Host Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and James Copley to discuss the latest goings-on at Sunderland AFC. The team mulls over the disappointing loss to Plymouth Argyle in League One and discusses 'pitchgate' before turning their attention towards transfers.
Jan 21, 2021•23 min
It’s been another busy week at Sunderland AFC – and our team of writers sat down to discuss the latest at the Stadium of Light. Having moved within two games of a return to Wembley with victory over Port Vale on Tuesday evening, the Black Cats now turn their focus back to the league and the trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. And in the background, transfer and takeover talks continue to take place – with positive resolutions expected on both fronts before the month is out. Those two areas are pl...
Jan 14, 2021•20 min
Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and James Copley to discuss what we can expect from Sunderland during the January transfer window. The Black Cats also play Hull City in League One on Saturday, a hugely important game if Sunderland wish to move up the table following their Covid-19 enforced layoff.
Jan 07, 2021•18 min
Sunderland may have been absent from League One action - but there's been no shortage of talking points at the Stadium of Light. And casting their eye over the latest goings-on at the Black Cats in the latest instalment of 'The Roar' are Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley. The trio discuss the impending takeover from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, January transfer plans and take a look ahead to Saturday's visit to Northampton Town.
Dec 29, 2020•20 min
Richard Mennear is joined by Mark Donnelly and James Copley to discuss another crazy week at Sunderland AFC. Lee Johnson's men defeated Lincoln City last weekend and drew against AFC Wimbledon in their mid-week fixture, with talk of an outbreak of Covid-19 dominating the talk. As a result, the Black Cats have had their next three League One fixtures postponed due to the coronavirus spread, with the club confirming several players had tested positive.
Dec 17, 2020•22 min
James Copley is joined by Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly to discuss a hectic nine days at Sunderland. Lee Johnson was appointed as head coach and has taken charge of games against Wigan Athletic in League one and Oldham Athletic in the Papa Johns Trophy. The club also welcomed a new sporting director. Here, we take a look at what Kristjaan Speakman's role will entail and how this all fits into the ongoing takeover picture.
Dec 10, 2020•29 min
With the festive season just around the corner, the Echo team decided it was about time we held a virtual Christmas Party! So we invited some loyal Sunderland fans to join us on a special Zoom call with legends Gary Bennett and Stephen Elliott - to discuss current events at the Stadium of Light, while also taking a walk down memory lane. And our panel of experts and guests also shared their hopes for the Black Cats in 2021 as we approach the end of the year.
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Phil Parkinson has been sacked as manager of Sunderland AFC - and our team have discussed the club's big decision. We also cast an eye over potential replacements and what the call will mean for the Black Cats' crop of youngsters and Aiden McGeady. So join Richard Mennear, Mark Donnelly and James Copley as we discuss the departure of Parkinson and much more in this special edition of The Roar.
Nov 29, 2020•23 min
Your Sunderland Echo SAFC team are back to discuss the latest developments at the Stadium of Light - both on and off the field. Phil Smith, Richard Mennear and Mark Donnelly discuss Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' takeover bid, Will Grigg, selection dilemmas and Doncaster Rovers.
Nov 20, 2020•21 min
Our team are back to discuss all the latest goings-on at Sunderland AFC. Items on the agenda this week for Richard Mennear, Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly include the ongoing takeover talks at the club, the cup defeats to Mansfield and Fleetwood, the emergence of some young players and what comes next for Phil Parkinson.
Nov 13, 2020•22 min
Our Sunderland Echo team are back to discuss the last week at the Stadium of Light. We cast an eye over the victory at Gillingham and narrow home triumph over Ipswich Town - while also looking at who impressed in those game. And it's then all eyes on the FA Cup and the visit of Mansfield Town. Will Jack Diamond and Will Grigg get an opportunity, and what can we expect from the Stags? Tune-in to hear our team discuss the key questions ahead of the game.
Nov 05, 2020•25 min
Our team are back to discuss Sunderland's unbeaten start to the season, the transfer window that was and the upcoming visit of Portsmouth. Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly to cast an eye over recent developments at the Stadium of Light, including the club's late transfer business. And we also look ahead to this weekend's visit of Portsmouth - which continues a busy period for the Black Cats.
Oct 23, 2020•22 min
Our team are back to discuss Sunderland's unbeaten start to the season, the win over Carlisle United and transfer plans. Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly are joined by BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes to discuss the latest goings-on at the Stadium of Light. And on the agenda this week are unbeaten records, striking dilemmas and takeover talk.
Oct 07, 2020•35 min
After a long wait, we're finally able to talk about a League One victory for Sunderland! Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly reflect on the triumph at Oxford United and look ahead to the visit of promotion rivals Peterborough United in this week's edition of 'The Roar'. They also discuss the Black Cats' shift in transfer policy following this week's injury developments - and why it wasn't a great shame to see Luke Garbutt head elsewhere.
Sep 25, 2020•32 min
Our team are back to discuss all the latest goings-on at Sunderland AFC. Richard Mennear, Mark Donnelly and James Copley reflect on the week that was at the Stadium of Light, including the season opener against Bristol Rovers. We also take a look ahead to the trip to Oxford United and the final month of the transfer window - with the Black Cats set to be busy when it comes to both incomings and outgoings.
