Cesc Fabregas has seen a return to Chelsea speculated on, after impressing as head coach at Como, but the World Cup winner may require a Premier League stepping stone before heading to Stamford Bridge and Clinton Morrison has told GOAL that “Crystal Palace could be that”. The Eagles, like the Blues, will find themselves in the market for a new manager this summer.
Dele Alli’s fall from grace remains one of the most perplexing mysteries in modern English football. Once the crown jewel of Tottenham’s midfield and a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions, the 30-year-old now finds himself in the wilderness of free agency after being released by Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has warned the club against appointing Xabi Alonso, urging them to hire Cesc Fabregas instead. As the Blues face a complex battle for European qualification, relying heavily on the upcoming FA Cup final, their former midfielder has just secured historic European football for Como, proving his immense managerial potential in Italy.
Cesc Fabregas has led Como to a historic achievement, securing European football for the first time in the club's history after a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona. The milestone comes exactly two years after their promotion to Serie A. With his managerial stock rising rapidly, Fabregas' success in Italy continues to fuel rumours of a potential return to his former club Chelsea.
Chelsea have been warned off appointing Cesc Fabregas as their next manager, with the former Blues star considered to be in need of more experience as his current Como side have a tendency to “fall apart” in big games. Tony Dorigo has explained to GOAL why an alternative option would be better at Stamford Bridge for now, allowing a familiar World Cup winner to retrace steps to west London at some point further down the line.
Initially founded as Sunderland and District Teachers A.F.C. in 1879, the club was renamed to Sunderland A.F.C. in October 1880. The club turned professional a decade later, when it joined The Football League ahead of the 1890-91 campaign.
Who are the owners of Sunderland?
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (64% stake) and Juan Sartori (36% stake) are the co-owners of Sunderland. The former first acquired shares in February 2021, joining the latter who has been associated with the club since 2018.
What is Sunderland's stadium called?
Sunderland's home stadium is known as The Stadium of Light, which replaced the iconic Roker Park in 1997. Roker Park served as Sunderland's home ground for almost a century, from 1898 to 1997.
What is Stadium of Light's capacity?
The Stadium of Light has a capacity of 49,000, making it England's ninth-largest football stadium.
How many trophies have Sunderland won?
Sunderland have won a total of nine trophies, which includes six top-flight titles as well as two FA Cups.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Sunderland won?
Sunderland have clinched the English top-flight title on six occasions. Their first win came in the 1891-92 season, while they haven't won a single league title since going all the way at the end of the 1935-36 campaign.
Who has made the most appearances for Crystal Palace?
Former English goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery holds the record for making the most appearances in Sunderland history. Montgomery made 627 appearances between 1960 and 1977 and was a part of the Sunderland team that won the 1973 FA Cup.
Who is Sunderland's all-time top goalscorer?
The Sunderland faithful will never forget the contributions of legendary striker Bobby Gurney, who churned out 228 goals in 390 appearances in what is a club record.
Which famous players have played for Sunderland?
Charlie Hurley, Simon Mignolet, John O'Shea, Jordan Pickford, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Kerr, and Jimmy Montgomery are among the most prominent players to have donned the Sunderland shirt.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Sunderland?
Bob Kyle, Roy Keane, and Sam Allardyce are among Sunderland's most famous managers.
What is Sunderland's nickname?
Previously known as The Rokermen when they played at Roker Park, Sunderland are now officially nicknamed The Black Cats based on 10,000 votes cast by the supporters through the official magazine in 2000. The nickname originates from the names of battery guns which protected the mouth of the River Wear in the 18th century.