Don Goodman talks Sunderland, Leeds United, Mark Robins sacking and more | OneFootball

Ex-Football League striker Goodman spoke to FLW about all the latest Championship news

Ex-EFL player turned pundit Don Goodman has shared his thoughts on the current goings on of the Championship with a nearly third of the season completed, with the likes of Sunderland, Leeds United and of course, Coventry City, huge talking points.

Goodman holds the Black Cats, West Brom, Wolves and Barnsley as some of the clubs he played for whilst a striker in his on-pitch days, but nowadays he is a regular figure on EFL coverage on Sky Sports.

And, speaking exclusively to Football League World via Gambling Zone, the 58-year-old has given his view on the latest news coming out of the second tier of English football.

Potential Jordan Henderson deal would be a huge coup for Sunderland AFC

One of the surprise stories of the 2024-25 season has been Sunderland, who lead the Championship table after 15 matches.

And in recent weeks, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been linked with a return to the club where it all started on Wearside, despite the fact he's starting week in, week out at Ajax.

Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris refused to rule out a move for the ex-England international, and whilst it looks like Henderson has a part to play in Amsterdam, Goodman would love to see a return to the Stadium of Light for the 34-year-old.

“Jordan Henderson has started six of eleven league games for Ajax (and involved in ten), so it's not a given he'll leave," Goodman said of Henderson's links to his boyhood club.

"But there are so many reasons why he'd be a brilliant addition for Sunderland or any Championship team.

"Such a young group would learn so much from someone like Jordan Henderson. Any potential transfer can only be a positive thing for Sunderland.”

Don Goodman urges Sunderland to keep hold of Dennis Cirkin amid Leeds United links

Heading into the January transfer window in the next seven weeks, Sunderland will be desperate to hold onto their key players, with one of those now being Dennis Cirkin.

The former Tottenham man has been shining under Le Bris, and that has led to Leeds United being interested in the 22-year-old, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (November 10, page 69), via Sports View.

An ex-England youth international, Cirkin has always showed promise but is now delivering on that, but Goodman refuses to believe that Sunderland would entertain selling the defender to a promotion rival midway through the season.

Goodman said: “I would love to think that there is no way in the slightest Sunderland would allow Dennis Cirkin to leave in their current situation, especially to Leeds (a definite promotion rival).

“He's one of the best left-backs in the Championship and scored a great goal against Coventry at the weekend. He would be a brilliant addition for Leeds but I'm not sure I can see it happening.

“After selling Jack Clarke in the summer, it would cause uproar amongst Sunderland fans if they sold another one of their young stars.

“I can see why Leeds would be interested but, if I was Sunderland, I'd be having none of it.”

Don Goodman speaks out on Sunderland AFC promotion hopes

As a former player on Wearside, Goodman knows more than most what it is like to pull on the red and white stripes of Sunderland.

In their most recent run of fixtures, Le Bris' side have only picked up three points out of a possible nine, and Goodman believes that the next run of matches leading up to and after Christmas will truly define where they're going to be at the end of 2024-25.

“Before a ball was kicked, anyone connected with Sunderland would have snapped your hand off for a guaranteed play-off push. That's what this start has given them," Goodman said.

“They play Middlesbrough away on February 1st and if they're in and around the automatic promotion spots at that point, then they are in business. I think they have a really good run-in, so these next 12-15 games could be critical.

“The Championship is not as strong as last season and there's an opportunity for someone to surprise us. Sunderland would be a surprise after last season and appointing an unknown quantity in Regis Le Bris.

“But there are bigger tests to come. They've only played five games against teams in the top-half compared to 10 games against bottom-half sides. I think they're guaranteed a play-off push but we'll see what's possible after the next 12-15 games with regards to an automatic challenge.”

The main Championship talking point heading into the international break is the Coventry City search for Mark Robins' successor.

Robins' seven-and-a-half year stay at the Midlands outfit came to an end last week, with Sky Blues owner Doug King revealing that it wasn't results that got him the sack, but it was a fallout with previous assistant manager Adi Viveash earlier in the year and the subsequent major changes of the coaching staff that did it.

Now, Goodman has warned King that he may have made the wrong decision to part company with Robins, given all he has done for the club in recent years.

“Nothing should surprise you in football but this was really sad. It's the end of an era," Goodman lamented.

“You would have thought Mark Robins had enough credit in the bank to be given more time in charge. While the expectation was for Coventry to challenge towards the top end of the league, there are still plenty of games to be played and more time for them to turn it around.

