Sunderland

Frank Lampard Hails Coventry as ‘Better Team’ — But His Surprise Message About Dan Ballard Steals the Spotlight

May 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

“He was fantastic,” Frank Lampard said of Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, praising his commanding presence across both legs of the Championship play-off semi-final. “You could sense he was the one with real presence at the back.” Despite the heartbreak of Coventry’s defeat, Lampard expressed pride in his team’s performance, believing they were the better side overall. “We got back in the game and the feeling was we would go on and win it,” he reflected. “That’s football—it can be cruel in critical moments.”

After Regis Le Bris Snubbed Coventry, Chris Rigg’s Stunning Reaction Leaves Sunderland Manager Speechless

May 13, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Despite the disappointment of being left out of the starting XI, 17-year-old Chris Rigg responded with maturity and determination that deeply impressed Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris. Having been a consistent presence all season, Rigg could have taken the decision personally — but instead, he embraced the team’s goals and made his mark when it mattered most. Introduced in the second half, it took him just 11 minutes to help tip the tie in Sunderland’s favour. Le Bris later praised both Rigg’s attitude and impact, calling his reaction “impressive” and highlighting the vital role such players play in a tightly contested play-off campaign.

Lampard’s Lions Hunt Redemption: Can They Break Sunderland’s Grip and Ignite a Comeback?

May 12, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Frank Lampard faces a pivotal night as he prepares Coventry City for a must-win clash at the Stadium of Light, aiming to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Sunderland. With tactical decisions under the spotlight, Lampard may turn to key figures like Ben Wilson, making a sentimental return to his boyhood club, and Ephron Mason-Clark, whose return from injury offers a potential spark. The big question remains whether Wright leads the line or shifts wide to accommodate other attacking options. One thing is certain: Coventry will need a bold performance to keep their Wembley dream alive.

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.

Fuming Frank Lampard Warns ‘It’s Not Over’ as Sunderland Outsmarts Coventry in Tactical Showdown

May 10, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Coventry City face a daunting task in the second leg of their play-off semi-final after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at the CBS Arena. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the Sky Blues were undone by a tactically disciplined Black Cats side who executed a low-block, counter-attacking game plan to perfection. A late defensive error sealed Coventry’s fate on the night, leaving manager Frank Lampard visibly frustrated but defiant in his post-match comments: “It’s not over.” The passionate home crowd created a stirring atmosphere, but familiar issues—missed chances and costly mistakes—once again threatened to derail City’s promotion hopes.

Sunderland Star Sparks Double Drama at Hibs as Easter Road Eyes Two Major Award

May 7, 2025 RAYMOND 0

In a season that began in disarray and flirted with disaster, Hibernian’s dramatic turnaround under rookie head coach David Gray has not gone unnoticed. Gray, who took permanent charge in the summer, has been shortlisted for the William Hill Manager of the Year award by the Scottish Football Writers Association. Meanwhile, on-loan midfielder Nectar Triantis, whose commanding performances have transformed Hibs’ midfield, is up for the SFWA Player of the Year prize. The 21-year-old Australian, now a full international, has become a central figure in Hibs’ push for European football and is at the heart of the club’s plans for next season.

Sunderland’s £325k Gamble Pays Off Big — Unleashes a Relentless Goal Machine

May 6, 2025 RAYMOND 0

When Kevin Phillips joined Sunderland from Watford in 1997 for just £325,000, few could have predicted the impact he would make. What started as a modest signing quickly turned into one of the greatest bargains in the club’s history. A natural goal scorer with an unshakable focus, Phillips not only fired the Black Cats back into the Premier League but stunned the football world by scoring 30 top-flight goals in the 1999/2000 season. That incredible haul earned him both the Premier League Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe—making him the first and only Englishman to claim the latter. Though the wider footballing world may have overlooked his achievement, Sunderland fans still speak his name with reverence. Phillips didn’t just play for the club—he became a legend.

Shock Twist in Playoff Race: Sunderland Pushed to Appoint Ex-Everton Boss in Bold Last-Minute Move

May 5, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sunderland’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after a six-game winless run, and pressure is mounting on manager Regis Le Bris. With fans growing increasingly restless, calls are intensifying for the club to sack Le Bris and appoint former Everton boss Sean Dyche. Despite his rocky exit from Goodison Park, Dyche is seen by many as the experienced, no-nonsense leader who could steady Sunderland’s ship at the most crucial time of their season. As Coventry City awaits in the playoffs, the push for a last-minute managerial shake-up is gaining momentum.

Showdown Set: Sunderland Ready to ‘Get Hammered’ in Explosive Play-Off Clash with Arch-Rivals Coventry

May 4, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Tension is running high in the North East as Sunderland prepare for a daunting play-off semi-final clash against long-time rivals Coventry City. After a string of poor results, Black Cats fans are bracing for the worst, with many predicting a heavy defeat. Coventry, who have proven a consistent thorn in Sunderland’s side, head into the tie with a psychological edge, having remained unbeaten in their last ten encounters. Despite their own recent dip in form, the Sky Blues’ dominant 3-0 win in March still looms large — a reminder of the challenge that awaits Sunderland. As frustration mounts, some supporters have gone as far as to call the club’s late-season collapse “embarrassing” and fear the play-off tie could be over after the first leg.

European Powerhouse Circles Sunderland Sensation as £17m Transfer Plot Emerges – Reports

May 3, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Jobe Bellingham’s impressive rise at Sunderland has not gone unnoticed, with Borussia Dortmund now leading the race to secure the teenager’s signature. The Bundesliga side, who once nurtured his older brother Jude into a global star, are reportedly preparing a £17.1 million bid for the Championship Young Player of the Season. While interest from other European heavyweights, including Real Madrid, continues to build, Dortmund’s track record with young talent puts them in pole position. Despite the swirling speculation, Bellingham remains grounded, focused on helping Sunderland in their promotion push and recognising the rare opportunity ahead for both club and player.