EVANS RETAINS CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND AT SUNDERLAND

Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans has been confirmed as the skipper for the new season at newly promoted English Championship team Sunderland. Corry Evans has retained the role after he led the Black Cats to Championship promotion from League One.

Sunderland manager Alex Neil confirmed that Corry Evans will retain the captain’s armband for the new season earlier in the week.

Evans, 31, signed for the Black Cats as a free agent last summer after his contract with Blackburn Rovers ended. He was not giving a new contract after his last contract at Ewood Park came to an end. He’s expected to lead the Sunderland team out when they play their first game in the Championship this weekend after four years in League One. Evans and Sunderland face Coventry City for their opening game on their return to the Championship with the game scheduled to take place on Sunday.

Sunderland midfielder Corry Evans struggled with some injuries during his first season especially in the opening months, but he was able to recover completely to play a big role for the club in the chase for Championship promotion. He penned a two-year deal with the Black Cats when he joined them at the start of last season.

Corry Evans and Sunderland secured Championship promotion by beating Wycombe Wanderers in the League One playoff final. Scottish striker Ronnie Stewart scored one of the goals in a 2-0 victory over Wycombe. 

Despite his early injury issues at Sunderland, Evans was able to play 43 times for the team. He was a key player for Alex Neil who achieved Championship promotion for Sunderland on the back of his appointment in February. On Evans, Neil told Total Sport on BBC Sport Newcastle that he has been a great captain. The Sunderland boss also said Evans was phenomenal on the way to clinching Championship promotion.