Regis Le Bris's Black Cats impressed during the first half of the season, but have only recorded two wins from nine league games so far in 2026. They enter Saturday's skirmish at Bournemouth on a three-game losing run in the league and sit 12th in the table. Sunderland's injuries have suddenly mounted since Sunday's defeat by Fulham, with fresh problems for Romaine Mundle, Jocelin Ta Bi, Nordi Mukiele and Brian Brobbey.
He, like all Hearts' signings, went through Jamestown Analytics' assessment and passed the test. "If he had rated poorly, we wouldn't have signed him. It just wouldn't have got over the line," McInnes said of Findlay on Open Goal, external in October. "He's a brilliant boy in terms of being a brilliant team-mate. He allows you to play with that high line, gives you that left-sided balance."
A multi-million pound signing, openly derided and much-maligned. Yet, in the two biggest games of Rangers' season, he's been the hero. Youssef Chermiti cost the Ibrox club a fee of around 8m in the summer, having not scored a goal in two years. His name was attached to criticism of former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with his unconvincing early performances only adding fuel to the fire of his doubters. Yet, against Celtic in the new year's derby, he came good.
The investment allows us to strengthen every area of the club, from the first team to our infrastructure, academy and community work, while crucially protecting the values and identity that make Kelty Hearts what it is. Retaining a meaningful local shareholding was essential to us and this partnership ensures the club remains rooted in the community while benefiting from new ideas, ambition and long-term support.