Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley react as Sunderland draw with Lincoln City at the Stadium of Light!

It was 17,480 days since Sunderland last won at Wembley.

But that has all changed now as the Black Cats defeated Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy final at Wembley Stadium.

Here, Richard Mennear, Phil Smith Mark Donnelly and James Copley provide their thoughts on a first win at Wembley in a generation.

Richard Mennear, Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley preview this Sunday's Papa John's Trophy final game against Tranmere Rovers.

Sunderland haven't won at Wembley since 1973 and lost in the final of this competition to Portsmouth on penalties two seasons ago.

The Black Cats face League Two opposition and stand a good chance of recording a memorable cup final win albeit without fans in the stadium.

Here, we take you through everything you need to know ahead of the clash.

Our team are back to discuss a big week at the Stadium of Light - and to look ahead to another key fixture.

Joining the usual suspects of Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley is BBC Newcastle's Nick Barnes, as the quartet cast their eye over the opening week of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' reign, the back-to-back wins over Burton Albion and Fleetwood Town and the continued progression of the side under Lee Johnson.

We also take a glance ahead to the visit to Crewe Alexandra in League One as the Black Cats look to continue their fine form, while our team also offer their immediate reactions to Louis-Dreyfus’ first interview on Wearside and the changes he has already made behind the scenes – which include an academy reshuffle and some key off-field appointments to benefit the footballing side of operations.

What a week it’s been for Sunderland!

The Black Cats are back at Wembley, full of confidence and on the verge of new ownership – and our team got together to discuss what has been a fruitful few days on Wearside.

Richard Mennear was joined by Mark Donnelly and James Copley to cast an eye over the Papa John’s Trophy semi-final win over Lincoln City, the appearance of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the clearing of the FPP Sunderland loan.

We also look ahead to the Wembley showdown with Tranmere Rovers – and discuss the merits of a competition that, while controversial in some quarters, has delivered some priceless memories for Sunderland fans.

As ever we’d love to hear your feedback to the podcast, so tweet us on @sunechosafc with your thoughts, or with any questions you may have for the team!

The Sunderland Echo team are back for another episode of ‘The Roar’ podcast – and this time the focus is squarely on transfers.

With the winter window ticking into its final hours, Sunderland have nearly finalised their business with only outgoings looking likely in the next few hours.

So with the new additions already signed and sealed, Richard Mennear, Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly reflected on a successful window for the Black Cats and cast their eye over the quartet of fresh faces who have landed at the Academy of Light.

As well as chatting about Carl Winchester, Jordan Jones, Jake Vokins and Ross Stewart, we take a look back at the weekend draw with Gillingham – and ahead to a double header with MK Dons in league and cup.

Host Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and James Copley to discuss the latest goings-on at Sunderland AFC.

The team mulls over the disappointing loss to Plymouth Argyle in League One and discusses 'pitchgate' before turning their attention towards transfers.

It’s been another busy week at Sunderland AFC – and our team of writers sat down to discuss the latest at the Stadium of Light.

Having moved within two games of a return to Wembley with victory over Port Vale on Tuesday evening, the Black Cats now turn their focus back to the league and the trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

And in the background, transfer and takeover talks continue to take place – with positive resolutions expected on both fronts before the month is out.

Those two areas are placed under the microscope in the latest podcast, as Richard Mennear, Mark Donnelly and James Copley offer their take on all the big talking points from the Stadium of Light.

The trio also reflect on the midweek triumph and look ahead to a return to League One action.

Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith and James Copley to discuss what we can expect from Sunderland during the January transfer window.

The Black Cats also play Hull City in League One on Saturday, a hugely important game if Sunderland wish to move up the table following their Covid-19 enforced layoff.

Sunderland may have been absent from League One action - but there's been no shortage of talking points at the Stadium of Light.

And casting their eye over the latest goings-on at the Black Cats in the latest instalment of 'The Roar' are Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley.

The trio discuss the impending takeover from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, January transfer plans and take a look ahead to Saturday's visit to Northampton Town.