June.
Bardsley is one of several players with deals coming to an end – but both the club and the players are waiting to see what division the Black Cats will be in.
Fulham were also interested in Adam Johnson – but Sunderland decided they could not let the England winger go after his hat-trick at Craven Cottage.
And Poyet is expecting to complete the signing of Liam Bridcutt from his previous club Brighton before Friday’s deadline.
Meanwhile, Fulham and Crystal Palace are fighting a £3million war for Brondby's 6ft 7in Denmark international striker Simon Makienok.
The 23-year-old has scored 32 goals in 82 Danish Superliga games and turned down a summer move to Russians Terek Grozny.
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Phil Bardsley rejects Fulham's advances
Phil Bardsley has reportedly informed Sunderland that he would rather remain with them than join Fulham.
It is believed that the West Londoners had hoped to sign the full-back in a deal worth £1m.
However, upon learning of their interest, 28-year-old Bardsley has told officials at the Stadium of Light that he would prefer to continue his career on Wearside, according to The People.
The former Manchester United defender's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but it is thought that the deal will be extended, providing that the Black Cats retain their Premier League status.
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Rivals Bid For Sunderland Stalwart
6-years is officially 'stalwart' territory, yes?
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley is the subject of a bid from relegation rivals Fulham, according to Sky Sports.
There was a similar report in today's Sunday Mirror, but it was by Alan Oliver so, until we are out of toilet paper at Roker Report Towers and there is a real emergency, we naturally ignored it.
But now it has come from people who are actually worth taking seriously, it's probably best to acknowledge it.
Had this been the summer, I'd have been pretty chuffed with the news and all in favour of taking their hands off. It has been some turnaround for Bardsley since, however. He has roared back to his best and thoroughly redeemed himself for his summer of stupidity.
Gus Poyet has also spoken about how he wants the full back to be part of his long term plans with a new contract on the table should survival be achieved. Why entertain the possibility of strengthening a rival at the bottom for a relatively tiny fee and disadvantaging yourself in the process?
Even if it was accepted, I doubt Bardsley would want to go. He has a cup final to look forward to and is obviously loving his football at the moment.
Hopefully - and I never thought I'd be saying this a few months ago - sanity prevails and Bardsley sticks around.
Sunderland release a statement in response to Paolo Di Canio's comments on the club's players.
The club statement reads: "Sunderland AFC would like to express its' disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur. The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives."
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Paolo Di Canio threatened with legal action over rant at former Sunderland charges
The Italian slammed Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley after leaving the club, and could now face sanction.
Paolo Di Canio has been threatened with legal action by Sunderland for his weekend rant against his former players.
The sacked Sunderland boss hit out accusing Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley of being unprofessional, and saying John O'Shea was two-faced.
The outburst has angered Sunderland who believed they had an agreement that dressing room rows would be kept in-house by their players, with Di Canio also expected to leave quietly.
But the Italian has smashed that pact, and the Black Cats warned today: "The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives."
Sunderland released a statement expressing its "disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
"Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
"Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us."
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Rotten! Sacked Sunderland boss Di Canio slams Bardsley and Cattermole and brands O'Shea two-faced in astonishing rant
* Paolo Di Canio called Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole 'rotten'
*He claims they are the most unprofessional players he has worked with
*The Italian also labelled John O'Shea two-faced
*He blames sacked director of football Roberto De Fanti for not signing the players he wanted
Paolo Di Canio has launched a withering tirade at Sunderland duo Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole - branding them 'rotten'.
The Italian, who was sacked by the club last September following a player revolt, also blasted 'two-faced' captain John O'Shea, while the club are refusing to comment on the claims.
In an explosive interview, Di Canio insisted he had the support of the majority of the squad before he was shown the door and replaced by Gus Poyet.
Earlier this month, defender Bardsley had described team spirit under Di Canio as 'beyond dead' while Cattermole said he was close to quitting the north east club.
But Di Canio did not hold back in his criticism of the pair.
'These two players were rotten - the most unprofessional players I have ever worked with,' he told the Sun on Sunday.
Di Canio, who wants to return to management in England, also believes O'Shea owes his team-mates an apology.
'I don't like people who, when they speak to you, don't look into your eyes,' he said. 'He should say sorry to some of his team-mates for the many times he came into my office to say something unfavourable about them.
'This is the same player who also came to me when I first took over and said things about (Martin) O'Neill.
'Of course, he now says something different because he has to play for him (O'Neill) again [for Ireland].'
It was O'Shea who confirmed the player revolt earlier this season but Di Canio insists he had the backing of most of the Black Cats squad.
He claims to have 14 text messages on his phone from players who supported him and believes the board should have given him more time.
The Italian also feels he was unable to the sign the players he wanted, despite 14 new arrivals at the club last summer.
Di Canio said he wanted to sign Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone who were both keen to move north from Tottenham.
He laid the blame at the door of director of football Roberto De Fanti who was sacked last week.
Sunderland currently lie second bottom in the Premier League but reached the Capital One Cup final last week after a thrilling penalty shout-out win over Manchester United.
Poyet's side beat Kidderminster on Saturday to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup, and players were under strict instruction to avoid any mention of the Italian coach, who earlier had also attacked the club in a rambling interview on Football Focus.
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Paolo Di Canio accuses Sunderland of being a weak club and calls the players who rebelled against him 'cowards
Italian, who was sacked as Sunderland manager in September, also says it is his "destiny" to take charge of West Ham United
Paolo Di Canio has accused Sunderland of being a weak football club, the players who rebelled against him of being "cowards” and insisted it is his "destiny” to become the manager of West Ham United.
Di Canio’s ego was badly bruised by his sacking at Sunderland back in September after he had won just two out of his 12 league games in charge.
That poor form was a big concern for the board, but the decision to sack him was taken by owner Ellis Short following a player revolt of unprecedented scale in this country.
A large number of the first team were incensed by the way they were spoken to and treated by Di Canio and The Telegraph revealed how senior players had urged the club’s board to sack him following a furious row in the dressing room after a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Short has since called the appointment of Di Canio a terrible "mistake", but the Italian, in a bid to put himself forward for new jobs, has launched an astonishing attack on those who opposed him and insisted Sunderland were neither strong enough or good enough to have him as manager.
"It depends what the club wants, if the club is weak then they believe in the players, if they are strong they believe more in the manager," said Di Canio. "That is not something that can only happen at Sunderland, it can happen anywhere.
"To be honest, I have never been part of a group of players that went to the chairman because that is for cowards, I do not like that, it’s not fair. I prefer confrontation with my manager.
"It does not hurt me, it was four or five or six [players], but I do not like people who do not look into your eyes when they speak to you.
"I really believe in work, work, work so my standards are very high for those people without ambition. People with ambition want Paolo Di Canio.
"Sometimes you can make mistakes because you are under pressure, but in terms of what I want people to be, there was no mistake. Sometimes there are managers who are not good enough for some groups, but there are also some groups who are not good enough for the manager. In this case it is the second."
"It was an experience I had, a good experience the first part [keeping the club up], but a bad experience the second part, but that is something that can happen to any manager in the world."
Di Canio has been looking for another job in management since his acrimonious departure from Sunderland and he acknowledged his reputation has been damaged by what happened.
However, the former Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham striker, remains unapologetic and insisted the blame for what went wrong for him on Wearside was not his.
"More than a few things went wrong, I was working with 14 new players, all new together and all from abroad," he added.
Asked if he didn’t want them, why were they there, Di Canio replied: "We should ask the director who has now been sacked, [Roberto] De Fanti why all the targets I mentioned to them and we had all the chances to bring, why they didn’t come.
"When something goes wrong it is obvious some relationships do not work, but I kept the club up with a similar group of players last year when I took over from Martin O’Neill. I saved the club. I will be a manager in England, it is obvious."
There are those who believe Di Canio does not have the temperament to be a top class manager, but the 45-year-old will never be one of them.
He also retains the affection of a large number of West Ham supporters who have been chanting his name during their alarming slump under current manager Sam Allardyce.
"They were chanting my name four years ago when I wasn’t a manager," added Di Canio in an interview on BBC’s Football Focus. "Because my experience there was like they were my family.
"Everybody knows this [it would be special to go back there] but I don’t want to say this now because it is not fair. All I can say is, one day before the end, whether they go up or down and what players they give to me, it will happen, it’s obvious. That is my destiny."
Paulo Di Canio's 'sour grapes' over Sunderland's success
Fans dismiss former manager Paolo di Canio's outspoken comments about the club as merely 'sour grapes' over Sunderland's cup final place.
Ex-Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio thinks he is too good for the club... but fans say his latest remarks are just “sour grapes”.
In a stunning outburst yesterday, the former boss said he “saved Sunderland”, described the Black Cats players as “cowards” for raising issues with the club’s chairman and that some “groups are not good enough” for a manager.
He also announced that his “destiny” is to manage his former club West Ham.
His comments came after Sunderland landed a spot in the Capital One Cup final, with fans labelling his latest controversial outburst as bitter.
Martyn McFadden, editor of fanzine A Love Supreme, said: “It’s obviously typical that he would come out and say something. It just sounds like sour grapes because we wouldn’t have achieved what we have this week with Paolo di Canio in charge. Crazy behaviour cost him his job. He was out of control and has an inflated opinion of his own ability. The statistics show he won two matches in six months when he was in charge.”
The 45-year-old head coach was sacked in September after 13 games with the club at the bottom of the Premier League.
Still without a job, di Canio said he is now focused on a return to management.
During an interview for the BBC show Football Focus, he said: “I saved the club. I believe that there are sometimes managers that are not good enough for some group but there are also some group that are not good enough for a manager. In this case it’s the second for sure.
“It depends what the club wants, if the club is weak then they believe in the players, if they are strong they believe more in the manager.
“That is not something that can only happen at Sunderland, it can happen anywhere.” He went on to say how happy he was for fans that the team would be playing at Wembley in the cup final because they “suffer a lot”.
Martyn said: “He’s right to say our fans suffered but they suffered a lot under his tenure. Effectively it’s taken until now to get back into a fighting position where we need to be able to stay up. The players have recovered things.”
As Sunderland fans made their way to the Stadium of Light yesterday for their FA Cup game against the Kidderminster Harriers, social media sites were buzzing with comments.
Jon Little wrote on Twitter: “Poyet has the same players, and as much as I hate to say it as a #NUFC supporter, they’re playing a much better brand of footy.”
User Dominc SAFC Hardy Tweeted: “Yeah [we’re] that weak that we can get into a cup final unlike his beloved West Ham.”
