ROKER ROUNDUP: Greek champions reject ex-Sunderland misfit & plain-backed home kits explained

Greeks refuse Rodwell

Jack Rodwell was linked with a move to AEK Athens yesterday, with the midfielder said to be in talks with the Greek champions after his release from Sunderland.

It looks like that move won’t be happening however, with reports suggesting that the 27-year-old had been offered to AEK but that the club rejected the future England central defender in favour of pursuing other players.

Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Adidas insist on plain back

Sunderland released their new home and away kits yesterday, with both favourably received but with the main criticisms being due to the plain red back on the home shirt.

The decision to have a plain back was not a club decision however, nor was it due to any league ruling but it was solely down to an adidas design choice.

In a statement ahead of their home kit release, Championship outfit Brentford confirmed that adidas had decided that all their partner clubs in the UK who wear stripes will have plain backs as a design choice:

There will be one difference to the kit this year, a plain red reverse. Our Technical Partner adidas’ design direction for the upcoming season is to provide a plain reverse shirt treatment for Brentford FC, and all other partner clubs in the UK who have stripes within their identity. In combination with more tailored and bespoke detailing throughout the kit, adidas believe this will allow them to create more standout designs for clubs in the UK.

Academy departure close

Academy youngster Sam Greenwood has been destined to leave Sunderland all summer, with the youngster being headhunted by a number of clubs but it looks like Premier League side Arsenal have won the race for the 16-year-old striker.

Posting on Instagram yesterday, Greenwood posted a picture of Arsenal’s training centre, suggesting the move has either been completed or the confirmation is imminent.

The England youth international was a regular goalscorer for Sunderland’s under-16 and under-18s last season but it looks like his future now lies at the Emirates Stadium.