The Official Sunderland thread

[ArtVandelay]

Well, opening the times to the centre pages was a rather enjoyable experience today. Tony Cascerino's player of the season is none other than Darren Bent, and it's good that he's getting some recognition for single handedly scoring over half of our goals this season (dread to think where we'd be without him).

Looking forward to the Wolves game tomorrow, tenth is still very much possible if we can win tomorrow and with Stoke, Blackburn and Fulham all having some difficult games, all 3 losing isn't unlikely.

Glad to see Wolves stay up as I never understood the sacking of Mick when he was in charge of us, not when the club was on the bones of its arse in terms of money. Mick got us up on a budget but couldn't keep us up. Keane got us up with millions and barely kept us up and signed loads of deadwood.

No match of the day tonight, why couldn't all the teams just play today and get it over with

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

Well Bents made the initial squad of 30. Lets see if he can make the final 23.
He has got to have a fair crack in the two friendlies.

Pleased to see him in the squad, hopefully do enough to get into the 23 man squad. He has had a fantastic first season with us and was Tony Cascarino's player of the season which was nice to see

Edited because Cascarino is hard to spell!

Edited by ArtVandelay on Tuesday 11th May 17:24

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

All a bit quiet in here so...

What's your thoughts on Cana leaving? I'm a bit surprised but hopefully in the likes of Catts, Myler (when fit), and Henderson we have a decent midfield.

Anyone know what's happening with Colbeck? He has returned from Ipswich and will be wanting at least a place on the bench. Apparently we have had offers for him.

New strips? I personally like them. I'm not one for wearing them but I'd buy the away kit if they offered it without the Tombola logo. It looks like a nice training top without. Just bought the infant home kit for my 4 month old lad! (although I am all for supporting the team where you were born which unfortunately means dirty Leeds. I can try though.).

And lastly...Sol Campbell in talks. Not sure what to think about this. Part of me started chuckling at the thought. However anyone remember the Steve Bould signing? Brilliant for the short time he was with us. Another 'problem' Bruce has with the centre backs is Silva is going to want a start. He's had a good WC.

I've missed all the transfer news, currently in Denmark so haven't got a clue what we're doing.

I only heard last night about the Cana deal, personally I'm not too fussed. He was hit and miss although he might have hit better form this season. He was a good player, I just think we have better options in CM (ones who aren't as much of a liability). Hopefully we'll have a fully fit Cattermole and we've got Riveros too, who had a good world cup. I'm back home the day of our first game so I'll be able to watch match of the day and see how the new signings or the young kids settle into the squad.

New home kit is nice, glad the white shield around the badge is gone. I'm hoping I can squeeze into an XL boys so as to avoid the Tombola, although I think they're logo is better than boylesports, at least it matches the colour-scheme more. Without the logo though, the kit looks fantastic so I agree with you there.

Sol could shore up the defence in certain areas. He's played at the highest of levels so his experience could help Turner develop into a smarter CB. If his wages aren't too bad, I see no reason not to sign him, Sol at the SOL

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

I think we'll do a mid table again - stringing some brilliant performances together then losing a few on the bounce in typical Sunderland style!

Gordon has broken his arm again. He was singing the praises of the young new keeper (Migolnet) so I wonder if he'll be thrown in? Fulop was left out of the trip to Portugal so I'm guessing he's off. The only other keeper is Carson.

I do worry about Cattermole. He got injured a lot last season and seemed to be rushed back. No news on the website so maybe he'll be fine.

I think mid table too but with an improved squad I can see us pushing for the top 10 but I think we'll just miss out.

I heard about Gordon's broken arm but he recovered fairly quickly last season from it, it certainly didn't affect him as a goalkeeper, and Migolnet is nicknamed the "hockey keeper" or something, apparently for his great one on one success rate. I've also heard Carson is good but haven't personally seen him play.

Fingers crossed Cattermole is fully fit for the start of the season, but we do have Riveros who could partner someone else in the middle.

Can't wait for it all to start, I'm back in the UK on the 14th

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TriumphVitesse said:

Think its another season like the last one, maybe get 10th spot.

Must admit though as much as I like the new away kit I won't be buying it due to the ridiculous sponsor!! Tombola for fks sake...reminds Me of my old school spring fairs!!! Looks even worse being printed in lower case letters too!

I think I'll manage to squeeze into an XL boys

[ArtVandelay]

Tight-Arse Bramble

He's not getting any younger yet doesn't have that touch of class or composure that is required in a CB to help us move up the table. A backwards step IMO.