Andrew Gillespie wrote on the Sunderland AFC News and Banter Facebook group: “Not another Steve Bruce... another sacked manager blaming everybody but himself... At least O’Neill has stayed quiet and got on with things.”
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Paolo Di Canio deluded if he thinks Sunderland players were 'cowards' for orchestrating his demise
Paolo Di Canio has no humility - as shown by his refusal to accept any responsibility for his mistakes
Paolo Di Canio remains a man deluded.
The former Sunderland boss spoke out at the weekend, both on television and in print, to give his side of the story of his sacking in September.
And the Italian let rip, branding those players who mounted a dressing room revolt against him ‘cowards’ in an interview with the BBC’s Football Focus on Saturday, and branding John O’Shea ‘two-faced’, and outcasts Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole as ‘rotten’ in a Sunday newspaper.
He also blasted director of football Roberto De Fanti – who was himself sacked earlier this month – for ‘broken promises’ and failing to sign the players he had identified in the summer.
If the point of Di Canio speaking out in the hagiographic BBC interview was to announce that he is ready to return to management, it backfired spectacularly.
Any owner or chairman who might have been considering appointing Di Canio will surely be having second thoughts now.
Because in Di Canio’s mind, everyone was to blame for his failure but himself.
The owner, the director of football, the players – even the previous manager Martin O’Neill did not escape his wrath.
And Di Canio’s failure to accept any responsibility whatsoever shows he has learnt nothing from the catastrophic mistakes he made during his brief spell as a Premier League manager.
The best leaders in any business – football or any other industry, for that matter – are man-managers. They inspire their staff and get the best out of them.
But Di Canio’s methods had the opposite effect. He alienated key players, destroyed any confidence in the dressing room and ensured the team added up to less than the sum of its parts.
He was quick to take credit for any success – ‘I saved the club’, he said of avoiding relegation last season – yet when things went pear-shaped he pointed the finger at the players.
Criticism within the sanctity of the dressing room is one thing, but Di Canio broke one of football’s unwritten rules when he continually hammered them in public.
Eventually, senior players approached the club hierarchy to let them know that the manager no longer had the confidence of the dressing room.
Di Canio branded those who went over his head ‘cowards’, saying he would have preferred direct confrontation with them if they had a problem.
But do you think he would have listened? No way. They would have joined Bardsley in the ‘Bomb Squad’, banished from the first-team dressing room and left to train with the U21s.
Di Canio had made it perfectly clear from the moment he took charge that it was his way or the highway. There was no room for compromise.
And far from cowardice, in fact it took courage for the players to take a stand.
It showed they cared about the direction in which the club was heading.
They could have said nothing, the decline would have continued and, in all likelihood, Sunderland would have found themselves cut adrift at the bottom of the table with no hope of salvation.
Instead, owner Ellis Short acted, dismissing Di Canio just five games into the season and installing Gus Poyet as his replacement, while there was still time to keep the club in the top flight.
Poyet has got the players – and the understandably-frustrated fans – back on board, given the club a genuine chance of staying up and now led Sunderland to their first cup final in more than 20 years.
It has been an incredible turnaround in the space of less than four months but Poyet has gone out of his way to give the players full credit.
Where Di Canio’s favourite word was ‘I’ – or, because he often referred to himself in the third person, ‘Paolo Di Canio’ – Poyet prefers ‘we’.
And there in lies the difference. Win together, lose together.
Di Canio arrived 10 months ago promising a revolution on Wearside.
But, as history shows, revolutionary leaders usually come to a sticky end once their footsoldiers lose faith in them.
So it was with Di Canio.
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Sunderland consider legal action against Paolo Di Canio after his criticism of the club and its players
Sunderland are taking legal advice after ex-boss Paolo Di Canio hit out at the club and its players in a series of interviews at the weekend
Sunderland are considering taking legal action against former boss Paolo Di Canio after he criticised the club and its players at the weekend.
Di Canio, who was sacked at the end of September following a dressing room revolt, gave an interview to BBC Football Focus on Saturday lunchtime and to a Sunday newspaper, in which he branded captain John O’Shea ‘two-faced’, and Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole ‘rotten’.
He also accused the club of ‘breaking promises’ over the signing of new players, said the club’s hierarchy was ‘weak’ for listening to players’ grievances against him, and insisted he was too good a manager for the squad he had to work with.
As a club, Sunderland have retained a dignified silence since sacking the controversial Italian was dismissed after a disastrous start to the season.
But after Di Canio spoke out at the weekend, Sunderland today issued a statement in which they pointed out that the severance package agreed when he was dismissed included a confidentiality clause and indicating that the club is taking advice over whether the terms of that agreement have been breached.
The statement read: “Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
“The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
“The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
“Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only two losses in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
“Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us.”
SUNDERLAND are edging closer to the signing of exciting Argentinian attacker Ignacio Scocco.
The Black Cats have held their nerve in their long-term pursuit of the the 28-year-old, who is ready to leave Brazilian side Internacional barely six months after turning down Sao Paolo to join them.
But that patience looks set to pay off, with the arrival of the versatile frontman expected at the Stadium of Light this week.
There have been strong rumours that Cardiff City were ready to match the Black Cats’ bid to sign a player capable of playing on either wing, as an attacking midfielder or as a striker.
But Cardiff’s interest has never fully materialised and if the Welsh club did make an inquiry, it does not appear to have been strongly followed up despite claims from South America.
Scocco’s father, Hector, suggested Cardiff might have joined Sunderland in the bidding for a player Gus Poyet has long admired.
Hector Snr also revealed in a radio interview: “It’s not that Scocco doesn’t like Brazilian football, his problem is that he didn’t have motivation to keep playing for Internacional, nothing else.
“The problem is with Internacional, not with the Brazilian clubs.”
But Sunderland are now in clear pole position to sign the player, although, as in any deal, particularly the complicated South American ones, there is still scope for the move breaking down.
Sunderland have no intention of counting their chickens before they hatch and head coach Gus Poyet has refused to be drawn publicly on Scocco over the last few days.
But behind the scenes, Sunderland are more confident now than they have been previously that the free-scoring frontman could be on his way to the Stadium of Light to massively improve their attacking options.
The 5ft 8in Scocco potentially offers the complete package, combining shooting accuracy with good technical skills and has scored goals wherever he has played, although it would remain to be seen how quickly he would adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
If he does join, he would certainly excite Sunderland fans. He would also be the fourth signing made by Gus Poyet in the January transfer window – joining fellow Argentinians Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini, and on-loan Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso.
Sunderland remain in the chase, meanwhile, for Brighton defensive midfielder Liam Bridcutt and Valencia playmaker Ever Banega, another Argentinian.
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Sunderland recall Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday loan
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has been recalled from his loan spell with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
The England Under-21 striker has done well at Wednesday, scoring eight goals in 11 games, but leaves Hillsborough after Gus Poyet exercised the 24-hour recall clause in his loan.
Wickham's loan was due to end following Tuesday's match at Millwall and new
Wednesday manager Stuart Gray was keen to extend that beyond January.
The 20-year-old could now feature for Sunderland when they host Stoke in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
A statement released on the Championship club's offical website said: "Connor Wickham has been recalled by parent club Sunderland, who have exercised the regular 24-hour clause in loan deals.
"Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank Connor for his services and wish him
well for the future."
Wickham has struggled to make an impact in the north east since his #8.1million switch from Ipswich during the summer of 2011.
However, he has impressed during his loan spell and has been linked with Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has been monitoring Wickham's progress at Hillsborough, but he has his own problems with summer signing Jozy Altidore in poor form and Steven Fletcher having scored only once in his last 16 appearances for the club.
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Sunderland hit bore nerve with Gus Poyet as Kidderminster expose flaws
• Premier League side begin vital run in sloppy fashion
• Non-league opponents disappointed not to earn replay
Gus Poyet is the sort of manager who spends countless hours scrutinising DVDs of his team's matches but there are exceptions to every rule. "I won't be watching this game again," said Sunderland's manager. "The game was boring, very boring and it was difficult to watch. I don't want to analyse it."
Charis Mavrias's shot into the bottom corner had given his side a fourth-minute lead after a rare error from the otherwise outstanding Josh Gowling. Thereafter an impressive Kidderminster defended brilliantly and very nearly equalised through the substitute Frederick Ladapo but his late shot swerved fractionally the wrong side of the far post.
Sluggish, slapdash and alarmingly low tempo, Sunderland had plenty of possession but used the ball very badly where it mattered. "We couldn't cross properly and we couldn't have a shot on target," conceded Poyet, who looked mightily relieved to avoid a replay and see his side safely through to the fifth round. "That is nothing to do with positions, that is all to do with you, the ball and quality."
The Uruguayan has been criticised for configuring the Capital One Cup finalists in assorted variations of the lone-striker system, some pundits feeling Sunderland's key striker, Steven Fletcher, would be better suited to a 4-4-2 formation.
Here Fletcher was one of 10 players rested after Wednesday's League Cup semi-final triumph at Manchester United but, in his place, Jozy Altidore laboured horribly as an attacking spearhead.
When Altidore won a late header cheers erupted. They came heavily laden with sarcasm, a damning indictment of the £6.5m Sunderland's former director of football Roberto De Fanti invested in the United States striker.
In all, seven of the 14 players signed by the recently sacked De Fanti for a collective £30m last summer started against Andy Thorn's non-leaguers on Saturday. The young Greece winger Mavrias apart, none really impressed, with Altidore and the £8m Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini particular disappointments.
By contrast Kidderminster's principal striker Michael Gash – who forced Sunderland's debutant Argentinian goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into an important first-half save after a bad mistake by Giaccherini – their immensely influential midfielder Kyle Storer and the solidly imposing central defenders, Mickey Demetriou and Gowling, were four of the best players on view.
Storer and friends produced a performance for the near 5,000 strong contingent of away fans to treasure and which Kidderminster's manager hopes can provide a springboard for a spring-time return to the Football League via the play-offs.
Thorn, an FA Cup winner with Wimbledon in 1988, summed it up well. "We're a Conference team at a Premier League team and I'm bitterly disappointed we're not taking Sunderland back to our place."
The concern for Poyet is that although his best XI – a side built around a nucleus of players signed by Steve Bruce and Martin O'Neill who, in several cases, were found wanting in the past and have variously been described as "rotten" and "cowards" by Paolo Di Canio, Poyet's predecessor – is improving, it remains deeply inconsistent.
With the understudies hardly putting together a coherent case for promotion, Poyet must trust the sort of performances his team gave in beating Manchester United over two legs in the League Cup can be replicated during a tricky set of Premier League fixtures.
