Sunderland weigh Europa League boost and league risk
Eliezer Mayenda says his Sunderland spell was ‘just the beginning’ after joining Rennes, adding he felt his ‘job was done’ after helping restore the club to the Premier League.
Sunderland can expect a competitive Wrexham under Phil Parkinson, built on results and three promotions. Sam Smith and Callum Doyle are flagged as dangers, with a 2-2 predicted.
West Ham have entered the race for Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, with Régis Le Bris’ side willing to sell the £20m-rated forward.
On 2 August 1972, plans to sell beer at Roker Park promised extra facilities for Sunderland fans, but magistrates rejected Vaux’s licence bid despite police backing.
Sunderland’s Europa League return may dent league form - English clubs drop 1.66 places on average - but recent Premier League entrants have all reached at least the last 16.
