Sunderland receive huge Will Still boost as ex-referee gives verdict on Leeds United penalty claim

Sunderland ground out a third goalless draw in five games to take a point away from promotion-chasing Leeds United on Tuesday. Mike Dodds’ side have responded from conceding five against Blackburn Rovers to keep consecutive clean sheets and four shutouts in their last five.

The Black Cats have little left to play for in terms of league position, with 10 points between them and the bottom three and just four games remaining. They go to West Brom on Saturday and in the meantime, The Sunderland Echo has some of the latest stories surrounding the club.

Still boost

Sunderland could be boosted in a potential pursuit of Will Still with reports in France suggesting Reims are already on the lookout for his replacement. Le10 Sport reports that the Ligue 1 side ‘has a good chance’ of losing their current head coach in the summer.

The Black Cats have been without a permanent boss since sacking Michael Beale in February, with Dodds expected to take charge until the end of the season. Still is among a number of reported candidates, alongside the likes of Paul Heckingbottom.

Still has already suggested he is keen on returning to England, albeit in the knowledge that a Premier League job might be unlikely. It could open the door for Championship suitors.

Leeds penalty latest

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Sunderland were fortunate not to concede a penalty on Tuesday with officials ‘failing’ Leeds. Dodds’ side fought hard to keep out the Whites at Elland Road but may have counted themselves fortunate when Luke O’Nien’s handling of the ball went unpunished.

"Leeds Utd have every right to be disappointed not to have been awarded a penalty kick for a clear handball," Hackett wrote on social media. "Despite being in a good position the referee failed to see the offence his view sadly blocked.

“The assistant should have detected the offence but also failed. If you award a penalty kick you have to be 100% certain. That rare occasion where VAR if in operation would have ensured the correct PK call."