Before their Wembley date with Manchester City on 2 March, Sunderland face Stoke City at home, Newcastle United away, Hull City at home and then City and Arsenal away. With a fifth-round FA Cup tie also to be played, this will be a pivotal, season-defining four weeks which may determine whether Sunderland run out at the national stadium having a decent chance of avoiding relegation or as a side all but condemned to Championship football next season.
Man of the match Kyle Storer (Kidderminster Harriers)
Sunderland will beat Cardiff to the signing of Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco.
The Black Cats have negotiated a deal with Internacional that will see them pay the Brazilian club £2.5million for the 28-year-old, and also settle the £1.5m debt still owed to Argentine side Newell's Old Boys for his transfer last July.
Sunderland agree fee for Argentina international striker Ignacio Scocco
Sunderland have agreed a £3million fee for Argentina international striker Ignacio Scocco with Internacional, according to Sky sources.
Gus Poyet appears to have beaten off competition from Cardiff's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to land the 28-year-old.
Scocco has been a long-term target for Sunderland, who wanted to sign him before his summer switch to Internacional.
However, the move has been complicated by the fact his current club still have to finish paying former side Newell's Old Boys for his transfer.
Earlier this month, the player's father told Radio Gaucha that two English clubs were looking to sign his son, adding: "It's not that Scocco doesn't like Brazilian football, his problem is that he didn't have motivation to keep playing for Internacional, nothing else.
"The problem is with Internacional, not with the Brazilian clubs."
Should the player join the Wearsiders, he will be the third Argentinian to head for the Stadium of Light this month with keeper Oscar Ustari and central defender Santiago Vergini already on board.
Manager Gus Poyet has also brought in Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina and recalled striker Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday 24 hours before his loan deal was due to expire.
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Stoke eye Sunderland duo Fletcher and Cattermole in £10m double bid
Stoke City are launching a £10million bid for Sunderland pair Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole.
Sunderland on Monday agreed a £3m fee for Argentina international forward Ignacio Scocco from Internacional and recalled Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday as manager Gus Poyet braced himself for bids ahead of Wednesday's game, coincidentally with Stoke.
Poyet is reluctant to lose Fletcher unless he can bring in a replacement but is willing to consider offers for Cattermole, 25, as he tries to sign Valencia's Ever Banega and Liam Bridcutt from Brighton. Will Buckley is another possibility at Brighton.
Nottingham Forest are keen on signing Wickham too but Poyet may keep hold of the England U21 international until Friday.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has brought in Peter Odemwingie as part of the Kenwyne Jones swap with Cardiff but wants Fletcher who he considers a more recognised finisher after seeing a deal for Emmanuel Riviere of Monaco stall.
Norwich have an interest in Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan which may move on should Cattermole arrive.
Real Betis, meanwhile, have made an enquiry for Sunderland midfielder Alfred N'Diaye, who is on loan at Turkish club Eskisehirspor.
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Phil Bardsley set to land new deal at Sunderland just six months after being told he could leave
Bardsley is a free agent this summer and was told he had played his last game for the Black Cats by former chief Paolo Di Canio.
Phil Bardsley is set to land a new deal at Sunderland – six months after being told he was a disgrace and banished to train with the kids.
Boss Gus Poyet hailed the defender as the “incredible” comeback story of the season.
Bardsley is a free agent this summer and was told he had played his last game for the Black Cats by former chief Paolo Di Canio after being pictured surrounded by cash in a casino.
But Poyet brought the 28-year-old back and has been rewarded with goals – including the strike that helped his side book a Wembley final date in the Capital One Cup.
Poyet, who is also talking over a new deal with Jack Colback, said: “When I came here and started watching, I went to see Bardsley and I was thinking, ‘he’s a player’.
“I told him to have a go, but there are no more mistakes or apologies. It’s up to you. And now we are going to talk about a new deal.”
Sunderland will beat Cardiff to Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco (left) after striking a deal with Internacional that will see them pay the Brazilian club £2.5million. They will also settle the £1.5m debt owed to his former club, Newell’s Old Boys.
Poyet has recalled Connor Wickham (above) from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. The striker is wanted by Brighton on loan as part of a deal for their midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
Wickham move to Brighton could help Bridcutt’s switch to Sunderland
SUNDERLAND are determined to land a central midfielder before the transfer window closes but it will be either Liam Bridcutt or Ever Banega – but not both.
And the recalled Connor Wickham could play a part in the deal to land head coach Gus Poyet’s top choice in Bridcutt.
Poyet has already added three new players to his squad this January – on loan Fiorentina full-back Marcos Alonso, and Argentinian pair, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and centre-half Santiago Vergini.
Now he is closing in on a fourth – another Argentinian, Internacional’s versatile attacker Ignacio Scocco in what is believed to a £4m deal (see page 39).
And he plans more arrivals before the window closes with Bridcutt and Banega firmly on his radar.
But the Black Cats’ boss is looking to strengthen with just one central midfielder before the transfer window closes on Friday night.
Poyet has worked closely with Scottish midfielder Bridcutt in his time as Brighton boss and he believes the 24-year-old would fit perfectly into the style of play he wants to develop at Sunderland.
A firm bid, in excess of £2m has been made, with the player himself handing in a transfer request to underline his desire to join the Black Cats.
Brighton have not been involving Bridcutt in games while his future is an issue but have rejected an offer which Sunderland say will not be increased.
The Wearsiders are determined not to be held to ransom and have opened up inquiries on another front, over Valencia midfielder Banega.
The Argentine has two dozen international caps under his belt and the 25-year-old would not come cheap. But he suffered several injuries while at the Spanish club and they may be tempted to cash in on a player they paid Boca Juniors 20m euros for five-and-a-half years ago.
The Argentine has been watched by a number of Premier League clubs but Sunderland are prepared to up their interest if no progress is made on Bridcutt.
Brighton are determined to get more than the money offered so far from Sunderland – pointing out that Poyet himself described Bridcutt as “a £5m player” during his time at the Amex Stadium.
Connor Wickham – recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, two days before it was due to end – could become a makeweight in a deal to land Bridcutt, though.
The young striker may go out on loan to the South Coast club, as part of a deal to bring Bridcutt to Wearside.
Brighton are on the lookout for a striker to reinforce their options up front as they look to maintain a push for the Championship play-offs.
And with the Bridcutt situation a difficult one for the Seagulls, they might be tempted to take Sunderland’s offer for the midfielder if it means getting a proven Championship finisher in Wickham for the rest of the season.
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Ignacio Scocco close to joining Sunderland
Sunderland are close to signing Argentine striker Ignacio Scocco, according to head coach Gus Poyet.
Scocco, who plays for Internacional in Brazil, is expected to have a medical shortly, after the clubs agreed a fee.
When asked if the deal was likely to go through, Poyet said: "I hope so. It's not done, but we are very, very close."
Scocco, 28, is set to become the third Argentine to join Sunderland this month, following the arrivals of Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini.
Asked about Scocco in April, South American football expert Tim Vickery wrote in his weekly BBC Sport column: "He might not be a big target man centre-forward, but he has some penalty area presence and moves outside the area with fluidity and intelligence."
Sunderland, who are 19th in the Premier League, have also signed defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina, and recalled striker Conor Wickham from a temporary spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland consider legal action over Paolo Di Canio 'cowards' outburst
• Former manager hit out at players and called club 'weak'
• Club now consulting lawyers over next move
Sunderland are consulting lawyers in the wake of the verbal volley Paolo Di Canio aimed at the club and certain players over the weekend.
The Italian, sacked as Sunderland's manager in September, dubbed his former employers "weak" and some first-teamers "cowards" before singling out individuals for special criticism. While Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley were described as "rotten" by Di Canio, Gus Poyet's predecessor said John O'Shea, the side's captain, was "two-faced".
Unhappy that the club's board bowed to a revolt by squad members following a defeat at West Bromwich Albion, Di Canio maintains he should have received greater backing from Ellis Short, Sunderland's owner, and Margaret Byrne, the chief executive.
Short and Byrne see things somewhat differently. In a club statement released on Monday afternoon they answered back. "Sunderland AFC would like to express its disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio regarding the club and its players," it said.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure, and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur. The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
"Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
"Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us."
It did not go down well when, during his weekend interviews, Di Canio suggested he was "too good" for Sunderland before claiming it is his "destiny" to manager West Ham United.
The former West Ham striker and Swindon manager also said he was partly undone by the 14 summer signings made by Sunderland's former director of football Roberto De Fanti, none of whom he claims were players he had asked to be recruited.
He left his most scathing critism for Bardsley and Cattermole, however.
"Those two players [Cattermole and Bardsley] were rotten," he said. "The most unprofessional players I ever worked with. What Bardsley has done in the last year speaks volumes. Photos of him lying on the floor in a casino covered by £50 notes and laughing at the team losing on the opening day, that's public. It's no surprise these players were kicked out of my plans. The reason Sunderland stayed up at the end of last season was because Cattermole was injured and Bardsley played very little."
Poyet is close to completing a £3m, two-and-a-half-year deal for the Argentina striker, left winger or attacking midfielder Iganacio Scocco from Brazil's Internacional.
If, as expected, the 28-year-old – who also interests Cardiff – signs for Sunderland by the end of the week he will become Poyet's third Argentinian recruit this month, joining Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have also acquired Marcos Alonso, a Spanish left-back on loan from Fiorentina, and their Uruguayan manager will be delighted to increase his Spanish speaking contingent by ending Scocco's unhappy stint with Internacional.
52 Sunderland fans banned from Newcastle derby game
MORE than 50 Black Cats fans will not be allowed to go to Saturday’s crunch derby game against Newcastle United at St James’s Park.
A total of 52 Sunderland supporters are currently subject to football banning orders and will not be allowed to attend the Tyne-Wear game.
Officers will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s game on Tyneside, when scores of people rioted following Sunderland’s 3-0 win over their arch rivals.
This Saturday, Sunderland fans are being encouraged to use free coaches provided by the club. They will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am. Turnstiles at St James’s Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
Two Metro trains travelling direct from Sunderland railway station to Central Station in Newcastle will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities at the ground, and after full time, they will be able to wait in the bar areas, where they will have access to refreshments and toilets. They will then be asked to wait until the immediate area outside the ground is clear of Newcastle fans before making their way to the transport.
Operations commander chief superintendent Steve Neill said: “The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to, and we’re working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
“We’re asking Sunderland supporters to work with us, as they did last season, and stay back for a short period of time after the game. “This allows us time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
“We’ve carried out hold-backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James’s Park and the Stadium of Light, and they’ve worked well. Fans fully understand why we do it and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
“The facilities will be open, so it’s as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans, and we’ll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible.”
