promotion race

Hostility Reignited: Coventry City and Sunderland’s Fierce Rivalry Since ’77 Reaches Boiling Point as Bragging Rights Hang in the Balance

May 11, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Coventry City’s hopes of reaching Wembley hang in the balance as they head into Tuesday’s second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Sunderland trailing 2-1. A costly late mistake by Milan van Ewijk handed the Black Cats a crucial edge, but the Sky Blues remain defiant. With a storied rivalry dating back to 1977—fueled by controversy, resentment, and decades of tension—this clash is about more than just promotion. For Sunderland fans, it’s a chance to avenge the infamous final day of the 1976/77 season, while for Coventry, it’s an opportunity to overcome history and write a new chapter under Frank Lampard’s leadership.

Why Sunderland Fans Are Secretly Backing a Shock Winner in Coventry vs Middlesbrough – And It Could Decide Their Play-Off Fate

May 1, 2025 RAYMOND 0

As Sunderland prepare to host QPR in a relatively low-stakes fixture, their eyes will be firmly fixed on events elsewhere in the Championship—particularly Coventry City’s clash with Middlesbrough. With play-off positions still up for grabs, the outcome of that match could shape Sunderland’s semi-final fate. Despite the fierce regional rivalry, many Black Cats fans might find themselves rooting for Boro this weekend. Why? History offers a clear answer—Coventry has long been Sunderland’s bogey team, unbeaten in their last ten meetings. A Middlesbrough win could not only deny Coventry a play-off spot but also set Sunderland up for a more favourable semi-final matchup.

Manor Solomon Drops Unexpected Injury Bombshell After Leeds United’s Victory Over Oxford United!

April 19, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Leeds United’s 2-0 victory over Oxford United on Friday evening brought them a step closer to securing automatic promotion, maintaining their five-point lead over Sheffield United. Despite Oxford’s chances, Leeds had the better opportunities and could have won by a larger margin. Manor Solomon’s goal proved pivotal in ensuring the win, which was crucial after Burnley and Sheffield United had both won earlier in the day.

Looking ahead, Leeds’ next challenge is against Stoke City at Elland Road, with just three games remaining. Solomon, who was substituted late on, reassured fans that his early exit was due to cramp, not injury, and he would be fit for the Stoke match. To secure promotion, Leeds need at least four points from their remaining fixtures, with Sheffield United’s results playing a key role in determining how many points will be needed.

Can Regis Le Bris Crack the Code? Bristol City Boss Faces Tactical Test Against Liam Manning in High-Stakes Sunderland Rematch

April 16, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sunderland head to Ashton Gate with their play-off spot secured, but questions still linger over their attacking form. Despite dominating possession in the reverse fixture against Bristol City, Regis Le Bris’ side struggled to break through until a last-gasp equaliser from Patrick Roberts salvaged a point. Now, with just two goals in their last five games and a continued lack of cutting edge in the final third, Le Bris faces mounting pressure to find a tactical solution—especially against a Robins side still fighting tooth and nail for a top-six finish.

Behind Closed Doors: Inside Stoke City’s Tense Dressing Room Ahead of Cardiff ‘Cup Final’ Showdown

April 10, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Stoke City returned to training today with a heightened sense of urgency ahead of a critical Championship showdown against Cardiff City, a match Wouter Burger has dubbed a “cup final.” The Potters know that a win in South Wales would be a massive step toward securing their Championship status, with just a handful of games remaining. Backed by over 1,500 fans, Stoke will face Cardiff with a two-point advantage, having slipped to a frustrating draw against Luton Town midweek after conceding a last-minute equalizer.

Burger admitted the team was hurting after dropping two valuable points, but there was no time for regret. “We just have to stay together,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the next game. Manager Mark Robins echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that late goals have become a painful trend but stressing that the team must quickly recover and look ahead to the challenges that remain. “There’s still a long way to go,” Robins said. “A lot of work to be done, but we’re still alive in this fight.”

Anthony Patterson Teases ‘Crucial’ 24/25 Ambition After Hitting Major Sunderland Milestone

April 8, 2025 RAYMOND 0

“Clean sheets are a point of pride, but they’re only possible because of the commitment from the lads in front of me,” said Anthony Patterson after securing his 50th shutout in Sunderland colours.
The 24-year-old stopper was instrumental in the 1-0 win over West Brom, delivering key saves to maintain the lead handed to the Black Cats by Trai Hume’s stunning free kick.
Now with 13 clean sheets this season, Patterson’s return to form could prove crucial as Sunderland gear up for a late push in the Championship promotion race.

Exclusive: Shock Twist in Jayden Danns’ Future as Sunderland Move Looms Away from Liverpool!

April 3, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Lee Hendrie believes both Sunderland and Jayden Danns will be left disappointed by how the highly anticipated loan move from Liverpool has unfolded. Despite being a sought-after talent in the January transfer window, Danns has yet to make an impact at Wearside due to an underlying back injury discovered during his medical. Sunderland pushed ahead with the deal regardless, but the injury has kept the young striker sidelined, forcing him to undergo rehabilitation at Liverpool.

Speaking to *Football League World*, Hendrie described the situation as a gamble that “hasn’t paid off,” noting that Sunderland fans would have loved to see Danns in action. While there is hope he might return before the season ends, the club’s risk in signing an injured player has ultimately left them without the boost they had anticipated. Now, as Sunderland’s push for promotion stalls, questions arise about whether their transfer strategy should have prioritized fully fit players ready to make an immediate impact.