Football Season Guide

Sunderland impressed in 2022/23, their first season back in the Championship after securing promotion from League One. They were in mid-table for most of the season before a late surge saw them snatch sixth to make the playoffs. A tight semi-final against Luton followed, the Black Cats were just edged out. Experienced Championship campaigner Tony Mowbray remains the manager. The off season has seen Mowbray try to tweak the squad rather than making big changes. They have lost a star man from last season with young Manchester United winger Diallo returning to his parent club. He was Sunderland’s top scorer last season with 13 league goals. There was talk of him returning but a pre-season injury may have put pay to that. Most of the arrivals so far are youngsters with potential. The one experienced recruit is attacking midfielder Dack. His career has been hampered recently by two serious knee injuries but he’ll be a prize asset if he can rediscover his best form. Sunderland had the fourth best away record last season but were disappointing at home, taking only 30 points from their 23 games at the Stadium of Light. Scoring goals was a real asset for Sunderland last season but with Diallo gone and the prolific Stewart out injured until at least September they do currently look light in attacking options.