Sunderland will be looking to record their third straight win over the Magpies after they beat them 2-1 earlier this campaign.
Don Hutchison: How to lose a dressing room in three months
Having played alongside former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio, Don Hutchison can see why he failed to make the right impact on Wearside
It was a pretty routine training session exercise, the sort that professional footballers up and down the country do every day of the week.
Glenn Roeder was the manager of West Ham at the time and he wanted us to improve our cutting edge from midfield. The idea was that Paolo Di Canio would find the wide man, who would then put the ball into the box for us to attack.
All Paolo had to do was find the wide man but the first time he attempted it, he made a mess of it. ‘Fair enough,’ we thought. ‘Even the best players aren’t perfect.’
Then he did it again. And again. And again and again and again. It dawned on us that he was deliberately missing the wide man. He was messing up training because, essentially, he didn’t want to do that particular exercise. The lads were furious with him and so was Glenn. Paolo ended up walking in early.
It’s just one little anecdote but it springs to mind when you hear Paolo crop up and slag off Sunderland players Phil Bardsley, Lee Cattermole, John O’Shea and Steven Fletcher over the weekend. Players who, let’s remember, have just helped Sunderland get to Wembley in the Capital One Cup.
The timing was very strange and he comes across as really, really bitter about what happened during his time at Sunderland. It doesn’t seem as if he realises why he wasn’t successful there and that means he’s doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
It made me chuckle, actually. Paolo says he’s ready to come back and make a success of being a manager but he will never be a manager in a million years. He can’t handle people and he can’t handle different personalities and in the world of football, you’re doomed if you can’t do that. When people talk about ‘losing the dressing room’ that’s what it means in practice.
He criticises the professionalism of those four Sunderland players but let me tell you, he had a very poor attitude to training at times. We had rules at West Ham where you weren’t allowed to use a mobile phone but there was an occasion where he came into training talking loudly on his phone – loud enough that Glenn could hear him.
The rules also stated no motorbikes for players yet he’d turn up at training on his Vespa. One day he could be no use to anyone, the next he’d be brilliant and generous. You just never knew what you were getting with him. Don’t get me wrong, he would turn it on when he played on a Saturday. He was a good player but to then criticise players for their conduct is amazing. He was never a model pro.
The first thing Gus Poyet did when he took over was put Bardsley back in the team which told you a heck of a lot about how he was going to approach that dressing room.
There’s a simple rule: alienate influential players in a dressing room and you’re inviting problems.
Alienate four of them at once and what do you expect is going to happen? You can’t get rid of them all because you have to find a buyer and you’ve just made them damaged goods by criticising them in public.
I don’t actually have a problem with that public criticism. At one club I was called in by the manager who told me that he was going to tell the press he’d fined me two weeks wages for something I’d done. Privately, he told me there would be no fine but he wanted to send a message.
That sort of thing happens all the time. Managers work with their players and tread a fine line with the dressing room. That casino picture wasn’t too clever and I don’t condone it but Di Canio couldn’t have dealt with it worse.
Gus has the dressing room onside but he’s been clever. Those influential players are on his side but he might, privately, have come to the same conclusions as Paolo – that they aren’t the ones he wants to move forward. They are third from bottom and they’re better than that, so something hasn’t been right.
He needs them right now but there’s no certainties. What happens next is far from clear and they might all go in the summer but Gus has them onside, which is the hallmark of a good manager. They will run through brick walls for Gus but they wouldn’t cross the road for Paolo.
Sunderland are planning further contract talks with Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley, though the seemingly perpetually changing situation at the club doesn't appear to be helping.
The duo are part of a large contingent whose deals expire this summer, though they are the only ones who appear to be earmarked for extensions as things stand.
Speaking in The Journal, Poyet said of Colback:
We started negotiations a few weeks ago now. The situation with the negotiations has changed a little bit, because there's another person in charge now [that Roberto De Fanti has left his position of Director of Football].
Let's hope. It's important not to be too aggressive in terms of the contract because of the position we're in, and of course you need to be realistic. They'll say ‘Let's wait, let's see where we finish'. It works both ways.
Seems to be that Colback is keeping his options open a little and waiting to see how the relegation battle pans out for now. That seems fair enough really. He is at an age where is could be about to sign the key contract of his career. I'm sure he won't be short of offers.
Talks apparently haven't started yet with Bardsley - described by Poyet as 'the story of the season' - but they are apparently planned:
No, we haven't [started negotiations yet]. I think we'll try. He knows that we're going to start talking.
His story is incredible. We say to him every now and again ‘You were in the other side, over there (training with the kids)' and now he's scoring against Manchester United and being desperate to take a penalty, he's celebrating and he's the one who got the most emotional.
It has been hard for him. He had a contract here and he was earning his money but you want to be part of things, you want to be on the pitch.
You certainly wouldn't begrudge him a new deal, would you? Well, I wouldn't, anyway. I wouldn't be pushing the boat out or anything and I'd keep it fairly short-term in length, mainly because Bardsley seems to be the type who needs something to fight for in order to get the best out of himself.
It would be nice if both players are Premier League players with Sunderland next season.
Sunderland chairman has made mistakes, but he's rectified them quickly and ruthlessly, and now Cats are on the right track
He stood in the director’s seats, lingering for as long as he possibly could.
The smile was tattooed on Ellis Short’s face as he shook the hands of journalists, supporters and a legion of well-wishers who hung over the box at Old Trafford to congratulate him on Sunderland’s incredible achievement.
Was this the moment a five-year investment which has bought him little more than headaches and strife finally began to reap a glorious dividend?
If it was, you could hardly say Short didn’t deserve it. After facing down the deserved torrent of criticism which followed the rapid rise and fall of Paolo Di Canio in September, the Sunderland owner has barely made a bad call in the last five months.
It all started with a public admission.
Billionaires don’t say sorry very often – most of them don’t need to – but it has been Short’s readiness to remedy his own bad calls which has sown the seeds for Sunderland’s resurgence.
The miscalculation of letting short-term fix Di Canio try to assemble a long-term plan was solved with a ruthless and expensive sacking in September. Short could have demurred or even followed the advice of those who were urging him to cull a supposedly-poisonous dressing room, but he was prepared to embrace the chaos and take the hit to his own reputation.
It was a difficult and traumatic period which encouraged the perception Sunderland were floundering, but it was absolutely necessary.
This was followed by a public admission of culpability in the club’s match-day programme.
His decision to say sorry bought him time and illustrated a recognition he could – and should – do better.
He made the right appointment, too. Gus Poyet was not the universal choice of his legion of advisers, but after a lengthy process of due diligence – again he was accused of dallying – he decided to go with the Uruguyan, whose own reputation had taken a hit after a damaging departure from Brighton.
Last week’s announcement Roberto De Fanti, never the right appointment for the critical director of football role, was gone effectively brought an end to Short’s great gamble of 2013. Sunderland feel better for it.
Just recently, the club has re-aligned itself with its supporters. The decision, jointly taken with Newcastle United, to oppose Northumbria Police’s attempt to categorise February’s derby as a “bubble game” was fully justified – as was paying for the travel of every Sunderland supporter who made their presence felt at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
None of this made a blind bit of difference on Wednesday, of course. The brio and bravery of Sunderland’s second-half performance at Old Trafford was down to Poyet and his players having the courage of their convictions, along with the alchemy of their manager.
If we were in any doubt before Wednesday, the manner of their victory at Old Trafford confirmed there is something special about Poyet. For anyone pondering his man-management skills, just look at the identity of the Black Cats’ two match-winners.
Vito Mannone was a lightly-heralded reserve goalkeeper when Poyet took over and Phil Bardsley was the humiliated and discarded right-back at odds with the club’s support.
Both of these lost boys have been rehabilitated by the new boss.
Wednesday was an epic, adrenaline-fuelled evening, but scratch deeper and the signs are becoming more positive for the Black Cats.
Poyet has given them an identity, direction and pride – but he has been empowered by Short’s decisiveness.
This journey is still far from run. Sunderland remain in the bottom three and in the thick of a desperate battle to stave of relegation.
Yet finally, for the first time since Short assumed control from Niall Quinn, there is a real reason to believe once more.
Hard work, a solution guy and clean slates - Gus Poyet's methods seem to be working, even if there's plenty of work to be done
The mercury had plunged at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare ground and the figure on the stands pulled up his jacket to protect himself from the chill.
On a cold Tuesday in January, Sunderland’s under-21s were taking on Stoke’s young guns. It was freezing enough to make this a night strictly for Black Cats loyals – and Phil Bardsley, of course.
For the right-back was at the match with his son, offering his support to a group of young players that he had trained with – and grown close to – over a summer spent in the wilderness. It might have been cold on that Tuesday evening, but it was positively Mediterranean in comparison to the way Bardsley had been frozen out by Paolo Di Canio.
“He was completely out, he was history in this club, he was gone forever, then with the change of management there was an opportunity to come back, the second chance after what happened and he’s taken it to another level,” Gus Poyet explained of his goalscoring right-back on Thursday afternoon.
“He’s become a very, very important player, so I’m very pleased for him.”
If anything defines the transformation in the mood (if not quite the league position) under Poyet, it is his treatment of Di Canio’s lost boys – who were excellent as Sunderland stormed into the final of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
As the players were embraced by Ellis Short in the dressing room after an epic evening in Manchester, the feeling couldn’t have been further from the fractious atmosphere that typified Sunderland’s work over the summer.
What the Italian saw in Bardsley was an opportunity to assert his authority and face down another Alpha male in the Black Cats squad on the way to stamping his mark on Sunderland.
What Poyet saw was an honest player who had worked diligently with the youngsters over the summer and was precisely the sort of character to build a survival bid around.
His social media indiscretion was foolish but the Uruguayan laid down a marker by wiping the slate clean. Poyet, you see, is a solutions guy. Short is used to managers who knock on his door with problems – for Di Canio it was indiscipline, for Martin O’Neill it was a lack of necessary resources to shape the squad in his own image.
What Poyet has brought to the table is solutions. Everyone could see the problems, but the Uruguayan has set about making it work.
Don’t think for a minute that the journey is complete or that Poyet is entirely happy with his lot. A large-scale shake-up is planned for the summer and it is telling that not one of the players who is out of contract at the end of the season has been contacted for a new deal yet (with the exception of Jack Colback). There has been a trend this season: Vito Mannone, Ki Sung-Yueng, Fabio Borini, Bardsley and even Craig Gardner. Every single one has got better under Poyet. It has not been enough to generate sufficient momentum to extricate Sunderland from the drop zone yet but they have a fighting chance – and are the bottom eight’s form team.
