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Three points represented the perfect start to life in the dug-out for Le Bris.
The Sunderland manager still had the likes of Clarke and Jobe Bellingham to select as he named his first starting XI as Black Cats boss.
Cardiff counterpart Erol Bulut handed debuts to summer signings Chris Willock and Callum Chambers, but left out defender Mark McGuinness who is the subject of interest from other clubs.
The Bluebirds
Sunderland have signed Blondy Nna Noukeu after the former Stoke City goalkeeper impressed on trial with the Championship club.
The 22-year-old, who has been training with Sunderland during the summer, has agreed a two-year deal with an option for a further year.
Noukeu was born in Cameroon and grew up in Belgium, playing youth football for Royal Excel Mouscron, before making the move to Stoke in 2019.
He never made
Cardiff City’s Isaak Davies, Jamilu Collins and Kion Etete are all set for lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.
The trio missed the Bluebirds’ 2-0 pre-season win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground.
And boss Erol Bulut confirmed Wales Under-21 international Davies, Nigerian left-back Collins and forward Etete will miss the beginning of Cardiff’s 2024-25 season.
“Kion is injured, Isaak is injured and JC is also injured
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has extended his contract until the end of the 2027-28 season.
The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international joined the Black Cats from Arsenal in July 2022.
He has scored three goals in 62 Championship appearances for the Wearsiders.
“When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do, so I’m delighted to have signed it,” he told the
Sunderland have signed winger Ian Poveda from Leeds United on a three-year deal with the option of an additional year.
The 24-year-old Colombia international spent the second half of last season at Sheffield Wednesday and was released by Leeds this summer.
“All I want to do is get on the pitch and play for Sunderland,” Poveda told the club website., external
London-born Poveda began his senior career at
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard could miss the start of the season after picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly.
The Northern Ireland international injured his knee in a game against South Shields at the weekend and was sent to London to see a specialist.
Ballard was due to join up with the rest of the squad in a training camp in Spain after his medical appointment, but after undergoing
He joined Preston from Cork City as a teenager in 2014, helping them win promotion from League One a year later and he has remained in the Championship ever since.
Last season, he played 41 league games and scored four goals as he was named Preston’s Player of the Year.
But, after four seasons as skipper at Deepdale, he will now be part of the Black Cats’ squad under new
It was the start of a breakthrough season with 22 appearances and three goals.
“I am absolutely buzzing,” he told the club website, external. “I have been dying to sign for almost a year now.
“The hard work starts now but I am looking forward to making many more memories representing this Club.”
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Chris’ talent, and more recently his performances within the first
Sunderland have appointed Lorient boss Regis Le Bris as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
The 48-year-old Frenchman replaces Michael Beale, who was sacked in February after less than three months in charge.
Le Bris spent two seasons in charge of Lorient, guiding them to 10th in Ligue 1 in his first campaign before they finished 17th and were relegated last season.
The Black Cats finished 16th
Moore played in the Premier League with Sheffield United after being a regular in the team that was promoted from League One to the Championship in 2017.
He also has extensive league experience with Brentford, Cardiff City and Bristol City, the latter on loan.
Football director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website, external: “This summer, we felt it was vital to identify and recruit a goalkeeper who is