Sunderland confirm Premier League opposition for Spain friendly as pre-season schedule takes shape
Sunderland have confirmed that they will take on Nottingham Forest as part of their pre-season preparations.
The Black Cats will face Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as part of their trip to Spain in July, and will be the first of their two fixtures at the Pinatar Arena. They’ll face Forest on Friday, July 19th before a game against CD Eldense on Sunday, July 21st. Both games will kick off at 7pm.
Sunderland have now almost finalised their pre-season schedule, though they are yet to confirm the details of their final fixture will take place on the weekend beginning August 3rd. The game won’t be played at the Stadium of Light, as extensive work on the ground continues ahead of the new season – including the installation of a new pitch. Sunderland’s players return for pre-season testing on Friday, with the training programme beginning in earnest on Monday. Their pre-season fixtures then begin with games against South Shields and Gateshead on July 13th, with the squad set to be split across the two games.
Oxford hit with EFL punishment after Jay Matete Sunderland loan issue
SUNDERLAND’S Championship rivals Oxford United have been disciplined by the EFL for a delay in paying the Black Cats Jay Matete’s wages during the midfielder’s loan spell in the second half of last season.
The U’s have been fined £3,500 and were initially hit with a three-window transfer embargo, but that was then reduced to one window and suspended for two years, meaning it won’t have any impact on their business this summer.
Oxford received the punishment after failing to pay wages owed to Sunderland on time.
