Brobbey and Ballard have picked up worrying injuries, but how have the rest of Sunderland’s international contingent fared during the break?

Our future World Cup star made an instant impression!

The big Austrian defender has slotted in nicely at the Stadium of Light following his summer loan move from Tottenham.

Sunderland travelled to St James’ Park in 1944 looking to repeat a home victory over Newcastle - but could anyone stop Cliff Whitelum on derby day?

Manchester City’s long-running financial investigation could have unexpected consequences for Sunderland - but would we really want the 2014 League Cup handed to us?

Sunderland’s approach under Régis Le Bris may not always look ‘progressive’, but could Kevin Danso show why pragmatism is helping the Lads succeed?

What kinds of hopes and expectations are we harbouring for our first European campaign in over fifty years?

Sunderland have transformed on the pitch, but are standards off it slipping back to the bad old days - and how long can supporters be expected to put up with it?

Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland may have been chaotic at times, but did his entertaining side help restore belief and lay foundations for what came next?

The Lads maintained their unbeaten start with a lively 2-2 draw down at Carrow Road!

From the Championship to promotion at Wembley and now the Europa League, it’s been a heck of a journey for Isidor!

With the club without a front of shirt deal, Roker Report asks whether anybody is going to step forward and sponsor the Cats…

Calm, measured and charismatic…just how impactful has our French gaffer been at the Stadium of Light?

With the clubs finances running low, Denis Smith takes a gamble with a big signing.

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A former Roker regular and future manager was back, only to find a once proud club in utter turmoil…

Having so many players on international duty is often risky, as injuries suffered by Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey show.

Matt Donne takes a closer look at UEFA’s regulations regarding replacements for injured players — can we adapt to cope?

If Brian Brobbey’s injury is worse than feared, Wilson Isidor would be given an opportunity — could he take it?

Aiden McGeady had chances to leave Sunderland during the club’s darkest days, so why did he stay - and how does he view the remarkable transformation since?

John Wilson tells the story of the doughty Scot that headed south and became a much-loved figure in red and white.

Aiden McGeady looks back on his Sunderland spell, from the struggles of relegation to Wembley heartbreak and glory - but which memories stand out most?

Brobbey is already proving a nightmare for Premier League defenders, but what could come next for Sunderland’s brilliant striker once he’s back fit?

After five defeats and a draw to start the season, Mick McCarthy finally had something to celebrate as Sunderland won at Middlesbrough - but the victory would prove to be only a brief reprieve from a ...

With our French magician having signed a new contract, Dean McDonald looks back at his finest moments in red and white.

As we take a breather after a full-throttle start, how do our writers feel about the Lads’ efforts thus far?

A goal and a new mountain bike made for a good night’s work for Martin Scott.

Sunderland have secured Enzo Le Fée’s future, but what does the new deal say about his commitment to the club - and just how important is he to the Lads?

Sunderland are clearly trying to evolve as a side, but that progress may not be linear and it may be tricky at times.

From a chaotic journey to Manchester to a wild afternoon at the Etihad, Sunderland showed they can compete with the best - but can they turn promise into points?

Sunderland looked unstoppable for 78 minutes against Carlisle, but a late fightback turned a brilliant night at Roker Park into a nervous finale.

Sunderland u21s drew 3-3 with Accrington Stanley in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, here’s how Andy rated the lads!

International rosters are teeming with Black Cats this long window.

Sunderland sit just above the relegation zone, but is there really cause for concern? One supporter argues the early-season evidence points towards optimism rather than panic.

The away end was loud and proud at the Etihad — but rumours of the demise in the City atmosphere are not exaggerated.

From Arsenal and injury setbacks to a Wembley triumph and a defining moment at the Stadium of Light, how did Dan Ballard become a Sunderland hero?

Goals galore, Brobbey brilliance and VAR — defeat at the Etihad still provided plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

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