Oster's contract cancelled

Reports are emerging tonight that Sunderland AFC have cancelled the contract of John Oster.

The Welshman went on loan to Leeds United late in 2004 but became involved in controversy twice in his short spell with the Elland Road club; in the week before Christmas he was arrested outside a Durham nightclub after a fracas, but released with only a caution to his name. Then shortly afterwards it emerged that an incident had taken place at Leeds United's team Christmas party which angered LUFC gaffer so much that he terminated Oster's loan period immediately.

Sunderland announced that they would begin an investigation into Oster's behaviour, and today it seems that the outcome is Oster getting the boot.

Oster hasn't played for Sunderland since our 1-0 away defeat to Sheffield United last September, when he came on as a sub for Darren Carter in the 74th minute.

Sky Sports have linked the Welsh international with a move to Steve Cotterill's Burnley.

Oster to Burnley?

Only a rumour at this point and we don't have the photographs to prove it, but our spies in the North West inform us that John Oster has been training at Steve Cotterill's Burnley this week with the view to a possible free transfer from us.

Obviously Oster is known to Cotterill following his spell here as assistant manager - maybe he saw something in Oster that we can't?

More news as we get it.

Watford Game to go ahead

Despite there not being enough police to control a possible Sunderland v Everton replay on Saturday 12th Feb, it would appear that there are enough of them to control Sunderland v Watford on the same day.

The club have announced that the match against Watford FC at the Stadium of Light, will take place as originally scheduled on Saturday 12th February 2005, 3:00pm kick off.

In the event of a draw in Saturday’s FA Cup 4th Round tie against Everton at Goodison Park, a replay will take place at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 15th February, 8:00pm kick off.

Change to Forest reserves game date

Sunderland AFC today confirmed that the forthcoming FA Premier Reserve League fixture against Nottingham Forest has been switched to Monday 31st January 2005.

The fixture, originally scheduled for Wednesday 2nd February, will take place at Durham City FC, kick off 7:00pm.