Terry Butcher fears Sunderland’s Premier League and Europa League grind may scupper survival hopes

Terry Butcher believes Sunderland’s Premier League and Europa League workload may undermine their bid to stay up.

The 67-year-old former Black Cats player and manager has enjoyed their return to the top flight, but says balancing Europe could be a step too far. According to Sunderland Echo, he warned the relentless run of fixtures might take a toll.

Regis le Bris’ side qualified for Europe last season, and despite recording two wins plus a draw against AZ Alkmaar, Torreense and Lech Poznan to date, they sit bottom of the Premier League.

Butcher hailed a memorable couple of seasons and noted they defied the usual fate of promoted clubs last year, with two of the three staying up, adding that he hopes they can do so again. He highlighted the Thursday, Sunday, Thursday rhythm this season as a challenge.

He was speaking as part of a Royal British Legion and MatchWornShirt campaign supporting the Poppy Appeal for Remembrance Sunday. His son Chris died in 2017, aged 35, while suffering from PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Across late October and November, clubs throughout the Premier League, EFL and WSL will wear poppy-emblazoned shirts, uniting the game in a show of respect. Those match-worn tops will be signed and auctioned on the MWS platform, with all net proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Butcher praised the appeal’s impact, saying the poppy stands for pride, respect, hope and support, and that the Legion’s fundraising saves lives.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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