Roker Roundup: Sunderland take ex-Chelsea youngster on trial & Jim Rodwell wanted by EFL

Rodwell wanted by EFL

Sunderland’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Rodwell is reportedly wanted by the EFL to take up a similar role with the governing body.

Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail claims the EFL want Rodwell to replace their current Chief Executive Dave Baldwin, who is set to leave after less than 12 months in the role.

Rodwell was previously a Director at the EFL whilst he was in charge at Scunthorpe United and has recently been working alongside new Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman at Sunderland as they appointed Lee Johnson as the club’s new Head Coach.

BBC

Ex-Chelsea youngster joins on trial

Former Chelsea youngster Ashley Akpan has joined Sunderland on trial as he looks to earn a permanent deal at the Academy of Light.

Akpan departed Chelsea in the summer and has spent time with Huddersfield Town, Fulham and Leeds United as he looks to earn a contract but he is now training with Sunderland according to allnigeriasoccer.com.

The 16-year-old featured for the club’s under-18s in a recent fixture against Manchester City.

Akpan was born in Poland and has featured at youth level for the Polish national team but he is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria.