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SUNDERLAND

THE North East club have endured lean times and many of their problems have been self-inflicted. But manager Jack Ross (right) and his players have started life in League One positively and their supporters have responded. There were almost 30,000 inside the Stadium of Light as they beat Rochdale 4-1 last weekend.

HULL FC

LAST season’s rugby league Challenge Cup winners have had a miserable Super League season and went into last night’s game at Wigan having lost 10 on the bounce. Lee Radford (above) and his players haven’t been hiding, though, and Scott Taylor and Mark Minichiello were on the phone to fans this week thanking them for support through what may generously be called a rough patch.

JACK GREALISH

THE Aston Villa midfielder signed a new contract this week, which is great news for manager Steve Bruce. But the 23-year-old will need to make his mark at the top level before long if he is to fulfil his huge potential. Chances of Grealish seeing out that new five-year deal at Villa? Slim to zero.