“We just don't know what's happened behind the scenes but I'm disappointed and surprised. Yes, the results haven't been what you would expect and they're closer to the bottom of the table than they are to the top, but they've been unlucky in a lot of games it has to be said."

Goodman also added that Robins should've been given more time to try and facilitate City's rise up the Championship table, given their notorious slow starts to recent seasons - even though King has claimed that results were not the defining factor in his decision to part ways with the ex-Man United striker.

“I've said previously that there should be a statue of Mark Robins outside the CBS Arena, that's how much he's done for the club," Goodman said.

“Mark had been at the club for seven years, you must remember where that club was when he took over, what they have done for the club and also in this case under many incredibly difficult circumstances.

“They were in League Two and had to play home games at St Andrew's and Northampton. Such a divide between fans and ownership is a recipe for disaster but in the face of such adversity, he performed miracles. He took them to within one penalty shoot-out of the Premier League and deserved to have taken them to an FA Cup final just last season.

“Obviously things change behind the scenes and Adi Viveash left in the summer. He was a huge part of the development of the team. But when all is said and done, I think most of football is disappointed that with the credit in the bank he deserved, he wasn’t given longer to turn things around.”

Goodman has also cited a past decision at Brentford to stick with Thomas Frank when things were tough in the Dane's early days in west London as an added reason as to why King has perhaps been a bit hasty with his decision to call for a fresh start at the CBS Arena.

"They've created the fifth-highest XG and have missed a lot of chances in key moments. That's why Coventry have struggled to pick up the points that they have deserved," Goodman analysed.

“I remember when Thomas Frank replaced Dean Smith at Brentford but only won one of his first 10 games. It would have been easy for their hierarchy to get rid of Thomas Frank but they looked at the performance levels and data... and look where they are now.

"There are a few underperforming clubs such as Middlesbrough, who should definitely have more points than they do, Coventry are just another one."

Don Goodman - Leeds United are now favourites to win the Championship

Having lost just twice in the Championship this season, things are going swimmingly for Leeds United and Daniel Farke.

Injuries haven't helped the German whatsoever, but with a strong squad to choose from, the Whites' backup options to replace the likes of the stricken Ethan Ampadu have led to positive results.

And Goodman now believes his hometown club are now in pole position to win the title, despite Sunderland being the pace-setters.

Goodman said: “Leeds United are absolutely still my favourites for the title despite their injury problems.

"They've dominated pretty much every game they've played, even the ones they have lost, with the possible exception of the second league game of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

“There's nothing obviously wrong at the moment. The only worry is that they're missing a few chances and are without key players.

"But look how well Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have done in the absence of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. They've been phenomenal and the rest of the league will be worried by the fact that Leeds are only going to get stronger.

“They're two points off the top and you can't see them getting weaker, so they'd absolutely be my favourite.”

A team that have seemingly found their form after strong underlying data at the beginning of the season is Middlesbrough.

Michael Carrick's side may have been defeated comfortably by Coventry City at The Riverside recently, but they followed it up with 4-1 and 5-1 wins over QPR and Luton Town respectively, showing that the Teessiders are a force to be reckoned with.

And after their return to form, Goodman has not ruled out a top two finish for Carrick's side if they can keep their recent performances up.

“Michael Carrick doesn't need to change anything! Without hesitation, Middlesbrough's performance levels are some of the best in the Championship," Goodman outlined.

"They create some brilliant chances but have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net at times and have dropped points through silly defensive mistakes.

“But what's encouraging is that they've scored nine goals in their last two games and they could have had even more. They've generated the highest XG in the Championship, which shows how well they're playing.

"They have an XG of 28 but have only scored 23 goals, so they could have had at least five more goals than they currently do.

“I wouldn't be panicking if I was Michael Carrick. They just need to continue taking their chances and eradicate some of the sloppy errors.

“I wouldn't be giving up on an automatic promotion place at all. They've got to get in the top-six, first of all, but at this stage of the season they are playing so well, so there's no way I will rule them out of finishing in the top two.

"It would take a significant winning run but have they got the ability to do that? Yes, absolutely they have.”

A little further down the Championship standings, Derby County sit in mid-table, and Paul Warne will be more than happy with that after finishing second in League One last season.

And Warne has been praised for getting the best out of his current crop of Rams players, of which much has changed since they were in the third tier of English football.

“I covered their opening game of the season and they were well-beaten by Blackburn Rovers. Paul Warne had said afterwards that his side wasn't 'Championship-ready' before completing their business," Goodman said on the Pride Park outfit.

“If you look at their transfer activity, it's been really good. Six new players started against Plymouth at the weekend which is half a team.