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bobbins said:

Okay, after two disappointing results where do we stand on Bruce?

I'm not usually one for saying get shot of managers but I've dreamt of Martin O'Neill at our place for years. He'll surely get snapped up soon, so I hope Quinny has got a discreet phone call lined up, if he hasn't made one already.

Only 2 games in and we played well with 11 men against Birmingham, even with 10 we weren't too bad, just our new back 4 haven't quite gelled yet...give it time

Today though was typical Sunderland away from home - ste. We didn't look threatening and our free kicks were woeful. Even with 4 strikers on towards Carson had an easy time.

I'd like to see another big man upfront, see if we secure this Gyan bloke.

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had ham said:

Storming second half today - Steed, Bramble absolutely immense, great save from Ming, Citeh couldn't cope with Al Muh..'s pace, Bent did what he does and Rico had Johnson in his pocket - don't think I can say anything bad at all about anybody....

Happy bunny tonight! More beer methinks!

Sadly missed today's game, played football from 1-5 so heard it on the radio on the way home. Chuffed to bits as it sounds like a good second half performance and not a single booking! Heard that Welbeck looked like a good player, hopefully a sign of things to come.

Glad we have our first win under our belts.

[ArtVandelay]

had ham said:

ArtVandelay said:

had ham said:

Storming second half today - Steed, Bramble absolutely immense, great save from Ming, Citeh couldn't cope with Al Muh..'s pace, Bent did what he does and Rico had Johnson in his pocket - don't think I can say anything bad at all about anybody....

Happy bunny tonight! More beer methinks!

Sadly missed today's game, played football from 1-5 so heard it on the radio on the way home. Chuffed to bits as it sounds like a good second half performance and not a single booking! Heard that Welbeck looked like a good player, hopefully a sign of things to come.

Glad we have our first win under our belts.

Did you win? My vets team were 3 down with 8 mins left last Monday, drew 3-3, last minute penalty, ring any bells?

I only have a friendly kick about, unfortunately due to the match being at home, fewer people turned up than usual so we just had a few games of triples and doubles, and I won a few and got a penalty which I foolishly let my team-mate take as I'd screwed my right foot.

Played today too but I was crap

Glad you had the same fortune as Sunderland

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MonkeyBusiness said:

Asamoah Gyan signed today for £13m. Great signing.

Seen his interview on safc tv and he was clued up about the derby game and came across as a good guy, look forward to seeing him play. Shame about Campbell being out for minimum of 6 months though and also a bit gutted that Waghorn was sold although £3m is a decent return.

Oh, and Gyan is a hip hop legend look him up on youtube!

[ArtVandelay]

Just read that our net spend this season has been only £0.5 million. Compared to 2007 we were the second biggest spenders with a total of £33m under Keane.

Our squad looks stronger, Titus has so far been a bargain (I'll own up to being 100% wrong about him), we have two brilliant Ghanaian players in Mensah and Gyan, some good youth players breaking into the squad such as Henderson and Colback and we're able to grab some good youngsters on loan too.

Ofcourse, if we lose to Wigan I'll be a miserable bd again

[ArtVandelay]

A well taken goal

Also, I'm glad to hear our U21 players are doing well, lets hope they continue this form at the DW on Saturday

[ArtVandelay]

After going down to ten men, I would have gladly taken a draw.

After Gyan scored, I wanted the win Great ball by Henderson and a well taken goal by our new forward. As ever, Steed had the ball glued to his feet and he played a lovely 1-2 with Gyan, with the eventual shot being no where near but it looks promising. Bearing in mind Gyan hasn't trained with the squad properly yet, I think he had a decent game, although he didn't look 100% sharp.

Their goal came from a freekick that shouldn't have been given, but they got a bit of luck with the wayward shot finding their captains head and Mignolet (who also played very well) was unfortunate not to save it.

Cattermole - well the first booking was a bit harsh but once he has been booked he should know not tackle like that, it wasn't a goalscoring opportunity so the rash challenge was unnecessary. He has to learn, and fast!

Henderson's ball for the goal was a beauty, I think he has a good career with Sunderland ahead of him. He has pace and a good cross on him and he knows how to take a player on. We have the youngest squad in the premier league, they're only going to get better.

Bramble, again was solid. He is calm and collected at the back and made the correct choice every time. Possibly the bargain of the season.

Bent drifted in and out of the game, he was always going to find it hard when we were down to ten men as the lone striker. He did however play well when we were under pressure, helping the defence out to try and maintain our lead.

