Sunderland’s pre-season campaign starts on Wednesday evening when the Black Cats face Hartlepool United at Victoria Park (7.30pm).
On Monday the Lads returned to the Academy of Light following an intensive 10-day training camp in Austria, with the coaching staff putting the players through a vast array of fitness-building sessions.
And each and every player is relishing a return to action, with Duncan Watmore revealing the team can’t wait to get back out onto the pitch having not played a domestic game since May.
Lamine Kone, Patrick van Aanholt and Wahbi Khazri also linked up with the group in Austria, but John O’Shea and Seb Larsson, who represented their respective nations at Euro 2016, are unavailable.
Hartlepool United’s pre-season campaign got underway on Saturday when they coasted past Billingham Town.
Two of Craig Hignett’s new signings scored their first goals for the club with Lewis Alessandra and Padraig Amond finding the net, and Pools’ top scorer from last season – Billy Paynter – was also on the scoresheet.
Hartlepool’s other goal in the comprehensive win came via a Carl Magnay cross which forced an own goal.
Wednesday’s game will see Sunderland enter a crucial stage of their pre-season development, with a trip to Rotherham United coming up on Saturday before the Black Cats travel to France for three testing outings.
Following their return to Wearside the Lads will depart for Austria where they face Borussia Dortmund, with the 2016-17 Premier League season starting in just 25 days.
The countdown is on.
WATCH: Sunderland’s pre-season clash with Hartlepool United will be streamed live on the club’s official website. Click the link to view – safc.com/live.
TICKETS: For the latest ticket information click the link – safc.com/tickets.