“Having been relegated on a couple of occasions at Rotherham, Paul Warne would acknowledge that this opportunity with Derby County is his best chance to establish himself as a Championship manager. After 15 games this season, I think he's done a brilliant job to make them competitive.

“Although they're in 12th, Derby are only four points above the relation zone, however. He'll know that they cannot afford to lose focus and rest on their laurels.

"The next three games against Preston, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday are massive. If they can pick six points up from those matches, then they'll be sitting reasonably pretty.

“I think Paul Warne has done an excellent job as it's never easy after being promoted to the Championship, unless you are Ipswich!”

However, with just one away win from their eight league outings on the road, Goodman says it is very clear where Warne needs to improve his side if they are definitely not going to be involved in a relegation scrap come the latter stages of 2024-25.

“It's tight down there, there's only one point between third-bottom Cardiff and Coventry in 17th. There are only four points between the relegation zone and 11th place. I've never seen it like that before at this stage of the season," Goodman added.

“There is, at this stage, no way I can rule Derby out of being relegated, though. They struggle away from home having only won one from eight but they've made a really solid start to the season as a newly-promoted club.”

Stoke City play-off push ruled out under Narcis Pelach

Stoke City surprised many in September when parting company with manager Steven Schumacher, and in his place came Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach.

The Spaniard was a shock choice to come in at the bet365 Stadium, and whilst Goodman notes an improved run of form before the international break, he does not expect Pelach to be able to transform the club's fortunes of being a mid-table second tier club in the short-term.

"Seven points from the last three games has really helped Narcis Pelach's cause, as it looked like he was struggling before," Goodman said.

“You can look at Pelach and say 'He's only won three out 10,' which is not going to get you to the play-offs, or say 'He's only lost three out of his 10 games,’ which sounds much better.

“However, he was brought in as the hierarchy clearly thought that Stoke City should be challenging for the play-offs. If I'm honest, I really cannot see that happening. Stoke City and Pelach have a lot of work to do if they are to compete amongst the Championship's top sides.

“It's impossible for me to say that he's improved the team, but the last three games have been a lot more encouraging. Had they not picked up those seven points, I don't think the Stoke fans would be viewing Pelach in a positive light.

“There's nothing I've seen from them this season to make me think they can make it into the top six. If Narcis Pelach is a long-term appointment, maybe they could do something next season with more time.

“I see Stoke as a pretty average Championship team at this moment in time. There are at least six better teams and probably more than Stoke so far this year.”

Don Goodman namedrops Kemar Roofe as potential solution to Norwich City problem

Norwich City welcomed a new era earlier this year with the arrival of Danish coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, and whilst he's had some positive results so far in Norfolk, injuries are rearing their ugly head at Carrow Road.

Josh Sargent is the latest player to head to the sidelines, and it's likely he will miss the rest of 2024 with a groin injury. Now reliant on winger Borja Sainz to get the goals, Norwich boss Thorup has ruled out heading into the free agent market to land a short-term replacement for USA international Sargent, but Goodman believes that if the Canaries youth aren't ready, then Kemar Roofe should be looked at as a solution.

“Josh Sargent is a massive miss for Norwich City. It was the same last season. As soon as he returned to fitness in the new year, he was scoring goals at a rapid rate and propelling Norwich to a play off spot," said Goodman.

“He's been key this season, even though it's Borja Sainz who has been scoring the goals. I don't think Norwich City have seen the best of Ashley Barnes, either, which is obviously down to injuries.

“As a team, Norwich have dropped off. They're only three points off the relegation zone and have failed to win in six. Their last two defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City are particularly concerning. It looked to me that they were struggling to create chances, let alone score goals.

“They're going to have to do something, whether that's explore the free agent market or promote somebody from the youth team. After a tough trip to West Bromwich Albion next, they face Plymouth, Luton, QPR and Portsmouth and will have to take points from that run of fixtures or face being dragged into a relegation battle. Maybe the international break has come at the right time.

“Kemar Roofe has been a decent Championship striker in the past, but I'm a bit concerned that he's been without a club for four months after leaving Rangers. It's a long time to have not played any football. Is he going to be able to get fit and firing before Sargent and Barnes return?

Don Goodman issues verdict on Tim Walter's Hull City future

Mark Robins was sacked last week, and the next individual who looks likeliest for the chop is Hull City boss Tim Walter.

The German's arrival over the summer just hasn't worked out so far, and some Tigers supporters have already lost faith, with many calling for owner Acun Ilicali to admit to his mistake and get rid of the 49-year-old.