What’s more, the squad has been fused together by the new man. “Gus has been brilliant,” Wes Brown explained.
“He is on everyone’s side. He helps everyone. We know what he wants and that’s what we try and do. He changes things at times to see how we react to it, and we reacted brilliantly against Manchester United. Back in September I could not imagine this club would be going to a Wembley final, and that’s the honest truth. We’ve come such a long way since then. We are playing very different. We are a strong bunch of lads and hopefully we can just keep this going now in the league.”
Poyet feels there is no magic wand. “We have worked,” he explained, simply. “Hard work, convincing the players to keep doing it, non-stop. It’s something we believe in, myself and the staff, then you need the players to realise that, because they’re the ones who go out on the pitch.
“You have to make the realise it’s possible, to be convinced and to be able to do it. I think we were getting better. It was difficult because of the position we were in, but this is the proof that we’re a better team right now.”
There is still plenty left to fight for this season. Sunderland remain in the bottom three and have to vault the Kidderminster Harriers hurdle tomorrow.
“I think we cannot complain about the confidence now going into the next few games,” Poyet said. “We just need to make sure we do the same things. We’ve been on a very good run for the last month and a half, we need to make sure that we continue. The players are right, everybody is fit, which is incredible, so now we need to make sure we don’t relax in the FA Cup, but especially in the Premier League.”
Whatever happens this season, Wednesday was a special night to be cherished for the ages. The noise from the 9,000 who travelled from Wearside was ear-splitting, the joy unconfined. March 2 promises to be a special day.
Brown said: “This result is definitely up there with what I achieved at United.
“We’ve come to Manchester United and have got the result we wanted and now we are in a final. When I was at United, if we had done the same thing to get into a final, the feeling would be exactly the same. But for us to do it here is brilliant.”
Police ban almost 200 football fans from Newcastle United v Sunderland match
Nearly 200 football fans have been banned from Saturday’s derby match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James’s Park.
A total of 123 Newcastle fans are subject to football banning orders, and will not be allowed to attend the Tyne-Wear game.
Another 52 Black Cats’ supporters are also banned.
Police aim to avoid a repeat of last season’s game on Tyneside, when scores of people rioted after Sunderland’s 3-0 win over their arch-rivals.
To help achieve this, Sunderland supporters will be held back in the stadium for a short time after the final whistle.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities at the ground, and after full-time, they will be able to wait in the bar areas, where they will have access to refreshments and toilets.
They will then be asked to wait until the immediate area outside the ground is clear of Newcastle fans before making their way to the transport.
Operations commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, said: “The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to, and we’re working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
“We’re asking Sunderland supporters to work with us, as they did last season, and stay back for a short period of time after the game.
“This allows time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
“We’ve carried out hold-backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James’s Park and the Stadium of Light, and they’ve worked well. Fans fully understand why we do it, and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
“The facilities will be open, so it’s as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans, and we’ll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible.”
Sunderland fans are also being encouraged to use free coaches provided by the club.
These will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am.
Turnstiles at St James’s Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
Two Metro trains travelling direct from Sunderland railway station to Central Station in Newcastle will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
Sunderland will be looking to record their third straight win over the Magpies after they beat them 2-1 earlier this campaign.
Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us.
Information ahead of St James' trip.
Northumbria Police is advising Sunderland fans of the short hold back taking place at full time after the derby match on Saturday.
As per previous derby matches, officers are asking fans to wait in St James' Park for a short time after the final whistle.
The holdback will be kept to a minimum amount of time and is in place for everyone's safety.
Sunderland supporters are encouraged to use the free coaches provided by SAFC, which will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am.
On the day turnstiles at St James' Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities and after full time the supporters will be able to wait in the bar areas where they will have access to refreshments and toilets.
They will be asked to wait until the immediate area outside of the ground is clear of Newcastle fans then they will be able to leave the ground and make their way to their transport.
The coaches will leave St James' Park for the Stadium of Light swiftly and last season were the quickest way for supporters to get back to Sunderland.
Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to and we're working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
"We're asking Sunderland supporters to work with us as they did last season and stay back for a short period of time after the game - this allows us time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
"We've carried out hold backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James' Park and the Stadium of Light, and they've worked well - fans fully understand why we do it and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
"The facilities will be open so it's as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans and we'll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible."
Sunderland AFC has confirmed ticket information for the Capital One Cup Final against Manchester City, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 2 March, 2pm.
Sunderland AFC has been allocated the east end of Wembley and there will be a phased sale of tickets for the club’s season card holders.
PHASE ONE
SAFC 2013-14 season card holders, with one or more loyalty point (i.e. have attended a minimum of one away game in the last three seasons) can purchase ONE ticket from 9am, Monday 3 February until 12noon, Saturday 8 February. All season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
PHASE TWO
All SAFC 2013-14 season card holders who have not applied in Phase One can apply for ONE ticket per season card, from 9am, Monday 10 February until 12noon, Saturday 15 February. Once again, all season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
Should any tickets remain after these two season card holder priority periods, a further announcement will be made.
The club will aim to allocate supporters price preference at point of sale. This however is not guaranteed and the next available price will then be allocated. Once a ticket has been sold it cannot be upgraded or downgraded in category.
TICKET APPLICATION PROCESS
Season card holders who meet the criteria, can apply either in-person at the Stadium of Light ticket office or by telephone, on the 24 hour hotline number, 0871 911 1973.
Applications cannot be made online for this fixture.
Supporters must have their customer number available when purchasing tickets. Applications cannot be processed without this number.
TICKETS FOR DISABLED & VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATRONS
Tickets for disabled and visually impaired patrons can be purchased under the same schedule as above.
The price charged to wheelchair patrons is equivalent to the relevant price for the area in which they’re situated, with their personal assistant (where required) gaining access free of charge.
Concession rates will apply across all of these tickets for Junior Wheelchair patrons, 16 years of age and under, over 65s and ambulant patrons.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All tickets are sold as instructed by the Football League and as per terms and conditions of sale or at the Stadium of Light ticket office.
TICKET OFFICE OPENING HOURS & CONTACT DETAILS
The Stadium of Light ticket office is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 5:30pm and Saturday’s from 10am - 1:00pm or until kick off on home match days.
Telephone: 0871 911 1973 24 hour service
Email: ticket.office@safc.com for general enquiries.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
Sunderland AFC are back in Barclays Premier League action on Wednesday night, with the visit of Stoke City.
Gus Poyet’s side welcome The Potters to the Stadium of Light for a 7.45pm kick-off, having won five of their last six games in all competitions.
Tickets are still available for the clash, starting at £25 for adults, £19 for over 65s and just £10 for under 16s.
They can be purchased in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, which is open until 9am -5.30pm on Monday and Tuesday and from 10am until kick-off on the day of the game.
Supporters can also get their hands on tickets 24 hours a day either via the online box office or by calling 0871 911 1973.
Fans can also print their match tickets at home at no additional cost.
Sunderland V Stoke Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men
Wednesday night see’s Capital One Cup Finalists Sunderland welcome Stoke City to the Stadium of Light for what could be a relegation six pointer.
Although Stoke sit 5 points about Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League they are only 4 points ahead of the home team. A win for Sunderland will see them close the gap to only 1 point and could move them out of the bottom 3.
Sunderland are full of confidence off the back of their win on penalties at Old Trafford in the Semi-Final of the Capital one cup, whereas Stoke are coming into the game of the back of a defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round.
Sunderland’s home league form is terrible. They have not won a league game at the Stadium of Light since a 1-0 victory against table topping Manchester City on November 10th. In their last 5 Premier League Games they have 2 wins, 2 draws and a defeat.
Stoke City go into the game without victory in their last 5 games. They have lost 4 and drawn 1. There last win was back on the 21st of December against Aston Villa and their last away victory was away at West Ham United on 31st August 2013.
Interesting Facts
There have been red cards in three of the last four Barclays Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke.
Adam Johnson has scored four goals in his last two Premier League appearances.
There have been just five goals scored in the last four Premier League games between Stoke and Sunderland.
Stoke have won 61% of their aerial duels this season, by some way the highest proportion in the top-flight.
Sunderland have picked up 1.1 points per game in the matches (12 games) Lee Cattermole has started this season but only 0.5 in those he hasn’t (10 games).
Team News
Sunderland should be at full strength for this game as their only injury concerns are long term casualties Carlos Cuellar with a Hip/Thigh injury and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood with a shoulder problem. Manager Gus Poyet has recalled Striker Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. New loan signing Santiago Vergini will be hoping to make his Premier League debut after arriving on loan earlier this month.
Stoke also have very little to worry about on the injury front. They will still be without the long term injured trio of Matthew Etherington (calf) Andy Wilkinson (ankle) and Robert Huth ( knee).
Manager Mark Hughes has released Jermaine Pennant from his deal so he will no longer be appearing for Stoke City.
One deal Mark Hughes will hope to have completed by Wednesday day is the swap deal between Kenwyne Jones and Cardiff’s Peter Odemwingie. If that deal does go through, expect to see Odemwingie at some point during the game.
Key Men
Fabio Borini
The Italian forward has impressed during his loan spell from Liverpool. So much so that many Liverpool fans are asking for him to be recalled. That’s not an option however and his recent form is an excellent sign for this Sunderland team as they attempt to move out of the bottom 3.
Playing mainly from the left hand side, Borini has created 5 chnces and attempted 18 crosses so far.
Peter Crouch
Former Liverpool striker Crouch has been Stoke’s most creative player so far this season. With 7 clear cut chances and 4 league goals to his name it is clear that all of Stoke’s good attacking play comes from him.
Match Prediction:
Sunderland will be desperate to take their cup form into their league form, especially at home. Stoke will be desperate to stop the run of defeats.
Two desperate teams should equal a not very entertaining game. I think that both teams will be scared to express themselves and it will be a very dull 1-1 draw.
Poyet: Cattermole and Fletcher are going nowhere! Sunderland boss dismisses speculation that pair are moving to Stoke
Unhappy Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has had no contact from Mark Hughes over the possibility of signing Lee Cattermole or Steven Fletcher.
The Stoke boss has been linked with the Sunderland pair, but with Stoke due at the Stadium of Light tomorrow night, Poyet is not so sure the interest from Staffordshire is serious.
Former captain Cattermole and Scotland international Fletcher are both expected to start against Stoke tomorrow night for the latest relegation clash on Wearside.
