The Roker Roundup: March 13th 2012 - O'Neill's A Genius, Colback Needs Belief

Back once again, it's the Roker Roundup, your definitive roundup of all today's news in the world of Sunderland AFC.

So today is March the 13th, an unfortunately today's little factoid is somewhat sad as it's the anniversary of the Dunblane massacre, in which 16 children and one teacher lost their lives. In Sunderland history it's John Ditchburn's birthday, he played centre-back for the club between 1923-26.

Back in the modern day though, here's today's news for you...

There's a brilliant article in the Wall Street Journal by Gabriele Marcotti concerning Martin O'Neill, looking at his impact on Sunderland, and pondering whether or not O'Neill is worthy of the tag 'genius'... I won't spoil the answer, so go and read it for yourself. A fantastic piece of work - CLICK HERE

Jack Colback has been encouraged to have a little self-belief by Martin O'Neill, who seems to believe that Colback himself doesn't even realise how good he is.He is very good, and hopefully this lack of self-belief means that he doesn't go all cocky on us and go in search of a big move! - CLICK HERE

Kenny Dalglish has praised the Sunderland fans after Jordan Henderson, upon being substituted with 12 minutes to go of this weekends encounter, was given a round of applause - CLICK HERE

Billy Knott seems to be making a name for himself while on loan at AFC Wimbledon. The youngster has been speaking to their official site about how much he's enjoying life down there - CLICK HERE

And to further update the story on Billy Knott, he's extended his loan at Kingsmeadow, by a further month. Details of that are here - CLICK HERE

David Vaughan is looking to relive the greatest moment of his career so far, by helping Sunderland get to Wembley in the FA Cup. The Welshman was part of the Blackpool side who won there in the play-offs a few years ago, and wants to top that with winning the worlds most famous trophy - CLICK HERE

With a new academy system coming into place in football, it was all but confirmed today that the club will take the highest status of 'Category One', which will allow it to sign young players from outside of its own area. Councillors agreed to allow an extension of the Academy of Light to build an indoor training facility and flood-lit pitch, removing the last real hurdle - CLICK HERE