Tyne Tees Sunderland AFC News

Watch Paolo Di Canio's full press conference ahead of Sunderland's match against Everton on Saturday:

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Sunderland have confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The 26-year-old has missed the club's last three games after damaging ankle ligaments whilst on international duty with Scotland last month. The Black Cats had hoped Fletcher would recover without requiring surgery, but that wasn't the case and the player had the operation on Monday.

Sunderland haven't yet given a timescale for his recovery. However, it's understood Fletcher - who is the club's top scorer this season with 11 goals - should be ready for the start of the 2013/2014 campaign.

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The build up is underway to Sunday's Tyne Wear Derby.

Sunderland, in particular, will go into the game at Newcastle in serious relegation trouble in the Premier League.

It has been an eventful month for the Black Cats with the departure of Martin O'Neill and the arrival of controversial head coach Paolo Di Canio.

The Sunderland players have been getting used to life under their new Italian boss and say that he is prepared for this weekend's derby.

Simon Mignolet spoke to ITV News about the big task ahead.

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The new Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio said he had a "very, very good feeling for the future" after his team's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend.

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Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner will miss next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle United after picking up his tenth booking of the season against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Scotland international was shown a yellow card for a foul on former Magpies striker Demba Ba after half-an-hour played.

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It's been a week that Sunderland Football Club will never forget. But whatever the opinions and whatever the outcome, there was always going to be a very difficult match to play at the end of it.

Paolo Di Canio's first game in charge of the Black Cats is away at Chelsea on Sunday.

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David Miliband has announced that he is to step down as Labour MP for South Shields.

The former Foreign Secretary joined the Board of Sunderland AFC in 2011 as vice chairman and non-executive director, and the club have announced that he will continue in his role at Sunderland AFC.

“David’s knowledge and experience has been a tremendous benefit to Sunderland AFC.

"Naturally we are delighted that he is to continue in his role at the club and we also wish him every success with this new chapter of his life.”

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Niall Quinn, ex-Chairman of Sunderland Football Club, is a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary.

He said: "I feel privileged to have met Sir Bobby, let alone to have contributed in a small way to his Foundation and the lesson I have taken from my involvement is that it's not what you have, it's what you leave behind.

"Sir Bobby may no longer be with us, but he left behind an incredible legacy and a remarkable team. Reaching £5m is a brilliant achievement, a testament to the deep generosity and tireless efforts of so many people.

"Bobby's memory brings out the best in people. Long may it continue."

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