
Bristol City legend says he “really liked” Sunderland star.
Bristol City legend Louis Carey praised a Sunderland attacker, saying he was the only real threat against the Robins. Sunderland were once battling Leeds United, […]
Bristol City legend Louis Carey praised a Sunderland attacker, saying he was the only real threat against the Robins. Sunderland were once battling Leeds United, […]
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris reflected on a frustrating afternoon at Ashton Gate, where his side played almost the entire match with ten men following Trai Hume’s early dismissal. Though he felt the red card was harsh, Le Bris praised his team’s resilience, especially in the first half, where they managed to take the lead through a brilliant solo effort from Eliezer Mayenda. Despite the eventual 2-1 loss to Bristol City, he remained positive, calling the experience a valuable lesson ahead of the play-offs. “It was really positive to live this experience,” he said. “If this challenge happens again, we’ll have this as a reference.”
Eliezer Mayenda’s stunning solo goal against Bristol City may not have salvaged a result for Sunderland, but it certainly turned heads. For teammate Luke O’Nien, it wasn’t just a highlight—it was perhaps the best goal he’s ever seen live. Yet within the dressing room, the reaction was calm, almost expected. “We’ve seen him do that in training,” O’Nien remarked, praising the young forward’s sharpness and composure. “He’s the only player where, when he gets the ball 70 yards from goal, you think, ‘He’s going to score.’”
Simon Grayson’s latest managerial chapter has taken him far from the familiar stadiums of England to the foothills of the Himalayas, where he’s now leading Nepal Super League champions Lalitpur City. At 55, and with over four decades of football experience under his belt, the former Sunderland, Leeds United, and Bradford City boss continues to chase fresh challenges—this time in a country where football is still carving out its identity.
“This wasn’t something I ever imagined,” Grayson admits. “But the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, even if just for a couple of months, really appealed to me.” His team, made up largely of local players with a few international reinforcements, has shown real promise—remaining unbeaten and level on points at the top of the table. But for Grayson, it’s not just about results. “If I can help even one player or staff member improve by ten percent, then it’s worth it. And if I come out of this thirty or forty percent better, even more so.”
From nightly games across the road from his hotel to conversations with Reading fans in Kathmandu, Grayson’s time in Nepal has been anything but ordinary. Yet, it’s this very unpredictability that has reignited his love for the game.
Sunderland’s hopes for a successful Championship campaign have been bolstered by a confirmed spot in the play-offs, but one glaring issue remains—the absence of a consistent striker. Since Ross Stewart’s £10 million departure to Southampton, the Black Cats have struggled to replace his clinical edge. While his past contributions were vital—especially during their promotion push—his ongoing injury struggles have raised doubts about any potential return. Fan pundit Jordan Newcombe echoed those concerns, urging the club to look forward rather than revisit a player whose fitness is now in question.
Chris Mepham’s arrival at Sunderland on loan from AFC Bournemouth has been one of the club’s most impactful moves this season. The experienced Welsh international quickly established himself in Régis Le Bris’ starting lineup, bringing a level of composure and reliability that has been hard to ignore. With both Mepham and Le Bris open to the idea of a permanent move, calls are growing louder for Sunderland to make it happen this summer—regardless of the division they find themselves in. As fan pundit Jordan Newcombe put it, “He’s a top-quality defender who’s proven himself at every level. We’ve got the funds—let’s get it done.”
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.
### **Aiden McGeady Remembers His Magical Wembley Moment**
Aiden McGeady is widely regarded as a modern Sunderland legend, his five-year stint leaving a lasting imprint on the club’s history. Among his most unforgettable performances was the 2018/19 EFL Trophy Final against Portsmouth, where he delivered two stunning goals—an early free-kick masterpiece and a dramatic 119th-minute equalizer. Yet, despite the heroics, Sunderland fell short in a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout defeat.
Reflecting on that electric afternoon, McGeady recalled the sheer magnitude of the occasion. *“It was probably the atmosphere that made it so special. Eighty thousand fans, split between Sunderland and Portsmouth, for a League One trophy final—it was unbelievable.”*
Though the trophy eluded them, the experience remains etched in his memory. *“When I scored that second goal, we all went mad. For a moment, it felt like destiny. But then reality hit… penalties. And we all thought, ‘We’ve just come back, surely we’ll win this.’”*
The outcome may not have been what Sunderland fans had hoped for, but McGeady’s performance cemented his place in club folklore—a reminder of the passion and heartbreak that comes with chasing glory at Wembley.
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