Goodman however is unsure that the Turkish media mogul will do such a thing right now as it will enhance the spotlight on his decision to let Liam Rosenior go, despite only falling just short of last season's play-offs.

“I heard Acun Ilıcalı backing Tim Walter last week but they're only out of the relegation zone on goal difference," Goodman said.

“Although there are some crazy rotations which see centre-backs ending up on the wing and midfielders in defence, there is little evidence that Walter is implementing the attacking and exciting brand of football that was promised by the owner when he was appointed.

“Should Ilıcalı stick or twist? It depends if he thinks they can turn it around, as it looks like they'll end up in a relegation battle at this moment in time. If he was to sack Tim Walter, it would be an admission of making a catastrophic error of judgment.

“Ilıcalı said he didn't like Liam Rosenior's style of football but he dragged a team from a relegation battle to the brink of the play-offs.

“I thought it was a strange decision in the summer and it's not looking good at the minute. It's a shame as Acun Ilıcalı cares and is desperate to see Hull play in the Premier League, but his decision to sack Liam Rosenior and hire Tim Walter is not looking like a good one at this moment in time.”

Omer Riza backed to land Cardiff City job full-time but concern issued

After a torrid start to 2024-25 which saw Erol Bulut lose his job, Cardiff City caretaker boss Omer Riza has certainly instilled some belief back into the Bluebirds squad.

They may have been defeated in their previous two Championship matches prior to the international break, but there are still promising signs from Riza's interim stewardship, and Goodman thinks Cardiff should now give him the job permanently - although has suggested Vincent Tan may have another plan in mind given the time it is taking to make a decision.

“Omer Riza will be frustrated that they've lost their last two games but prior to that they had won four and drawn two," Goodman said on Cardiff's recent form.

"The football has got a lot more positive and the players are enjoying their football. It was a perfect audition up until the last two games, so it will be an interesting two weeks during the international break, to see if he's given the job permanently or kept as an interim. I think he's moved the team forwards given where they were before.

"But the fact he hasn't been appointed makes me think the hierarchy does not fancy him or that there is someone waiting in the wings. It's not exactly a positive endorsement from the board and I'm surprised he's not been given the job permanently. I think he's shown enough to at least, be given the job on a short-term basis or on an 18-month contract.

“I don't think Cardiff can attract a big-name candidate or someone with a brilliant pedigree. I think they must make some kind of announcement over the next two weeks and it will be interesting to see what they do.”

Wayne Rooney praised for Plymouth Argyle job

Eyebrows were raised by many when Wayne Rooney decided to take the Plymouth Argyle job ahead of the 2024-25 season, but he's perhaps making some nay-sayers eat their words.

After 15 Championship matches, the Pilgrims sit in 18th position and ahead of some rather established second tier outfits, and with Morgan Whittaker not exactly firing as he was last season, Rooney is having to get the best out of his whole squad.

And praise has been issued by Goodman for the way that Rooney has handled the job, especially after some of the criticism he was getting after just one match.

Goodman said of the ex-England international and the job he's doing at Home Park: “Wayne Rooney has got the support of the ownership and backing of the fans. He's won them around after that shocking display on the opening day at Hillsborough, which was one of the worst I've seen at Championship level.

“The task again for Plymouth Argyle is survival and, at the moment, they are doing that. Yes, it's tight at the bottom of the table but they are well in the mix.

"They are not five points from safety like QPR. There are question marks about the fact they can have a meltdown away from home occasionally but, aside from that, Wayne Rooney has made Plymouth competitive.

"I don't think you can be critical of where Plymouth are in the table and the amount of points they've got. It seems he's trying to bring more structure to the way Argyle play.”

Portsmouth: Colby Bishop has handed John Mousinho a fresh boost in survival push

For the first time this season, Portsmouth were victorious on home soil in the Championship this past weekend with a 3-1 win over Preston North End.

It was also an emotional day at Fratton Park as Pompey fans welcomed back Colby Bishop, who had to undergo a heart procedure over the summer, and was a surprise returnee over the weekend, given he wasn't registered beforehand with the EFL to participate.

And Goodman believes that Bishop's return could be the catalyst for John Mousinho's side to rise out of the relegation spots of the Championship.

“It was almost a must-win for Portsmouth against Preston and they delivered their win. In the first-half, they dominated and the players needed it more than anyone," said Goodman.

"Yes, they needed points to get within touching distance of teams above them but the players also needed it for their self-belief after a tough start.

“They're now entering a period where, in my opinion, they won't be playing what I’d consider any of the Championships top teams across the next ten games and it will be a defining period which needs to go well for them. if they don't pick up a decent amount of points from that run, I will worry for them.