Poyet said: ‘In the local paper we haven’t thrown any rumours that we are interested in any Stoke player which is what has happened down there for the last week.
‘We have not had any formal approach or offer from Stoke so for them to be linked with two very important players for us is very disappointing.
‘He (Mark Hughes) didn’t call me. I think managers normally call to say when they want a player from another team but he has not called me I can assure you.’
Poyet, who has recalled Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday, is close to finalising a £3million deal for Argentine striker Ignacio Scocco after agreeing the fee with his Brazilian club Internacional. He is expected to be a Sunderland player by the time of Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby.
Sunderland are bracing themselves for a couple of departures before then, with Modibo Diakite due to join Fiorentina and Seb Larsson again attracting interest from Roma.
Poyet added: ‘I hope it (Scocco) can be done, it is not done but we are very very close
'In the agreement (with Connor Wickham) there was a date we needed to make a decision and decided to bring him back on that day, now we are analysing the situation and having a chat with the player.
‘It is impossible to say whether he will move again, he is here, he has trained with us, he is a player we can use and he has been playing well and scoring goals so it depends on the whole squad and the next question is whether Scocco goes through or not. It is not only about one particular player.
‘I am not going to put a time limit on it but I hope we know our squad by Thursday but I would not like to be here on Friday.’
Blackpool winger Thomas Ince, who has been linked with Sunderland, has been in Stoke today to hold talks with the Potters.
There is said to be a fair few top flight clubs interested in the player and today Thomas and his father Paul was at Stoke to see what they had to offer.
The England U21 international has already spoken to Swansea City.
It's being reported that Ince and his Dad will be on Wearside sometime this week to meet up with Gus Poyet.
Out of contract at Blackpool this summer, Sky Sports report that he will see all interested parties and make a decision about his future on Thursday.
Parma have reportedly approached Sunderland to explore to possibility of signing a trio of players, including Emanuele Giaccherini.
The report from Gianluca Di Marzio also suggests the Italians are interesting in taking Mobido Diakite and Charis Mavrias, the latter presumably on loan.
But it is apparently their interest in Giaccherini that is most pressing. The pocket-sized playmaker had quite a decent start to life on Wearside, but has fallen down the pecking order since as he struggles to pin down a position in Gus Poyet's line-up.
It's a bit of a conundrum because in terms of actual talent, Giaccherini is one of the best players Sunderland have. If he could settle into the side somewhere into a role that suited him, he would unquestionably make the team better.
That's a giant 'if' though. Poyet prefers a genuine forward to play from the left, does not seem to care for the 'number 10' role, and doesn't seem to trust Giaccherini enough in central midfield. He is almost just a nice idea rather than an actual useful footballer to Sunderland at the moment.
There is also the effect selling him could have on Sunderland's own transfer business. Poyet has confirmed he'd like one more, presumably Bridcutt, but any further deals are largely dependant on the kind of opportunity that selling players provide.
A deal to take Giaccherini back to Serie A looks complicated due to lower wages in Italy, and his agent has insisted he wants to stay at Sunderland. However, if a deal could be done and it opened up a window to bring in another player more suited to Poyet's plans, I'd be very tempted to take it.
Most Sunderland fans assumed the rumours of interest in Ever Banega were just that until the news was gradually confirmed by reliable reports in England. Sky Sports this week claimed that the Premier League club had made contact with Valencia about a possible move, we believe their sources to be a tweet from a Times journalist.
In Spain, Super Deporte - Valencia's local newspaper, have been covering the Banega situation for some time but it's not Sunderland who are being mentioned. The latest club is Inter Milan and although the Serie A side would be considered a bigger club they don't have the same financial power as Sunderland.
Lots of big clubs have been linked with a move for Banega and in November it was Tottenham who were the main destination mentioned, we said at the time:
'El Mundo aren't one of the usual Spanish rumour newspapers and as such you'll rarely hear stories which originated with them, their football coverage is quite sparse so when they do say something it's worth giving it a second glance. It sounds like they've been proven correct on a claim in August regarding Tottenham and Ever Banega, they said at the time that Spurs had contacted Banega's agent to see if the midfielder would be interested in moving to White Hart Lane in the future.
He has a buyout clause with Valencia of €30m and Tottenham reportedly wanted the midfielder's agent Marcelo Simonian to find out if Valencia would negotiate on that, given the difficulty in getting Roberto Soldado it's a wise way for Tottenham to go about things ahead of a possible future transfer.
Simonian has been speaking to Napoli Calcio, mainly about Javier Pastore, and let slip some interesting information "For Banega the situation is different. I can only say that we're already talking with several clubs for the next market, in the next few days I will be travelling to present all the alternatives to Valencia."'
It quickly became clear that Banega's agent was trying to generate interest and in the following weeks further clubs were linked, including Manchester United. The midfielder's contract runs out in June 2015 so his value will start to drop.
Police urge Sunderland fans to use official coaches to travel to Newcastle on derby day
POLICE are urging Sunderland fans to plan their plan their travel arrangements ahead of the derby game on Saturday.
Officers are encouraging Black Cats supporters to use free official club coaches to travel to St James’s Park for the Newcastle clash.
The coaches depart from the Stadium of Light for Newcastle at 10.30am and will also return Sunderland supporters to the Stadium of Light after the match.
Northumbria Police said the coaches were the quickest way to get back to Sunderland after the match last season.
Turnstiles at St James’ Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first coaches from Sunderland, and at 11.15am for general admission.
There will be direct Metro services for Sunderland supporters on match day. Two Metros travelling direct from Sunderland station to Central Station in Newcastle. They will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
There will also be one direct Northern Rail service, leaving Sunderland station for Newcastle Central Station at 11.19am and arriving in Newcastle at 11.39am.
For the return journey there are two Metros running direct from Central Station to Sunderland at 3.45pm and 3.57pm.
There will also be one direct Northern Rail service leaving Newcastle at 3.38pm, passing through Heworth at 3.46pm and arriving in Sunderland at 4.01pm.
Officers will be based at the transport links to ensure people board the Metros and trains safely.
Roads temporarily closed on derby day between 1.30pm and 5pm will be - Barrack Road in both direction between its junctions with Gallowgate and New Mills; Strawberry Place between its junction with Barrack Road and St James Street; Pitt Street between its junctions with Barrack Road and Wellington Street and Barrack Road, south/eastbound between its junction with Holland Drive and New Mills.
Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: “We want to welcome supporters from both teams and we hope they enjoy what is a great sporting event and a highlight in the footballing calendar for the region.
“We’re continuing to encourage Sunderland supporters to use the free coaches being provided by the club which will get them directly to and from St James’ Park swiftly and safely.
“For those planning to use public transport the Metro and train services on the day will be extremely busy and people should give themselves plenty of time for their journeys.
“We’re working with British Transport Police, Northern Rail and Metro staff to ensure the safety of Metro and rail passengers and will have officers at Central Station and in Sunderland throughout the day.
“The match is one which football supporters across the region look forward to and we’re well aware the vast majority of supporters are there to support their team and soak up the derby day atmosphere.”
Supporters can follow two Northumbria Police Twitter accounts – @NorthumbriaSAFC and @NorthumbriaNUFC – which provide fans of Sunderland and Newcastle with up-to-date information and safety advice for supporters.
IT’S SO far, so good, during a fortnight which could change the entire complexion of Sunderland’s season.
Victory in last week’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg propelled Sunderland to a first cup final in 22 years, while a second trip to Wembley is not out of the question after Saturday’s ugly win over non-league Kidderminster.
But the job is only half done.
While the prospect of seeing Sunderland at Wembley has brought huge enthusiasm to Wearside, the Black Cats must complement that cup success in the bread and butter of the Premier League.
If Gus Poyet’s men can take four points or more from two league games inside four days, it really would transform Sunderland’s prospects.
It’s entirely possible, particularly given Sunderland’s recent record against Newcastle United and the impending departure of the pivotal Yohan Cabaye from St James’s Park.
But tonight’s game is just as important – if not more so – than the weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby.
For all Sunderland’s survival prospects have improved greatly with a return of eight points from the last five games, the Black Cats need to gain some real traction by beating one of their relegation rivals at home.
That has proved to be an arduous task for Sunderland over the last two months.
Poyet’s side have been excellent on Wearside in the League Cup, but in the Premier League, Sunderland fluffed their lines against Norwich and Aston Villa, and needed a remarkable comeback against Southampton to rescue a point.
Sunderland cannot afford to start at the snail’s pace they mustered for the opening half-hour in the 2-2 draw with the Saints.
While the possession-based philosophy introduced by Poyet has served Sunderland so well, the Black Cats still need to mix up their game and go for the jugular in the opening stages at home when paired with sides in the bottom half.
The first 20 minutes tonight will be crucial. Stoke will doubtless adopt the same approach as Norwich and Villa by putting men behind the ball and looking to nick a goal at the other end.
But if Sunderland can get their noses in front early doors – something that has not been a particular strength during Poyet’s stewardship – it will change the entire complexion of the encounter.
Sunderland need far more of a goal threat from their strikers to achieve that platform though, and that is where Poyet’s main decision lies tonight.
Poyet is likely to revert to the vast majority of the side which triumphed on penalties at Old Trafford after leaving out 10 of those players against Kidderminster.
But what does the head coach do up front with both Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher struggling and Nacho Scocco’s move still in the pipeline?
As Poyet has suggested, Fabio Borini could move into a more central role, with Emanuele Giaccherini introduced out wide.
But the other solution would be to re-introduce Connor Wickham after he was recalled two days early from his loan spell at SheffieldWednesday.
Wickham’s confidence is certainly higher than either Fletcher’s or Altidore’s after eight goals in 11 games for the Owls and surely has an opportunity to be included on the bench, if not the starting XI.
The Potters also have a striking dilemma, with Mark Hughes considering the merits of throwing new signing Peter Odemwingie straight into the mix after the swap deal with Cardiff for ex-Sunderland frontman Kenwyne Jones.
Odemwingie certainly adds pace to a relatively sluggish attack, albeit his transfer merry-go-round has affected his form over the last 18 months.
Hughes is also expected to replace Stephen Ireland and Wilson Palacios with Charlie Adam and Glenn Whelan tonight, while Oussama Assaidi could come in for Marko Arnautovic.
The ploy of Poyet’s former team-mate will be one of containment, while hoping Sunderland become frustrated and gaps appear on the counter-attack.
It’s crucial Sunderland prevail in that game of cat and mouse.
