MIDDLESBROUGH and Sunderland both got off to winning starts in the Championship on Saturday, while Newcastle lifted the Sela Cup after two victories at St James’ Park.
Here’s some latest snippets from all three clubs in this week’s North East Notes:
MATTHEW HOPPE’S MIDDLESBROUGH SITUATION
It’s no secret that Matthew Hoppe doesn’t have a future at Middlesbrough, with the striker not featuring in Michael Carrick’s plans.
Having not played a single minute last season, Hoppe has trained with the Under-21s all summer and wasn’t given a shirt when squad numbers were confirmed last week.
For whatever reason, it just hasn’t worked out for the 23-year-old on Teesside since he joined Boro two summers ago.
The Northern Echo understands efforts are ongoing to find Hoppe a new club. It was hoped that the opening of the MLS transfer window last month would spark a bit of action but that hasn’t yet proved to be the case.
Hoppe still has two years left to run on his contract and needs a move if he wants to get his career back on track. Boro’s recruitment team are working hard to find a solution that benefits all parties.
Hull City vice-chairman Tan Kesler had a clear message for Ryan Giles when quizzed on the wing-back ahead of the Tigers’ opening day game against Bristol City.
Despite only signing for Hull on a permanent deal earlier this summer, Giles’ future has been uncertain amid Middlesbrough transfer interest and the left-back made it clear he was keen on a return to the Riverside.
Boro continue to monitor Giles’ situation but also have other targets as they prioritise the capture of a left-back ahead of the transfer deadline on the back of Alex Bangura’s injury.
Giles started for Hull on Saturday and Kesler has told the former Wolves and Luton man to focus on the Tigers.
Asked for an update on Giles’ situation, Kesler said: “I don’t know, ask Middlesbrough please. For us, Ryan should be taking the responsibility of this beautiful club.
“We’ve invested a lot for him. He should be respectful of that and understand there is something special to be done here. He should be contributing to it.
“I know it’s the transfer window and a lot of players can get distracted but we believe in Ryan, that’s why we brought him here. He should believe in the project and start delivering like he did at Middlesbrough as well.”
Asked if Giles has said he wants to leave, Kesler said: “He didn’t say anything like that. I don’t even know if Middlesbrough are interested.”
SUNDERLAND TRANSFER CONFIDENCE
Regis Le Bris is confident Sunderland can keep hold of their star assets as the summer transfer deadline approaches.
The focus on Wearside is currently on the pursuit of a striker but the Black Cats also want to avoid any high-profile exits in the coming weeks.
Jack Clarke has interested several Premier League clubs over the course of the last 18 months or so but there hasn’t yet been any summer bids for the former Tottenham and Leeds winger. That could change, of course, but Le Bris is calm about the matter and believes the Black Cats are well placed to keep their stars.
He said: “It’s the transfer window, it still could be surprising for sure. But at the moment I can feel the players are involved and interested in our project. It’s a big club, the fans are very excited and very behind the team. It’s nice to play.
“But during the transfer window, it’s still a difficult period because the players can hear many things. Some are true, some are not true, so let’s focus on the team. That’s the case for me and I hope it is for the players.
“I can see during the training session and games that they are involved, so I’m confident.”
READ MORE:
Middlesbrough’s plan for Micah Hamilton as Michael Carrick ponders Leeds Utd decision
Regis Le Bris spells out transfer position with Sunderland winger Jack Clarke
Newcastle celebrate Sela Cup success as summer signing makes debut
NEWCASTLE KIT LAUNCH
Newcastle’s new home and third kits have gone down a storm with fans this summer – now it’s time for the away strip.
The kit was leaked earlier this summer and is a popular throwback to the iconic 1995/96 away shirt.
And it’s set to go on sale this week ahead of the start of the new Premier League season next weekend.
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