Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth keen as interest mounts in Sunderland man
Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth are both keen on Sunderland’s Nectarios Triantis, reports the Daily Record (live blog, 30.06.25, 14.39).
Blackburn Rovers are set for a busy transfer window as Valerien Ismael begins to shape the squad in his image at Ewood Park. Following the arrival of Dion De Neve, the club remains active in the market, aiming to strengthen further in a bid to finally break into the play-off places.
However, the focus isn’t solely on incomings. There could be some high-profile exits as well. With Tyrhys Dolan’s contract situation still unresolved, speculation is also growing around the future of club captain and key defensive midfielder Lewis Travis, who may be on the move.
However, as that speculation over Travis’ future ramps up, Rovers have been linked with a potential replacement. As reported by the Daily Record (live blog, 30.06.25, 14.39), Sunderland’s Nectarios Triantis is of interest to Blackburn.
Rovers’ Championship rivals Portsmouth are also said to be keen on Triantis. Hibernian, whom he has spent the last 18 months on loan with, also want to bring him back to Scotland, along with Rangers.
German side St Pauli, who have already signed Ricky-Jade Jones this summer, are keen too. It could be a difficult race for Rovers to win.
A deal for later in the window
Triantis has reportedly made it clear to Sunderland that he wishes to fight for a place in their squad this season. After a particularly impressive loan spell with Hibs, he feels he can make an impression on Regis Le Bris.
It is a very important year for Triantis with the World Cup coming up next summer. He wants to earn a spot in the Australia squad for the tournament, which he will only do with consistent gametime.
It looks like Triantis will have his chance during pre-season to impress Le Bris and Sunderland. However, should he not impress enough to guarantee gametime, Blackburn Rovers could swoop in.
Team of the season in Scotland
Triantis was phenomenal during his time in Scotland. He has transformed himself from a defender to an excellent centre-midfielder.
He scored three goals and provided four assists in 34 Scottish Premiership games. These performances saw him get a 7.41 average match rating according to FOTMob.
Such fine form saw him nominated for the Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year award.
Ex-Portsmouth, Stoke and Leeds man’s passion for football continues after joining 18th club – at the age of 38
A two-time former Pompey defender is continuing to play on at the age of 38 after moving to his latest club.
Always a whole-hearted competitor and passionate about his football, Carl Dickinson has absolutely no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.
Last week he signed for Abbey Hulton United, representing the 18th different club of a playing career which once involved the Premier League and included two Fratton Park spells.
The Stoke-based club last season won promotion through the North-West Counties League Division One South play-offs.
Now, for their maiden campaign at Step 5 level, the Midland League newcomers have added Dickinson and his extensive experience to their playing squad.
Two-time Midland League winner
The former Stoke, Leeds, Watford and Coventry man has twice won the Midland League, firstly as player-manager at Hanley Town in 2021-22 and then with Congleton Town in 2023-24.
Over the last few years, he has also featured for Stratford Town, Nantwich Town, Eccleshall and Bury.
Yet many will remember him for his Football League playing days, when he won promotion to the Premier League with Stoke under Tony Pulis in 2007-08.
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