Verdict: Home win
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Gus Poyet blasts Mark Hughes over pursuit of Sunderland pair
Gus Poyet has slammed Stoke boss Mark Hughes over his pursuit of Sunderland pair Lee Cattermole and Steven Fletcher on the eve of the teams’ Premier League clash.
Reports claim the Potters are ready to bid a combined £10million for midfielder Cattermole and striker Fletcher.
But ahead of tomorrow’s relegation six-pointer at the Stadium of Light, Black Cats boss Poyet, a former team-mate of Hughes at Chelsea, said of the speculation: ‘I am pleased that in the local newspaper, we didn’t throw any rumours about us being interested in any Stoke player, because that’s what they have done for the last week.
No-one from Stoke, directors or anyone from them, has made any formal approach or any offer, so for them to be linked with two very important players for us before the game is a little bit disappointing.’
Hughes said at the weekend that Sunderland’s progression to the Capital One Cup final made a move for Cattermole unlikely, and Poyet added: ‘He [Hughes] didn’t call me. Some people would say the manager normally would call to say when they want a player of the other team.
‘But he didn’t call me, of that I can assure you.’
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Stoke City’s relegation battle starts against Sunderland
There is a well worn, oft-used cliché in football. It’s frequently trotted out when referring to a clash between two teams that are fighting each other – and a host of other teams – for a title or in a relegation survival battle.
I refer, of course, to the ‘six pointer’ and, in this mid-week cluster of fixtures, Stoke face Sunderland in what could be described thus.
Following the FA Cup weekend just passed, each team in the Premier League has played 22 games – meaning 16 are left for each.
The league has a definite split between the top and bottom half at present. While teams like Manchester United and Newcastle United may be underperforming, it’s unlikely that they will be drawn into a relegation battle come May.
Any team below them – and that is 12 teams – could be relegated by the end of the season.
I don’t ever recall a Premier League table being so divided at this stage of the campaign. Yes, there is usually a battle between five or maybe six teams to stay in the top flight – but 12? That’s unprecedented.
In reality, Southampton could call themselves safe – provided their off-field power struggles don’t affect on-pitch performances.
So, just the 11 teams involved in a relegation scrap then.
We play nine of them – having already met Crystal Palace twice (we are the tenth, obviously).
For me, that’s quite a scary prospect – but a promising one, too.
There are 27 points to be picked up from our battles with those teams – and that would put us on a relative high of 49 points; as good as guaranteed safety.
There are 21 points to be fought for against teams in the top half of the table too. While a more difficult prospect of winning, given our current form, they’re bonus games that I’d be more than happy to pick up some points from.
It’s true that we are in a relegation battle right now – but it’s still too early to declare ourselves doomed.
We can make a positive start to that relegation battle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
It’ll only be worth three points, but it’ll certainly feel more like six.
Argentina international Scocco arrives at Sunderland for medical ahead of £3m move
Ignacio Scocco has arrived at Sunderland for his medical to complete a £3million move from Internacional.
Manager Gus Poyet has fended off late interest from Cardiff City for the 28-year-old striker who has struggled in Brazil since a move from Newell’s Old Boys.
Scocco has played once for Argentina, scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Brazil in November 2012.
Poyet, who has also signed fellow Argentines Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari this month, should have the 5ft 8in finisher available for the derby at Newcastle on Saturday.
'I hope it goes through because of the characteristics of the player. He's a player who can bring something special around the box that we are missing,' he said on Tuesday.
'I’ve had a good chat with him and he’s comfortable playing as part of a front three.
'We will use him further up the pitch because he is not really a defensive player, so I see him as a striker more than anything else.
'That’s a good thing for us though because we need to score goals and Scocco could provide us with that little extra both in scoring goals and creating them.'
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Thomas Ince set for Hull & Sunderland talks
Blackpool winger Thomas Ince is expected to hold talks with Hull and Sunderland on Wednesday as he prepares to make a decision on his future.
The England Under-21 international has been given permission by the Championship side to discuss a loan move with Premier League clubs.
The 21-year-old met with Swansea City and Crystal Palace on Monday and held talks with Stoke City on Tuesday.
Ince is approaching the end of his contract at Bloomfield Road.
Speaking after Tuesday's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, Hull manager Steve Bruce insisted he was not planning a move for the former Liverpool youngster.
"There's nothing in that and we're not likely to do anything before Friday," Bruce told BBC Radio Humberside.
Ince began his career at Anfield, making one substitute appearance in the League Cup before joining Blackpool in August 2011.
He has scored 33 goals in 113 matches for the Seasiders and was the subject of January interest from the Reds last season, while he turned down a move to newly-promoted Cardiff in the summer for family reasons.
And he has not featured in either of Blackpool's two matches since his father, Paul, was sacked as manager on 21 January.
Blackpool lost 5-1 at Reading on Tuesday and are 15th in the Championship.
Sunderland - Stoke City Preview: Potters aiming for first win at Stadium of Light
Gus Poyet's side have lost just once in their last seven Premier League matches, while Mark Hughes' side registered their last league win on the road in August.
Two teams with contrasting recent fortunes meet when Stoke City travel to Sunderland.
While Sunderland appear galvanised under the stewardship of Gus Poyet and have put together a run that consists of just one defeat in their last seven Premier League games, in addition to reaching the Capital One Cup final and the FA Cup fifth round, Stoke are struggling ahead of Wednesday's game.
Mark Hughes’ men continue to be inconsistent on their travels and are aiming to avoid a 10th successive away Premier League game without a win.
Stoke's last victory at Sunderland was a 1-0 success in April 1994 – a winless streak stretching 11 matches.
Perhaps the most telling statistic of all for Stoke could be that Sunderland, who are second bottom, could be within a point of Hughes' men should Poyet's side secure a victory on Wednesday.
SUNDERLAND LATEST
7/1 Sunderland are 7/1 with Betway to beat Stoke City 2-1
Stoke, who have failed to score in five of their last six away games in all competitions, are unbeaten in their last three encounters with the Wearside club and the return to full fitness of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a timely boost, as is the potential arrival of striker Peter Odemwingie.
Begovic made his comeback from a month out with a broken finger in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Chelsea on Sunday and had an immediate impact, producing a string of fine saves.
Odemwingie, meanwhile, is poised to join Stoke as part of the swap deal that should see Kenwyne Jones depart for Cardiff City. Both Cardiff and Stoke will hope to finalise negotiations prior to the midweek Premier League programme.
Stoke manager Hughes believes striker Odemwingie can help his side become more ruthless in attack.
"He's got a little pace which we need to add to our squad and he can play both wide and through the middle," said the Welshman, who looks set to again be without Robert Huth (knee), Matthew Etherington (calf) and Andy Wilkinson (foot).
Poyet made 10 changes to his Sunderland team for the 1-0 home win over non-league Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup on Saturday, but will be expected to revert back to his strongest XI for the visit of Stoke. Connor Wickham has been recalled from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and could be in contention for a place on the bench.
Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and Carlos Cuellar (hip) remain unavailable as Sunderland bid to avenge the 2-0 away defeat they suffered when the two sides met in November.
One Sunderland player who is likely to be at the centre of attention on Wednesday is midfielder Lee Cattermole, who is a confirmed transfer target for Hughes and Stoke.
Adam Johnson sinks 10-man Stoke to lift Sunderland out of relegation zone
Sunderland AFC 1 Stoke 0
Sunderland are still some way from emerging, blinking, into broad daylight but for the moment at least they have escaped the bottom three.
Adam Johnson's early goal was sufficient to offer Gus Poyet's League Cup finalists real hope of avoiding relegation on an intensely nervous night when Stoke were dragged right back into trouble and could have done without being reduced to 10 men following Steven N'Zonzi's contentious sending-off for a second bookable offence.
"It feels like a big win," said Charlie Oatway, Poyet's assistant, who, with the home manager feeling unwell, assumed post-match duties. "It's nice to see smiles rather than strained faces."
With equally important League games at Newcastle United and at home to Hull City impending, he and Poyet believe Sunderland have reached "a moment of truth". Their players certainly appeared to have absorbed the message that beating Stoke was imperative.
With much of the play going through the initially impressive Ki Sung-yueng in midfield, Adam Johnson sparkling on the right wing and Marcos Alonso attacking intelligently from left-back, Sunderland began brightly.
They had created a few chances by the time Johnson's adroit, angled close-range right-foot finish sent them into a deserved lead after Asmir Begovic could only parry Fabio Borini's shot. The clever touch which took Borini beyond Glenn Whelan was emblematic of the team's pleasing evolution under Poyet.
Lee Cattermole's place in the Uruguayan's 'velvet revolution" appeared doubtful after Sunderland's enforcer failed to make the substitutes' bench, officially due to a "calf injury". Mark Hughes covets Cattermole and the way he straight-batted questions about him suggested that a player who divides Wearside opinion could be en route to the Potteries before the weekend. By then Sunderland hope to have signed the Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
With Stoke's debutant Peter Odemwingie struggling and Peter Crouch rarely having a touch, Hughes's side– with relegation worries of their own– began firmly, if deceptively, on the back foot.
Not that Poyet could relax. If Vito Mannone remained underemployed for long periods, a reminder of the fragility of Sunderland's lead came as the increasingly influential Charlie Adam sent a left-foot shot swerving inches wide.
Once Erik Pieters started overlapping from left-back, Stoke perked up considerably. When Adam crossed and Ryan Shawcross found himself unmarked in the box, Mannone was called into action, the Italian saving the defender's header superbly.
Hughes's rising optimism levels sank at the start of the second half when N'Zonzi was dismissed for collecting a second yellow card after tugging Jozy Altidore back just outside the 18-yard area. "A poor decision from the referee," said Hughes. "It was unbelievable. It meant the best team didn't win."
The stage was set for Sunderland to extend their lead but despite some smooth, slick passing from Ki and flashes of Johnson's skill, Stoke defended well.
Rather more alarmingly from Poyet's viewpoint, the visitors began to threaten on the counterattack with Mannone required to save smartly from Odemwingie. That little fright unnerved the home side. With even Ki guilty of dangerous concessions of possession Sunderland seemed to freeze in the bitter Wearside chill as the crowd endured a horribly nervous finale. When the final whistle blew, their team's emergence from the bottom three for the first time since August was greeted with gusto worthy of a World Cup win.
Sunderland's Alfred N'Diaye has joined Spanish top-flight side Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season.
The 23-year-old Senegal midfielder has spent the first half of the campaign with Turkish club Eskisehirspor, scoring three times in 16 appearances.
He was brought to the Stadium of Light for £3.8m in January 2013 by former manager Martin O'Neill and started 15 games for the Black Cats last term.
But he has not played for the club since the final game of last season.
