Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
James Hunter

Sunderland's open training session, coaching staff remain unconfirmed, and Rangers say no go

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' invite to training was taken up enthusiastically by Sunderland fans tonight. The Black Cats' owner sent out an email to supporters inviting them to watch Alex Neil put his players through their paces for an hour-and-a-half at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira.

And at the end of the session, the Sunderland players were happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. Luke O'Nien even volunteered to go in goal as two young lads took potshots at him!

There was also a chorus of 'happy birthday' directed at Ross Stewart, who turned 26 today.

The open training session was a nice touch by Louis-Dreyfus, Neil, and the players to show their appreciation for the fans who had travlled out to Portugal - particularly give their friendly against Rangers on Saturday night was cut short after 45 minutes due to a powercut.

READ MORE: Teenager Caden Kelly signs first professional contract with Sunderland

No go

As for that abandoned game, it was surprising that the teams did not return to play it to a conclusion on Sunday morning. Apparently the suggestion was put forward, but Rangers weren't keen...

Everything but the confirmation

The departures of David Preece and Phil Jevons from the Sunderland coaching staff have seen Mark Prudhoe and Michael Proctor working at first team level during pre-season and now out here in Portugal. Hugely respected academy goalkeeping coach Prudhoe and highly-rated U23 coach Proctor are expected to be promoted full-time, as revealed by ChronicleLive last month, but as yet there has been no official announcement.

Asked about their situation, Neil smiled: "I don't know - well, it's yet to be confirmed."

Roma expect to draw a crowd

Roma are due to train at the stadium tomorrow and by the looks of things the Serie A side are also intending to allow their fans to attend. I'm not sure how many supporters they are expecting, but juding from the stack of red crush barriers that were stacked at the ground they are taking no chances!

Sunderland and Jose Mourinho's side will share the stadium tomorrow, one training there in the morning and one in the afternoon, on the eve of their game on Wednesday morning.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.