Kimpioka nets hat-trick as Black Cats’ Under-23s see off Reading

Sunderland Under-23s star Benji Kimpioka netted a hattrick for his side on Monday night as he made a goalscoring return to action.

The attacker has just returned from a month loan at Southend United in the National League.

But on his return to Wearside, the 21-year-old striker bagged three goals as Sunderland overcame Reading.

The Premier League 2 fixture was the first game since the departure of long-serving coach Elliot Dickman to Newcastle United.

Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor called the shots from the dugout as the Black Cats search for a permanent appointment.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool United have confirmed Dave Challinor’s intention to leave the club and join Stockport County. The news has sent shockwaves through the League Two club following promotion from the National League last season.

After taking training as usual on Monday morning, Challinor informed the Pools board that he wanted to leave the club to join National League side Stockport County.

But talk has now turned towards who will replace Challinor.

Former Sunderland man Mick McCarthy has been linked with the job via bookmakers Bet Victor at 12/1 following his departure from Cardiff City.

Chris Coleman, too, is being linked with the job by the same outlet at 25/1 having not managed in the United Kingdom since his stint with Sunderland.

One more left-field name is that of former Black Cats defender John O’Shea at 25/1 with ex-Sunderland men Paul Heckingbottom (20/1) and Lee Clark (25/1) also in the betting.

Newcastle’s new owners have identified Villarreal boss Unai Emery as a potential successor to Steve Bruce as they step up their efforts to appoint a new manager.

Emery, who was sacked by the Gunners in 2019 following an 18-month stint in charge, has emerged from a pool of names touted as prospective replacements since Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium completed its takeover on Tyneside on October 7.

Eddie Howe, Roberto Martinez, Paulo Fonseca and Brendan Rodgers are among those to also have been linked with the post.