The Roar Podcast - Sunderland Echo

James Copley and Phil Smith react to Sunderland’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton at the Stadium of Light, including the frustration of failing to make a numerical advantage count. We also discuss the growing questions around Chemsdine Talbi after the winger was left on the bench despite Sunderland chasing the game, and what Régis Le Bris’ recent comments could mean for his future. Attention...

Tom Burwell has left his position as Sunderland AFC’s interim CEO with immediate effect, with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus stepping into the role of Executive Chairman and taking a more hands-on role in the day-to-day running of the club. In this breaking-news edition of The Roar Podcast, James Copley and Phil Smith react to the announcement, discuss what we know so far and assess what the change cou...

Phil Smith and James Copley are back to discuss a worrying international break for Sunderland, with Dan Ballard, Brian Brobbey and Noah Sadiki all picking up injury concerns. We look at how serious the situation could be, what Régis Le Bris’ options are if key players miss time and why Sunderland’s improved squad depth could now be tested earlier than expected. There’s also discussion on Kevin Dan...

Phil and James look back on a remarkable week for Sunderland, from an emotional European night against AZ Alkmaar to an eight-goal thriller at Manchester City. The lads discuss Brian Brobbey’s hat-trick, Sunderland’s attacking performance at the Etihad, the defensive mistakes that proved costly, Régis Le Bris’ decisions and why there is still plenty of reason for optimism heading into the internat...

James Copley and Connor Bromley return to discuss Sunderland’s encouraging 1-1 draw at Brentford, Enzo Le Fée’s redemption from the penalty spot and another impressive tactical display from Régis Le Bris. The lads assess Kevin Danso’s debut, Dan Ballard’s disallowed goal, Wilson Isidor’s game-changing cameo and the exciting prospect of Isidor playing alongside Brian Brobbey. Attention then turns t...

A special crossover between the Disco Pants Podcast and The Roar, with James Copley and Connor Bromley taking a proper look back at Sunderland’s summer transfer window. We discuss what Sunderland got right and wrong, the chaos of deadline day, the dramatic Malick Fofana saga, Kevin Danso’s arrival, the club’s wider recruitment strategy and whether failing to land a specialist right winger should r...

Sunderland suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Ipswich Town, but what went wrong for Régis Le Bris’ side and how much should be read into the result? James Copley and Phil Smith look back on the key talking points from Portman Road, discuss the early reaction to Sunderland’s start and assess the latest transfer news ahead of Fulham’s visit to the Stadium of Light. Plenty to...

The Roar is back as we look ahead to the Premier League season-opener against Ipswich Town. James Copley and Phil Smith discuss Sunderland flexing some unfamiliar transfer muscles under Florent Ghisolfi, the latest on Dayann Methalie, the club’s firm stance in the market and what still needs to be done before the window closes. Plus, we assess Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of Ipswich, the key selecti...

Phil Smith and James Copley are back with another episode of The Roar Podcast to reflect on Sunderland’s impressive 2-0 pre-season victory over RC Lens in France. The pair discuss the major talking points from the game, including goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor, another eye-catching Chris Rigg performance, the return of key first-team players and what the display told us about Régis Le Bris...

Phil Smith and James Copley discuss Sunderland’s pre-season victory over Wrexham as Brian Brobbey, Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs and several other key players return to action. The pair assess the performance, the major talking points and what the latest fitness boosts mean for Régis Le Bris ahead of the Premier League and Europa League campaigns.

James Copley and Phil Smith react to Sunderland’s 4-2 pre-season defeat against Liverpool in Nashville. The lads assess the key talking points from the game, including Enzo Le Fée’s stunning goal, another impressive display from Chris Rigg and Timur Tutierov’s continued impact. They also pick out Sunderland’s early pre-season winners and losers, discuss the young side’s difficult second half and l...

James Copley and Phil Smith discuss the latest Sunderland transfer gossip and injury news following the Black Cats’ 5-1 pre-season win over York City. The lads assess the latest transfer headlines, Régis Le Bris’ comments on Thomas Meunier and Lutsharel Geertruida, and the latest surrounding Anthony Patterson’s future. There are also updates on Dan Ballard, Romaine Mundle and Leo Hjelde, plus reac...

James Copley and Phil Smith return with another episode of The Roar to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news and the major talking points from the Academy of Light. The pair assess the Black Cats’ summer recruitment work, the players whose futures remain uncertain and the key selection decisions facing Régis Le Bris as Sunderland prepare to open their pre-season schedule against York City. T...

Phil Smith and James Copley are back on The Roar Podcast to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news after a dramatic few days on Wearside. The lads react to Granit Xhaka staying at Sunderland following Chelsea interest, what it means for the Black Cats moving forward and why keeping their captain is such a major statement. They also discuss Eliezer Mayenda’s departure, the £20million deal, his...

Phil Smith and James Copley are back on The Roar Podcast to discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news, with Granit Xhaka’s future dominating the agenda amid Chelsea interest. The lads also discuss the latest on Eliezer Mayenda, with Rennes and Porto linked with signing the striker, as well as what Sunderland’s stance should be in a summer where keeping key players could be just as important as n...

Join Phil and James on the latest Roar Podcast as they look back on a busy week for Sunderland and their players. This week’s episode includes a World Cup review, Brian Brobbey’s brilliant Netherlands masterclass, the latest on Eliezer Mayenda’s transfer dilemma, and a closer look at Sunderland’s academy revamp. The lads also discuss Florent Ghisolfi’s early moves on Wearside, whether any of the c...

Phil Smith and James Copley return for the latest episode of The Roar Podcast to react to Sunderland’s retained list decisions and what they mean for the summer ahead. The lads discuss the major calls, the players moving on, those still in talks and how the squad could take shape as Régis Le Bris prepares for another huge season. There is also chat on Sunderland’s growing global profile, with the...

On the latest episode of The Roar Podcast, James Copley, Jason Jones and Phil Smith look back on an extraordinary Sunderland campaign after the Black Cats secured Europa League qualification at the end of a remarkable Premier League season.

Phil Smith and James Copley look ahead to Sunderland’s final game of the Premier League season, with the Black Cats hosting Chelsea at the Stadium of Light and still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe.

Sunderland’s takeover talk, ticket developments and transfer news discussed after the Black Cats’ 0-0 draw with Manchester United at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest has raised big questions for Régis Le Bris. We break down the key selection dilemmas, potential changes and who could come in for the final games of the season.

Sunderland were involved in a dramatic clash at Aston Villa - and there’s plenty to unpack. We dive into Habib Diarra’s late chance and the decision to chip Emiliano Martínez, breaking down what he should have done and why it proved so costly. There’s also a full analysis of Luke O’Nien’s performance against Ollie Watkins and whether the criticism aimed his way is justified. Beyond the pitch, we a...

James and Phil react as Sunderland beat Tottenham at the Stadium of Light to keep their European hopes alive. They break down a strong performance under Régis Le Bris, discuss key moments, big calls and what the result means heading into a huge run of games.

David Bruce exits Sunderland - and expectations for the rest of the season

James Copley and Jason Jones react to Sunderland’s latest derby triumph as the Black Cats extend their unbeaten league run against Newcastle United to 11 games. They break down a generational win at St James’s Park, Régis Le Bris’ tactical approach, standout performances from Chris Rigg and Brian Brobbey, and what the result means for both clubs moving forward.