Roker Roundup: Cult hero ex-Sunderland winger SACKED & rumoured transfer target going nowhere

Embleton happy with Grimsby loan extension

Sunderland youngster Elliot Embleton has shone whilst on-loan at League Two Grimsby Town this season, with the midfielder playing an integral part in the Mariners revival.

The 19-year-old’s loan deal was due to expire last week but Sunderland granted an extension which will the player remain at Blundell Park until the end of the season, a development that delighted Embleton:

I’m really happy to stay here. I’ve been playing games and the team has been progressing. It will be good to get more games and, hopefully, I can continue my good form.

It was up in the air for a while back at Sunderland. I knew that I was going to be here until January, but we didn’t know what was going to happen beyond that.

In the end, we came to this decision and I’m really happy with that.

I spoke to the manager back at Sunderland, and he wants me to keep doing what I have been doing.

He told me that he has had good reports back. He wants me to keep up my form, contributing with more assists and goals for the team.

Grimsby’s manager Michael Jolley thanked Jack Ross and Sunderland for allowing the move to happen and believes the move is a good thing for both parties:

It’s excellent news for the football club. We are so grateful to have been able to announce it.

Firstly I need to say thank you to Jack Ross and Sunderland, because they have been very supportive.

I think they have been pleased with the fact Elliot has developed and played games since he’s been here. We see it as a good move for both parties.

Elliot can certainly help us between now and the end of the season.

Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Willock to remain with Arsenal

Sunderland had been linked with a loan move for Arsenal youngster Joe Willock during the January transfer window.

Former Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed back in November that Jack Ross was looking to sign the 19-year-old but according to football.london, Arsenal have told clubs interested in the midfielder that he will not be going anywhere this month.

England youth international Willock featured for Arsenal’s first team during their 3-0 win at Blackpool in the FA Cup Third Round and impressed as he scored twice as the away side eased into the Fourth Round.

Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images

Magic sacked

Former Sunderland winger Allan Johnston has been sacked as manager of Scottish Championship side Dunfermline.

The Pars have gone four games without defeat but only one of those was a win - the 4-2 win at Falkirk, in which Sunderland academy product Tom Beadling scored twice and the club currently sit 7th in a ten team league.

Dunfermline chairman Ross MacArthur placed his thanks to Johnston, and his assistant Sandy Clark, for the services over the four years they were at the club:

I wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Allan and Sandy for their considerable efforts on behalf of our club.

We wish them well in the future.