Last weekend, James McClean, quite clearly and eloquently explained in an open letter to Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan why he would be not be joining his team-mates in wearing a poppy on his shirt, as is the tradition on Remembrance day.

Sunderland have issued a “hands-off” warning to Southampton as the Saints start the search for a new manager.

Former Celtic forward Paolo Di Canio would consider a return to Parkhead as Neil Lennon’s replacement, the Italian’s agent has claimed.

After attending Wembley twice in the past year as a mere bystander, Corkman John Egan is two games away from becoming an active participant at English football’s biggest stage.

Against all odds, Gus Poyet may be about to pull off one of the Premier League’s greatest escapes.

Sunderland 0 Everton 1

Sunderland are confident they will not face further punishment for allegedly fielding striker Ji Dong-won in four games for which he was ineligible.

Sunderland 1 Stoke City 0

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has hit out at Stoke over their courtship of Lee Cattermole and Steven Fletcher on the eve of the Premier League clash between the clubs.

Sunderland are taking legal advice over the broadside launched at the club and its players by former manager Paolo Di Canio over the weekend.

Paolo Di Canio has claimed Republic of Ireland defender John O’Shea told him “things” about Martin O’Neill when he was appointed Ireland manager.

Paolo Di Canio has defended his tenure as Sunderland manager and is hoping to make a return to the Barclays Premier League.

Martin O'Neill has hit back at Paolo Di Canio with the spat between the two former Sunderland managers showing little sign of abating.

Paolo Di Canio has hit back at Martin O’Neill as the war of words between the former Sunderland managers continued.

Paolo Di Canio has hit back at Martin O’Neill as the war of words between the former Sunderland managers continued.

It’s been a very busy week in the world of Irish football.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has warned his players that the clash against Latvia does not take on less significance because it is a friendly.

Sunderland 1 Manchester City 0

Once, when John Hartson was at Celtic, he made the mistake of telling Martin O’Neill to “eff off”.

They may be Ireland’s dream team, but Martin O’Neill has made clear there will only be one man making the decisions.

Sunderland 2 Newcastle 1

Gus Poyet was today handed the task of dragging Sunderland out of relegation trouble after being named as Paolo Di Canio’s successor.

Gus Poyet will today become the new manager of troubled Sunderland.

Gus Poyet is close to being appointed as the new Sunderland manager.

Paolo Di Canio has vowed to learn from his experience at Sunderland and return to English football as a better manager.

Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence over his sacking by Sunderland to deny reports of a training ground bust-up and insist he should have been given more time at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland skipper John O’Shea has urged the club to move on from the Paolo Di Canio debacle after confirming the players had a role in the Italian’s departure.

Most football fans are absurdly optimistic. If clinging to a precipice, they’ll believe a hero’s riding to the rescue.

Most football fans are absurdly optimistic. If clinging to a precipice, they’ll believe a hero’s riding to the rescue.

Sunderland 2 Peterborough 0

Sunderland will take their time to make sure they find the right replacement for Paolo Di Canio after launching the search for his successor.

Former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Paolo Di Canio paid the price for an outdated management style after being ousted by the Black Cats on Sunday night.

Sunderland’s decision to part company with head coach Paolo Di Canio means there is a vacancy at the Stadium of Light.

West Brom 3 Sunderland 0

Paolo Di Canio’s turbulent reign as Sunderland manager is over after the Italian and the club parted company.

West Brom 3 Sunderland 0

Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio was banished from the touchline as Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey upstaged new team-mate and club record signing Mesut Ozil with a fine double strike.

Former Italy defender Franco Baresi has backed compatriot Paolo Di Canio to make a success of his managerial career.

Phil Bardsley’s Sunderland exile is over after he apologised for mocking the club’s opening day defeat by Fulham.

Marco Tardelli has said the Republic of Ireland need to get four points in their two World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria, but believes they can get all six.

Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 1

Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 1

Paolo Di Canio has revealed striker Connor Wickham has forced his way into his plans.