Robbie Stockdale and Billy McKinlay will take charge of their first match in charge of Sunderland this weekend at the Riverside.
Ahead of Sunday’s short trip to Middlesbrough, here’s your all you need to know guide…
TEMPORARY CHARGE
Tuesday evening’s draw to Bolton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light signalled the end of Simon Grayson’s time at the club. The 47-year-old parted company after the full-time whistle of Sunderland’s 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers, leaving first-team coach Stockdale and McKinlay to lead the lead the team on Teesside this weekend. Stockdale, a former Middlesbrough player, joined Sunderland as an academy after a successful spell with Grimsby Town’s youth team. Stockdale swiftly became the under-23s boss before Sam Allardyce’s arrival at manager in October 2015 saw him promoted to the first-team scene. McKinlay, meanwhile, has previous managerial experience, albeit brief, at Watford. Born in Glasgow, McKinlay was a scout at the club but was promoted to be Simon Grayson’s assistant when Glynn Snodin fell ill in September.
BORO BOYS
Sunday’s hosts, Middlesbrough, head into this Tees-Wear derby looking to build on their back-to-back victories on the road. Six points over Reading and Hull City have moved Boro into the top half, with Britt Assombalonga hot among the goals. With two goals in as many games, the summer recruit from Nottingham Forest has scored eight in 15 league appearances for Boro, meaning he heads into Sunday’s clash level with Sunderland’s leading marksman Lewis Grabban. The 29-year-old is in a rich vein of form himself, scoring three goals in two games to improve his record of eight in just 11 outings.
KNOWING ME KNOW YOU
Stockton-born midfield general Lee Cattermole will be hopeful of clocking some minutes for Sunderland against his former club Middlesbrough. Catts burst onto the Teesside scene when he was just 17, making his debut at St James’ Park. A spell at Wigan was then followed by a switch to Sunderland, where the midfielder has gone on to play over 200 times - a similar feat achieved by Fencehouses-born midfielder Grant Leadbitter at Boro. A product of Sunderland’s academy, Leadbitter has made over 200 appearances for the Teessiders and he will certainly be eyeing a goal this weekend as he has struck twice over the last week.
TEAM NEWS
James Vaughan has been added to the list of absentees for Sunderland’s trip to Middlesbrough this weekend by interim boss Robbie Stockdale. The 29-year-old joins fellow striker Josh Maja and on loan central defender Tyias Browning in the treatment room.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Supporters travelling with the free coaches provided by the club are asked to retain their passes to and from the Riverside. Any supporters without passes will not be permitted to travel. Concourse facilities, offering food and drink to purchase (including alcohol), will be open in the east stand of the Stadium of Light from 9am on Sunday morning. The coaches will begin boarding from the GREEN car park, outside the ticket office, at 9.45am and will depart for Middlesbrough promptly at 10.15am.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Sunderland fans have snapped up their allocation for Middlesbrough tickets.
If you weren’t able to get a ticket, then there will be comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 11.30am, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.
STADIUM OF LIGHT BEAMBACK
There will be a special screening of the game shown in Quinn’s Sports Bar at the Stadium of Light.
Entry is free for all supporters and doors will open at 10am, with a Sunday carvery and a range of snacks available to purchase.
There will also be a host of early entry drinks promotions.
