The Roar Podcast - Sunderland Echo

Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley cast their eye over the club’s released and retained list following the 2020/21 season, with seven players now set to leave the Black Cats.

Max Power, Grant Leadbitter, Chris Maguire, Josh Scowen, Callum McFadzean, Conor McLaughlin and Remi Matthews will all depart with Aiden McGeady, Charlie Wyke, Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume offered fresh terms.

The trio also discuss what Lee Johnson’s transfer priorities should be this summer, ahead of what looks to be a busy transfer window for Sunderland.

We also discuss Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ interview with talkSPORT – in which he gave his public backing to Johnson while also offering some insight into other areas of the football club.

Joe Nicholson plays host as the Sunderland Echo chief football writer Phil Smith is joined by James Copley to discuss the Black Cats' loss to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-final.

We'll also take you through the latest on the contract situations at the Stadium of Light and react to fans being back for the first time in 14 months.

Richard Mennear is joined by Phil Smith, Joe Nicholson and James Copley to discuss all things Sunderland ahead of the play-off semi-final.

The Black Cats are set to face Lincoln City over two games with fans in attendance at both legs.

We'll also take a look at the latest transfer gossip surrounding Charlie Wyke and take a look at how Duncan Watmore is getting on at Middlesbrough.

Richard Mennear, Phill Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley are back with another edition of the Sunderland Echo's dedicated SAFC podcast.

The team discusses Sunderland's win against Plymouth Argyle, the contract situation at the Stadium of Light, the injuries to Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady, plus this Sunday's clash against Northampton Town in League One.

Phil Smith, Mark Donnelly and James Copley mull-over Sunderland’s 2-2 draw at Hull City on Tuesday night as promotion contenders Peterborough United slipped up against Gillingham.

The Black Cats haven’t won since Good Friday but has Lee Johnson now found his preferred formation following the draw with the Tigers?

Richard Mennear is joined by Mark Donnelly and James Copley as the team look back at a busy but productive Easter weekend.

In this episode, our SAFC team talk over the games against Oxford United and Peterborough United, mull-over Sunderland's reported £60m summer transfer kitty and chat about Aiden McGeady, Jordan Jones and a win for Sunderland Ladies.

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.