Mignolet made some great saves and intercepted crosses well. He made one bad decision at a corner but we were fortunately given a freekick. He looks like he's growing in confidence, the young lad could be tough competition for Gordon when he's fit.

Our performance, considering we were down to ten men for most of the game - 8/10. It was much better than last season and we looked eager to win the game for the most part. The last 10 minutes or so were edgy, but we kept them out and the game could have went either way.

Special mention for Bruce and his keepy-up skills

[ArtVandelay]

North West Tom said:

Feeling a bit 'meh' with a draw. Better than nout, but we should have won the game, seeing as you had 10 men for most of the game (Cattermole getting sent off, surprise surprise).

There we spells when we were on top and spells when you were on top, it was a pretty even game so I'd agree with your assessment. To not lose with ten men is a good result, to not beat a ten man side is a bad result, especially at home.

Cattermole was unlucky for his first booking, but once booked he should KNOW not to get booked again. Sadly the lad just doesn't seem to learn.

A point was probably a fair result, we scored against the run of play and you had a wayward shot headed in. I'm just chuffed I got to see Gyan's celebration

[ArtVandelay]

ArtVandelay said:

Tight-Arse Bramble

He's not getting any younger yet doesn't have that touch of class or composure that is required in a CB to help us move up the table. A backwards step IMO.

Titus, if you're reading this, I'm sorry. Re-reading this thread and I've realised how many times I've been wrong! I'm getting your name on the back of my shirt

A brilliant CB who helped us maintain a point today.

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

PS....my poudest moment as a Dad came the other day when my 6 month old son had his first strip delivered...

Haha, brilliant! You do realise that you've set your son up for a life of crushing disappointment following Sunderland

Annoyed at MOTD, showed very little of Sunderland (Steed tore Wigan apart at times) and all of Wigan. Still though, seeing the goal again was good fun

[ArtVandelay]

Sorry lads, lost me voice I'll write something about the match when I've come down from my high!

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

ArtVandelay said:

Sorry lads, lost me voice I'll write something about the match when I've come down from my high!

I'll sum it up...



Titus AGAIN was immense...what a signing.

We were brilliant... but you wouldn't fking think it watching MOTD.

We matched Arsenal all over the pitch, created chances a plenty (although Almunia had an easy first half) had more possession than Arsenal and for the first half were the better team. I was there, I saw us play some great football and for a while during the second half, Arsenal looked like they could punish us - this lead to the penalty. Penalty miss - we apply the pressure and with the last kick of the game we manage to get a goal.

Steed and Welbeck combined well, Henderson (though not as good as last week) played the ball about cleverly and Elmo ran all over the pitch and won the ball in the air more often than not. When we were caught short at the back, Titus held up play, won the ball and either played it out if possible or got it forward towards Elmo.

I don't know what game Shearer watched, or who decided to edit the highlights, but that is the most biased review of a match I've ever seen. Fair enough if we had been poor, show that we've been poor. They missed out Gyan's header, Riveros' header, Richardson's freekick, Henderson's shot and practically all of Sunderland's attacking moves.

We were great and deserved to get a goal back. Arsenal's goal was a strange one, but they played well and a draw was probably a fair result, but MOTD should have showed the match properly. Shearer went on as though all we did was huff and puff against a dominant Arsenal but we played them at their own passing game and we played it well. Bent was isolated at times but we didn't constantly pump the ball up, those were mostly clearances to relieve pressure. Even Mignolet wasn't hoofing it up to Bent, instead aiming for Elmo. a

FFS, I was in a great mood after the match but those highlights have really pissed me off, if I hadn't been at the match I'd have thought we were st and lucky to grab the goal.

EDIT: Even an Arsenal fan thinks so

http://redlondon.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/fair-poi...

Edited by ArtVandelay on Saturday 18th September 23:45

[ArtVandelay]

MonkeyBusiness said:

North West Tom said:

What's this about Bramble? Surely not.

Just been reading about this. Apparently its not the first time either.

See what happens, don't really believe it myself. He's been great for us so far this season too.

[ArtVandelay]

had ham said:

How good were we yesterday? Not often you can say you should have beaten Manure by 2 or 3, but that is the case today.

Gutted we didn't get the three points, but hell, we looked bloody good!

Gutted that we've been playing great and I'm missing it all

Glad we're playing well though, we just need to play as well as we do against the big teams against the teams in and around us in the league.

I'll have 6 MOTD to watch when I get back, should be entertaining