Sep 17, 2020•30 min
Competitive football is back - and our team take a look ahead to Sunderland's cup clash with Hull City as the 2020/21 season prepares to kick-off. Mark Donnelly and Phil Smith chat about the upcoming Carabao Cup tie, the signing of Arbenit Xhemajli and much more in the latest instalment of 'The Roar'. We also take a look at the big dilemmas facing Phil Parkinson - including whether or not Dan Neil and Will Grigg should get the nod against Hull.
Sep 04, 2020•19 min
Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly are back to discuss Sunderland's return to action, transfer targets and the club's upcoming friendlies. The Black Cats were back with a bang on Saturday as they beat Gateshead 3-1, and we cast our eye over the win and the standout performances from the game - including that of Will Grigg. We also turn our attentions to the transfer front, looking at incomings, trialists and the Benji Kimpioka saga.
Aug 24, 2020•26 min
We're back with another episode of 'The Roar' podcast - as we look ahead to Sunderland's first pre-season friendly. Mark Donnelly is joined by chief football writer Phil Smith as we examine the Black Cats' 2020/21 fixtures, discuss their upcoming warm-up game against Gateshead and place transfer targets under the spotlight. We also reflect back on this week's Carabao Cup draw and all the big goings-on at the Stadium of Light.
Aug 21, 2020•29 min
We're back for a transfer special of The Roar - as Sunderland look to build upon their two summer signings so far. Mark Donnelly is joined by Phil Smith and James Copley to discuss the latest transfer talk from the Stadium of Light, as we examine the fallout from Friday's controversial salary cap vote. Our team cast their eye over a number of Phil Parkinson's targets and also make their early predictions for the 2020/21 season.
Aug 12, 2020•30 min
It's never dull at the Stadium of Light - and our team of writers discuss all the latest from Sunderland AFC. On the agenda for Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly this week are Aiden McGeady's future, talks over deals for Bailey Wright and Tom Flanagan and the latest on planning for the new season as takeover discussions rumble on.
Jul 24, 2020•21 min
Ex-Sunderland Ladies defender Charlotte Potts joins James Copley to discuss her move to Scotland, the FA's decisions and leaving the North East
Jul 19, 2020•18 min
It's a takeover special of The Roar - your Sunderland Echo SAFC podcast. After Stewart Donald met with fan groups earlier this week, and then offered a revealing (and controversial) interview, our team of writers convene to discuss his remarks and what comes next for the Black Cats. We're also joined by football finance expert Kieran Maguire to discuss the asking price placed on Sunderland and whether it's a realistic valuation in the current market.
Jul 18, 2020•29 min
While there may be no League One football on the horizon, there remains no shortage of talking points from the Stadium of Light. And on this week’s edition of The Roar – your Sunderland Echo SAFC podcast – Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly to discussing all the big news from the Black Cats. On the agenda this week are Will Grigg, Aiden McGeady and the club’s transfer plans.
Jul 03, 2020•36 min
Jon McLaughlin, Will Grigg and Bailey Wright are all on the agenda in the latest edition of 'The Roar' - our Sunderland AFC podcast. Mark Donnelly is joined by chief Sunderland AFC writer Phil Smith to discuss the big talking points from another busy week at the Stadium of Light. We examine Sunderland's big contract news from the week, plus take a look at what could still happen on the transfer front with a busy few weeks expected.
Jun 26, 2020•28 min
While the action on the field may have taken a temporary pause, there's never a dull moment at the Stadium of Light! The last seven days have seen six players depart the club, with one more close to an exit, while Sunderland have also opened talks with three of their star men. In the latest episode of The Roar, Richard Mennear and Mark Donnelly discuss the big news from the Black Cats and look ahead to what may happen over the next few weeks.
Jun 19, 2020•22 min
We're back with another episode of 'The Roar' - our Sunderland AFC podcast. It's been a miserable week for the Black Cats, with a third season in the third tier confirmed after an EFL vote. We discuss the next steps for Sunderland following that verdict and are joined by football finance expert Kieran Maguire to discuss how it will affect the club's financial situation - and any potential takeover. You can listen on all the usual platforms.
Jun 12, 2020•31 min
After today's decision to curtail the 2019/20 League One season, we analyse what comes next for Sunderland. With a host of transfer, takeover and contract decisions on the horizon, our team look at the key issues set to face Stewart Donald and Phil Parkinson in the coming months. Host Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly to discuss the EFL's decision - and how Sunderland must react.
Jun 09, 2020•19 min
While there may be no football on the horizon, it's been another busy week at the Stadium of Light. Mark Donnelly is joined by Phil Smith to discuss the latest goings-on from Sunderland AFC in the latest episode of 'The Roar' - with season card controversy, Sunderland Ladies and the big EFL vote all on the agenda. We also take a look at the Black Cats' current contract situation and how the next few weeks may pan out on Wearside. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcas...
Jun 05, 2020•32 min
Richard Mennear joins Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley do discuss all of the latest goings-on at the EFL and what that could mean for Sunderland's League One campaign.
May 22, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley to discuss the issue on every Sunderland fans' mind at the moment: the club's accounts.
May 14, 2020•45 min