Phil Parkinson is poised to become the new manager of Sunderland. The 51-year old, who resigned as manager of crisis torn Bolton in August, is expected to be confirmed within 24 hours.

The Black Cats have appointed former Bradford boss Parkinson on a two-and-a-half year deal after he left Bolton Wanderers in August - he took the squad for training on Thursday.

New manager Phil Parkinson has told Sunderland to forget their Premier League past as they attempt to drag themselves out of League One.

Wycombe closed on Sky Bet League One leaders Ipswich with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Adams Park. Defender Darius Charles struck the 34th-minute winner.

JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE KASSAM STADIUM: An all-League One tie proved as close as the league positions suggested with only three points separating the clubs.

The American group who had been expected to complete a takeover of Sunderland have instead invested a 'very substantial sum' in the League One club.

ON THE ROAD: At what point did Sunderland go from being a big club that accidentally found themselves in League One, to becoming a genuine lower league outfit?

Goalkeepers adventuring off behind the goal in search of a ball is a routine sight on Sunday league pitches - but it's not something you expect in a 49,000-seater former top-flight stadium.

Keeper Jon McLaughlin's calamitous error cost Sunderland a direct route into round two of the FA Cup after they were held 1-1 by Gillingham on Saturday.

Sunderland supporters have reacted with concern after it was revealed owner Stewart Donald has secured a £9million loan from American investors against the club's stadium and training ground.

Midfielder Jack Rodwell could make a sensational return to the Premier League with Sheffield United. The 28-year-old has been training with the Blades in a bid to land a contract.

Aiden McGeady has been told to stay away from Sunderland's first team by manager Phil Parkinson because of his negative influence on the squad. He has been told to find a new club ahead of January.

Sunderland have confirmed that owner Stewart Donald is actively trying to sell the League One club after being urged to go by disgruntled fans.

The 32-year-old is out of contract following his spell in Norway with Sarpsborg and is on a list of frontmen the Black Cats are considering to bolster their attacking options.

Tensions boiled over in a meeting between the Sunderland hierarchy and the Fan Engagement Committee at the Stadium of Light in November, according to The Times.

Sunderland have described a social media post about new signing Kyle Lafferty which inadvertently referred to loyalist pipe bands as a 'genuine mistake'.

Manchester United will make a decision on the future of midfielder James Garner this week amid interest from League One Sunderland.

EXCLUSIVE: Stewart Donald was targeted by Sunderland supporters as he left Fratton Park with his young son following Saturday's 2-0 defeat, before a group of Pompey fans came to his aid.

Former England captain Dave Watson has a neurodegenerative disease that was 'most likely' brought on by head injuries and repeated heading of the ball during his playing days.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE: A former Sunderland academy physio has been released with no further action after an investigation following his arrest on suspicion of sexual grooming.

The early risers from Coventry City and Sunderland were able to compete for sob stories heading up Kingston Road to St Andrew's for League One's noon kick-off.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE AND DAVID COVERDALE: It was the moment when The Office met The Wolf of Wall Street - and the makers of Sunderland 'Til I Die had their opening scene.

EXCLUSIVE BY DAVID COVERDALE: Producers Fulwell 73 had planned for series two to be the last. But the suspension of this season may open the door for them to revisit their Sunderland story.

With football currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans are left without a fix. However, as of Wednesday there will be some small respite.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY CRAIG HOPE:There is one scene that Charlie Methven - the overnight star of Sunderland 'Til I Die series two - had to watch through his fingertips.

Sunderland have placed its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff on furlough leave due to coronavirus.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY IAN LADYMAN: There was a time when Mick McCarthy thought football was straightforward -but it didn't last very long into his career.

In his teen years, a professional deal at Sunderland was in the balance, but it was Henderson's well-known dedication and attitude which swung the decision in his favour.

Henderson has lifted the Champions League and is on the verge of winning the Premier League and Bruce insists he saw Henderson's devoted attitude and sense of authority straight away.

SPECIAL REPORT: Sportsmail previously revealed that majority shareholder Stewart Donald used Sunderland's parachute payments to finance the majority of the £37m purchase of club.

Sir Bradley Wiggins has launched a bizarre foul-mouthed tirade at Mickey Mouse during a recent trip to Disneyland Paris. In the clip, the Olympic legend can be seen shouting obscenities at the resort.

The Labour leader has been praised across the world for acting on issues of climate change, social justice, equality and how she handled the Christchurch terror attack and White Island tragedy.

Scientists say that the alarming melt rate means that, if left unaddressed, we will see global sea levels rising an extra 6.6 inches (17 centimetres) by 2100.

London's excessive water consumption is leaving the south east particularly at risk of water shortages in the next 20 years. Drier weather due to climate change could bring a 600mn litre reduction in rainfall.

During an interview on Fifi, Fev & Byron, the model, 36, admitted she's obsessed with the musician's, 34, singles and detailed how she and Orlando, 42, raise their son Flynn, eight.

The allegations come from Aaliyah Read, now 18, who has also boldly claimed that Mike, 24, asked for her number and instead took her Snapchat details.

Tristan Vanderwatt worked as a support staffer at Gippsland Grammar in VIctoria in 2019. The then 20-year-old had sex with a 14-year-old student and groomed another on Snapchat.

Penalties always creates a bit of drama and this was no exception, with Jordan Pickford and Eric Dier once again emerging as the heroes. n this occasion Pickford even scored England's fifth penalty.

Steve Clarke will look to build on his opening win as Scotland manager as he takes the Tartan Army to face Belgium. Follow all the action from Brussels right here with Sportsmail.

NIK SIMON AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: Someone delivered a pot of fool's gold to Cardiff and Eddie Jones brought along a giant spoon to stir it up.

The Republic head into the clash with the Group D favourites sitting top of the pile with 10 points from a possible 12, but knowing they face their sternest test yet at the Aviva Stadium.

It is seldom pretty with Ireland but Mick McCarthy won't care about aesthetics after David McGoldrick's late header salvaged a point to leave them three clear at the top of Group D.

The partnership will see the BT logo appear on the training kits worn by the men's, women's, youth and disability teams of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from November.

Holland left it late to turn the game around against Northern Ireland and run out winners in Rotterdam. Wales secured a well earned point in Slovakia while Scotland crashed to a heavy defeat in Russia.

Wales fought to a creditable draw at home against Croatia but qualification for Euro 2020 is now out of their hands. 

CRAIG HOPE IN TBILSI: The subject of Aaron Connolly and whether he will start the Brighton teenager caused McCarthy to bristle, even though he hinted that will be the case.

As we reach a pivotal stage in Euro 2020 qualification matches, several teams are on the cusp of confirming their spot spot in next year's tournament. Sportsmail brings you the action, live.

CRAIG HOPE AT STADE DE GENEVE: Republic of Ireland will have to beat Denmark in Dublin next month if they are to avoid the Euro 2020 playoffs after another uninspiring night here in Switzerland.

Raheem Sterling will miss Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley after an altercation with Joe Gomez at St George's Park.

Granit Xhaka is an unpopular figure at Arsenal at the moment after telling fans to 'f*** off' against Crystal Palace and has appeared to take another dig with another cryptic Instagram post.