How Sunderland's opening opponents are shaping up
opponents that night, falling to an insipid defeat that had significant consequences when fixtures were postponed days later.
The summer break has allowed Garner to put his own stamp on the squad, and he was backed by his club, who were pro-active in securing deals before the salary cap vote.
Jack Baldwin's arrival is one that Sunderland fans noted with interest, while the additions of Max Ehmer and Zain Westbrooke showed ambition.
They'll pose a fascinating challenge for the Black Cats come September 12th. over his future, however, as he enters the last year of his current contract and mulls over a decision.
In: Matty Taylor (Bristol City), Sean Clare (Hearts), Marcus McGuane (Nottingham Forest, loan) Out: None Released: George Thorne As Sunderland know only too well, bouncing back from the agony of losing a play-off final at Wembley can be a difficult task, and one that will be only tougher for Karl Robinson's side given the rapid turnaround.
Signing Matty Taylor was a crucial bit of business to give them momentum as they head into the new campaign. The striker's goals, for his hometown club made all the difference last season and, as it stands, they have kept the core of their side together.
For that reason, there's no reason to think they can't challenge again.
The main task was always going to be in replacing their influential loanees, and it is a market Robinson uses well.
Their capture of former Barcelona youngster Marcus McGuane, to that end, represented something of a statement of intent.
One of the best prospects outside the top-two tiers, centre-back Rob Dickie has a number of suitors.
Replacing him would be a big ask, were a move to materialise.
Robinson has already conceded that there is a good chance he could leave this summer.
In: Daniel Gyollai (Wigan Athletic), Ronnie Edwards (Barnet), Reece Brown (Huddersfield Town, loan), Ethan Hamilton (Manchester United) Out: None Released: Aaron Chapman, Conor O’Malley, Rhys Bennett, Alex Woodyard (AFC Wimbledon), Callum Cooke, Marcus Maddison
Peterborough have vowed a 'revenge season' after being arguably the side to be most harshly punished by the EFL's points-per-game calculation to settle the League One table last season.
They have been one of the more active sides in terms of their pre-season programme thus far and even without Marcus Maddison, Sunderland fans know only too well the attacking threat they pose.
Though his exit seems inevitable, Ivan Toney is still yet to seal his departure.
Peterborough have accepted a bid, but the player himself has hinted that he wants a move to the Premier League.
The sums involved could mean a late flurry in the market from Peterborough themselves. Though they are bound by the new salary cap rules like everyone else, they are more relaxed than manypromotioncontenders, which most likely reflects the U21 talent they can call upon.