The Roar Podcast - Sunderland Echo

Sunderland's Premier League struggles continue after a disastrous 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, leaving Régis Le Bris' side 19th in the table with just four points from seven games.On the latest episode of The Roar Podcast, we examine what has gone wrong at Sunderland and what needs to change before a massive Premier League clash with Leeds United.Nordi Mukiele has delivered a brutally honest assessment of the squad, suggesting Sunderland may have become arrogant following last season's success. Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs have also spoken out, but can the Black Cats turn things around?

James Copley and Phil Smith react to Sunderland’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton at the Stadium of Light, including the frustration of failing to make a numerical advantage count. We also discuss the growing questions around Chemsdine Talbi after the winger was left on the bench despite Sunderland chasing the game, and what Régis Le Bris’ recent comments could mean for his future. Attention then turns to Europe as Sunderland prepare for their first continental away trip in 53 years against Torreense. On the agenda: - Brighton reaction and what went wrong - Sunderland’s struggles in the final third - Chemsdine Talbi’s continued absence - Régis Le Bris’ selection calls - Injury concerns ahead of Europe - Torreense preview - What Sunderland need from their second Europa League game Subscribe for regular Sunderland AFC analysis, reaction and discussion from the Sunderland Echo and The Roar Podcast.

Tom Burwell has left his position as Sunderland AFC’s interim CEO with immediate effect, with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus stepping into the role of Executive Chairman and taking a more hands-on role in the day-to-day running of the club. In this breaking-news edition of The Roar Podcast, James Copley and Phil Smith react to the announcement, discuss what we know so far and assess what the change could mean for Sunderland moving forward. They look at Burwell’s five months in the role, the timing of his departure, Louis-Dreyfus’ new position and the questions supporters will now have about the club’s senior leadership structure. Also discussed: what an Executive Chairman role could look like in practice, how closely KLD is expected to work with Sunderland’s senior management team and what could come next at the Stadium of Light.

Phil Smith and James Copley are back to discuss a worrying international break for Sunderland, with Dan Ballard, Brian Brobbey and Noah Sadiki all picking up injury concerns. We look at how serious the situation could be, what Régis Le Bris’ options are if key players miss time and why Sunderland’s improved squad depth could now be tested earlier than expected. There’s also discussion on Kevin Danso’s strong start, the options available in defence and attack, and what all of this means ahead of a huge October schedule across the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup. Like, subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Phil and James look back on a remarkable week for Sunderland, from an emotional European night against AZ Alkmaar to an eight-goal thriller at Manchester City. The lads discuss Brian Brobbey’s hat-trick, Sunderland’s attacking performance at the Etihad, the defensive mistakes that proved costly, Régis Le Bris’ decisions and why there is still plenty of reason for optimism heading into the international break.

James Copley and Connor Bromley return to discuss Sunderland’s encouraging 1-1 draw at Brentford, Enzo Le Fée’s redemption from the penalty spot and another impressive tactical display from Régis Le Bris. The lads assess Kevin Danso’s debut, Dan Ballard’s disallowed goal, Wilson Isidor’s game-changing cameo and the exciting prospect of Isidor playing alongside Brian Brobbey. Attention then turns to Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Hull City, with Le Bris hinting at nine or ten changes. Who should start, which summer signings could make their full debuts, and how seriously should Sunderland target the competition?

A special crossover between the Disco Pants Podcast and The Roar, with James Copley and Connor Bromley taking a proper look back at Sunderland’s summer transfer window.We discuss what Sunderland got right and wrong, the chaos of deadline day, the dramatic Malick Fofana saga, Kevin Danso’s arrival, the club’s wider recruitment strategy and whether failing to land a specialist right winger should really be viewed as a major concern.There’s also discussion on the balance between youth and experience, Sunderland’s push to make the squad bigger and more physical, the new contracts handed out to key players and what the business tells us about Florent Ghisolfi and Régis Le Bris’ plans for a season across four competitions.Plenty of debate, plenty of disagreement and a full verdict on one of Sunderland’s most eventful transfer windows in years.

Sunderland suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Ipswich Town, but what went wrong for Régis Le Bris’ side and how much should be read into the result? James Copley and Phil Smith look back on the key talking points from Portman Road, discuss the early reaction to Sunderland’s start and assess the latest transfer news ahead of Fulham’s visit to the Stadium of Light. Plenty to get into as the Black Cats look to respond quickly and strengthen further before the transfer window closes.

The Roar is back as we look ahead to the Premier League season-opener against Ipswich Town. James Copley and Phil Smith discuss Sunderland flexing some unfamiliar transfer muscles under Florent Ghisolfi, the latest on Dayann Methalie, the club’s firm stance in the market and what still needs to be done before the window closes. Plus, we assess Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of Ipswich, the key selection calls and what Sunderland need to get right on opening day.

