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
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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.

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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?