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Newcastle new boy Luuk De Jong won't play against Sunderland
NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew today told new signing Luuk de Jong he’s not ready to play in Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby.
And with time running out in their bid to land Lyons’ midfielder Clement Grenier, the Toon are unlikely to have any fresh faces in their side to face Gus Poyet’s in-form Sunderland.
De Jong declared himself fit and eager to start Newcastle’s biggest game of the season, despite having spent the past four months warming the bench at parent club Borussia Monchengladbach.
But he was brought down to earth with a bump by Pardew who’s is likely to hand him a familiar role as a substitute this weekend.
“I like his confidence and he has trained very well,” said the Toon chief.
“But I would suggest I might be a better judge than he is.
“He hasn’t had much game action and this is the Premier League.”
Pardew, who hopes to sign de Jong on a permanent basis at the end of the season, is in no doubt the Dutch striker can make a big impact at St James’ Park despite his disappointing spell in Germany.
“He is a big presence as a player and we’re looking forward to having him in the squad,” he added.
“He is a goalscorer and if there is a criticism you could aim at us, maybe we could do with scoring a few more goals.”
Pardew, who was reluctant to talk about Yohan Cabaye’s £19m move to Paris St Germain, hasn’t yet given up on signing Grenier even though Newcastle’s tabled bid falls well short of Lyons’ £13m valuation of the 23-year-old.
“It’s on-going as far as I am aware,” said Pardew. “We haven’t heard if the deal is finalised or finished.
“There are two days left and we will have to wait and see.
“I’m obviously hopeful and that is where I sit today.”
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Sunderland warn fans against the use of er… 'polytechnics' ahead of Newcastle derby!
SUNDERLAND appear to have warned their fans against chasing… er… higher education!
Ahead of the Black Cats clash with fierce North-East rivals Newcastle on Saturday, the club have sent a letter to Mackem fans.
Chief executive Margaret Byrne asked supporters travelling to Newcastle's St James' Park to use official club transport.
But, in a bizarre announcement, she also warned fans "about the dangers of flares and polytechnics"!
She wrote: "We have also been asked by the FA to remind supporters about the dangers of flares and polytechnics.
"We sincerely hope that these do not become an issue for our club.
"Both Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United want the derby games to be remembered for the right reasons."
Bemused fans will be pleased to hear their club bosses probably aren't too concerned about the now-defunct further education institutions.
Instead, Byrne almost certainly meant to to write "pyrotechnic" instead.
But that might not stop Toon fans chanting "you're not studying any more" on Saturday!
Margaret Byrne on the dangers of 'polytechnics'??? I did always prefer universities myself! #safc pic.twitter.com/rlL2PDq5l0
— Nigel Anderson (@NigelTA1) January 30, 2014
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Sunderland star Adam Johnson targetting a third straight win over Newcastle
ON-FIRE Sunderland winger Adam Johnson last night looked ahead to tomorrow’s Tyne-Wear derby and declared: “Make mine a treble.”
Johnno is the toast of Wearside right now with six goals in his last six games, helping to lift Gus Poyet’s in-form side out of the relegation zone for the first time since August.
They head for St James’ Park tomorrow undefeated away from home in the Premier League since August and with their sights set on a third successive win over their bitter rivals - a feat Sunderland have not achieved since 1924.
They beat Newcastle at the Stadium of Light in October to give Poyet his first win as Black Cats boss but it’s last season’s stunning 3-0 win in enemy territory, when Johnson found the net with a 25 yard thunderbolt, which is still fresh in the player’s mind.
It proved a false dawn for ex-manager Paolo Di Canio but that afternoon will inspire Johnson this weekend.
“Scoring for England at Wembley is the pinnacle. Nothing tops that but obviously a derby goal for your hometown club does come close,” he said.
“The passion of North East fans is unbelievable and that win kept a few people on our side of the fence very happy for a several months.
“That was our biggest game of the season and it proved a great personal moment for me.
“The win was so special and it’s no different this year. We need to build on our recent results so we’re definitely going there to win.”
Johnson believes Yohan Cabaye’s Toon exit and Loic Remy’s ban, plus Fabricio Coloccini’s continued injury lay-off, could tilt the balance Sunderland’s way.
“We must take advantage of everything that has happened to them,” he added.
“We go into the game knowing it’s a big blow to them losing not one but two of their best players.
“But there will still be quite a few of them wanting to get one over on us after what happened last time.
“I remember there were quite a few angry players afterwards - but that’s the derby for you.”
Sunderland snap up £2.5m Bridcutt as Poyet drafts in fifth signing of window
Liam Bridcutt has completed a £2.5million move to Sunderland from Brighton, becoming Gus Poyet's fifth signing of the transfer window.
The midfielder on Thursday travelled up to Wearside to discuss personal terms with the Black Cats and completed his move on Friday morning.
Brighton had rejected a transfer request from the 24-year-old earlier this month but were unable to prevent him from signing for Poyet's side.
Bridcutt was at the Amex Stadium since 2010 when he joined the club on a free transfer from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Albion boss Oscar Garcia has drafted in Spanish forward David Rodriguez from Celta Vigo.
Brighton have also been watching midfielder Dale Stephens as a potential replacement for Bridcutt but Charlton have rebuffed an offer.
Bridcutt, who will wear the No 23 shirt, had not played for the south-coast club since submitting a transfer request earlier this month after the Black Cats formalised their interest in him.
The midfielder, who made his Scotland debut against Serbia last year, joins fellow January signings Marcos Alonso, Santiago Vergini, Oscar Ustari and Ignacio Scocco at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet needs to clear the decks and bring some money in too to keep owner Ellis Short happy, and Lee Cattermole could be leaving for Stoke City.
Despite Mark Hughes’ surprise that the proposed deal has caused Poyet so much consternation – ‘I don’t know where that came from,’ he said on Wednesday – there is interest in the former Sunderland captain according to first team coach Charlie Oatway.
Speaking at the weekend, Cattermole said: ‘I will definitely be a Sunderland player on Wednesday. I've heard no different and the manager has come out and said he has heard no different. I will be back in training on Monday.
‘I am contracted to Sunderland. They make the decisions not me.
‘It's out of my hands. I'm contracted here for the rest of the season and another two years. It's out of my hands. Until I know any different, I will keep working. I have got a cup final to play in – if I'm here – and that would be brilliant.’
WHO IS LIAM BRIDCUTT?
Starting at Chelsea, Bridcutt had loan spells with Yeovil, Watford and Stockport County before being allowed to leave on a free transfer to Brighton in 2010.
Impressing at the Amex in the engine room of midfield, the Scot was called up to the national side for the first time for the 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Serbia in March last year.
Bridcutt made 132 appearances for Brighton, scoring twice.
ONE OF MANY
As well as making five signings this window, Sunderland snapped up 13 players last summer under Gus Poyet's predecessor Paolo di Canio. Including the five this window, that's 18 altogether.
Here's the full list of Sunderland's movers and shakers:
Summer signings 2013: Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini, Ki Yeung-sung, Andrea Dossena, Charis Mavrias, El Hadji Ba, David Moberg Karlsson, Ondrej Celustka, Jozy Altidore, Modibo Diakite, Duncan Watmore
January signings 2014: Marcos Alonso, Santiago Vergini, Oscar Ustari, Ignacio Scocco, Liam Bridcutt
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Brighton's Liam Bridcutt joins Sunderland
Sunderland have completed the £3m signing of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
The Scotland international, 24, has joined on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The Black Cats' fifth signing of the transfer window was signed by Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet when the Uruguayan was Brighton boss.
The former Chelsea academy player made 151 appearances on the south coast and was Brighton's player of the year in both 2013 and 2012.
Bridcutt had a transfer request at the Amex Stadium rejected in early January and had not played since the New Year's Day Championship draw with Bournemouth.
Born in Reading, Bridcutt joined Chelsea as an 18-year-old, but did not play a first-team game for the club and was released in 2010.
Since joining the Seagulls, he has helped them win the League One title in 2011 and reach the Championship play-offs last season.
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Sunderland set to complete £3m deal for Liam Bridcutt - leading to possible Lee Cattermole exit
The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt is expected to seal his move to Sunderland today, in a deal worth around £3m.
The 24-year-old has been a long-term target for his former manager Gus Poyet and the deal is close to completion.
He is travelling to Sunderland today for his medical. He would be the fourth signing for Sunderland in this month's transfer window after the Argentinians, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and defender Santiago Vergini, as well as Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso.
The arrival of Bridcutt may yet mean that midfielder Lee Cattermole, who has attracted interest from Stoke City, is permitted to leave.
PSV keeping tabs on out of favour Black Cats striker Altidore as they chase loan
PSV Eindhoven are keeping close tabs on the situation at Sunderland as they are interested in American striker Jozy Altidore.
The Black Cats, who have seen five players arrive in this window, completed a £3m deal for Internacional striker Ignacio Scocco on Thursday and now have a surplus of forwards.
There may be a fee involved but Gus Poyet would prefer a loan deal where PSV paid all of Altidore's £30,000-a-week wages until the end of the season - thought that may prove a stumbling block.
Altidore has been in and out of the team this season, making appearances more often from the bench than from the start.
However, he was extremely impressive during a four-year spell with the Eredivisie's AZ Alkmaar, and PSV are hoping a return will ignite his scoring touch.
Altidore has just one Premier League goal for Sunderland this season.
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Sunderland will not sell Lee Cattermole but Liam Bridcutt set to arrive
• Fellow strugglers Stoke City linked with Cattermole
• Brighton's Bridcutt expected to seal £2.5m move
Lee Cattermole will not be sold by Sunderland this month after all. Stoke City had been keen to sign the combative midfielder but, quite apart from very possibly needing Cattermole in the club's fight against relegation, Gus Poyet is unwilling to sell him to a rival near the bottom of the Premier League.
Even so Cattermole – variously described as "rotten" and "unprofessional" by Poyet's predecessor, Paolo Di Canio – now faces serious competition for his first-team place. Liam Bridcutt, the Brighton midfielder, was on the brink of completing a £2.5m move to Sunderland on Thursday after travelling to Wearside for a medical and is expected to assume the role of sitting in front of the back four and helping choreograph the brand of possession football the Uruguayan is gradually instilling at Sunderland.
The League Cup finalists have also completed the signing of Ignacio Scocco, the Argentina striker, for about £3m from Internacional of Brazil and loaned the midfielder Alfred N'Diaye to Spain's Real Betis. Meanwhile the defender Modibo Diakité is close to a return to Italy with Fiorentina after failing to establish himself in Poyet's plans.