Sunderland to learn fate in Checkatrade Trophy
Sunderland will learn their Checkatrade Trophy fate tomorrow when the rest of the draw is made for the group stage of the competition.
All 48 League One and League Two clubs taking part in the competition have already been drawn into 16 groups, with the 16 invited teams that hold category one academy status to be added on Wednesday.
Sunderland have again been invited to take part in the Checkatrade Trophy competition which came in for criticism last season with low attendances.
First-team coach Robbie Stockdale led the side last year with Sunderland knocked out by Wolves in the second round.
The groups have been split into northern and southern sections in order to minimise overall travel for league clubs and fans following feedback.
Group stage fixtures will also be confirmed tomorrow with all invited teams – including Sunderland – to play all group games away from home.
The northern groups are as follows: Carlisle United, Fleetwood Town, Morecambe, Category 1 Club
Accrington Stanley, Blackpool, Wigan Athletic, Category 1 Club
Blackburn Rovers, Bury, Rochdale, Category 1 Club
Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic, Port Vale, Category 1 Club
Coventry City, Shrewsbury Town, Walsall, Category 1 Club
Bradford City, Chesterfield, Rotherham United, Category 1 Club
Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County, Category 1 Club
Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, Category 1 Club
The Category One clubs are Sunderland; Everton, Leicester City, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Stoke City and West Brom.