Phil Smith and James Copley are back with another episode of The Roar Podcast to reflect on Sunderland’s impressive 2-0 pre-season victory over RC Lens in France. The pair discuss the major talking points from the game, including goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor, another eye-catching Chris Rigg performance, the return of key first-team players and what the display told us about Régis Le Bris’ side ahead of the new Premier League season. There is also plenty of transfer discussion as Sunderland continue working on incomings and outgoings, with the latest on the club’s key targets, Wilson Isidor’s future and the deals set to take Leo Hjelde and Arthur Masuaku away from Wearside. Plus, where does the squad still need strengthening before the transfer window closes, and how close are Sunderland to being ready for another demanding Premier League and Europa League campaign?

Phil Smith and James Copley discuss Sunderland’s pre-season victory over Wrexham as Brian Brobbey, Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs and several other key players return to action. The pair assess the performance, the major talking points and what the latest fitness boosts mean for Régis Le Bris ahead of the Premier League and Europa League campaigns.

James Copley and Phil Smith react to Sunderland’s 4-2 pre-season defeat against Liverpool in Nashville. The lads assess the key talking points from the game, including Enzo Le Fée’s stunning goal, another impressive display from Chris Rigg and Timur Tutierov’s continued impact. They also pick out Sunderland’s early pre-season winners and losers, discuss the young side’s difficult second half and look ahead to the remainder of the club’s USA tour.

James Copley and Phil Smith discuss the latest Sunderland transfer gossip and injury news following the Black Cats’ 5-1 pre-season win over York City.The lads assess the latest transfer headlines, Régis Le Bris’ comments on Thomas Meunier and Lutsharel Geertruida, and the latest surrounding Anthony Patterson’s future.There are also updates on Dan Ballard, Romaine Mundle and Leo Hjelde, plus reaction to Timur Tutierov’s impressive brace and the other standout moments from Sunderland’s opening friendly.

James Copley and Phil Smith return with another episode of The Roar to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news and the major talking points from the Academy of Light. The pair assess the Black Cats’ summer recruitment work, the players whose futures remain uncertain and the key selection decisions facing Régis Le Bris as Sunderland prepare to open their pre-season schedule against York City. They also look at the youngsters and returning fringe players who could be handed an opportunity.

Phil Smith and James Copley are back on The Roar Podcast to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news after a dramatic few days on Wearside.The lads react to Granit Xhaka staying at Sunderland following Chelsea interest, what it means for the Black Cats moving forward and why keeping their captain is such a major statement.They also discuss Eliezer Mayenda’s departure, the £20million deal, his Sunderland legacy and what the club must do next in the forward market.Plus, the latest transfer links, squad questions and what could happen next as Sunderland continue preparations for the new season.

Phil Smith and James Copley are back on The Roar Podcast to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news, with Granit Xhaka’s future dominating the agenda amid Chelsea interest.The lads also discuss the latest on Eliezer Mayenda, with Rennes and Porto linked with signing the striker, as well as what Sunderland’s stance should be in a summer where keeping key players could be just as important as new signings.Plenty to get into as the drama ramps up on Wearside.

Join Phil and James on the latest Roar Podcast as they look back on a busy week for Sunderland and their players. This week’s episode includes a World Cup review, Brian Brobbey’s brilliant Netherlands masterclass, the latest on Eliezer Mayenda’s transfer dilemma, and a closer look at Sunderland’s academy revamp. The lads also discuss Florent Ghisolfi’s early moves on Wearside, whether any of the changes have come as a surprise and what they tell us about the direction of the club moving forward. Plenty to get stuck into.

Phil Smith and James Copley return for the latest episode of The Roar Podcast to react to Sunderland’s retained list decisions and what they mean for the summer ahead. The lads discuss the major calls, the players moving on, those still in talks and how the squad could take shape as Régis Le Bris prepares for another huge season. There is also chat on Sunderland’s growing global profile, with the Black Cats having a major presence at the World Cup after a remarkable Premier League campaign and European qualification. From retained list debate to World Cup exposure, player trading, recruitment and the club’s increasing reach in international markets - there is plenty to get stuck into.

On the latest episode of The Roar Podcast, James Copley, Jason Jones and Phil Smith look back on an extraordinary Sunderland campaign after the Black Cats secured Europa League qualification at the end of a remarkable Premier League season.

Phil Smith and James Copley look ahead to Sunderland’s final game of the Premier League season, with the Black Cats hosting Chelsea at the Stadium of Light and still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe.