Sunderland

[cryptic3]

OVERVIEW
Sunderland have established themselves as a Barclays Premier League side after winning the Championship title in 2006/07.

After their relegation in 2006, the club was taken over by Drumaville - a consortium of mainly Irish-based businessmen, headed up by former player Niall Quinn - which appointed Republic of Ireland legend and former Manchester United hero Roy Keane as manager, his first managerial post since hanging up his boots.

The club have not looked back since as Keane guided them from the bottom of the Championship to title winners. Keane led them to a 15th Barclays Premier League place finish in 2007/08 but left the club midway through the following season with the Black Cats struggling at the foot of the table.

Coach Ricky Sbragia moved up from coach to take charge until the end of the campaign and ensured the struggling Black Cats avoided the drop. Majority shareholder Ellis Short assumed 100 per cent control of the club with Quinn staying on as chairman. They appointed Steve Bruce as new manager and he steered the Black Cats to 13th position in 2009/10.

CLUB HERITAGE
Glaswegian schoolteacher James Allan founded Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club in 1879, changing the name to Sunderland AFC a year later. They were elected to the newly-formed Football League in 1890/91 and were to remain in the top flight for 68 consecutive years - a record only recently passed by Arsenal.

Sunderland won the title three times in five years, only losing one home match in their first six seasons. The Mackems won another title in 1902, but a better prize in their fans eyes' was a 9-1 thrashing of fierce rivals Newcastle United - still a record away win in the top flight. The team came close to doing the double in 1913 but they lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Aston Villa.

A post-war slump saw them beaten by Yeovil Town in the FA Cup - the first time a non-league club had beaten a top-flight team - and worse, relegated in 1958. Sunderland have spent most of their time since then bouncing between the top two divisions, with their only real glory being a 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United - the first time in 40 years a club outside the top flight had won the trophy.

The Black Cats reached their lowest point in 1987 as they were relegated to the Third Division. But successive promotions saw them back in the top flight two years later.

PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY
1992/93 - Avoid relegation to Division Two by one point
1993/94 - Mick Buxton replaces Terry Butcher as manager
1994/95 - Peter Reid becomes manager with seven matches remaining
1995/96 - Win Division One
1996/97 - Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1997/98 - First season at Stadium of Light. Lose play-off final on penalties
1998/99 - Win Division One with a record 105 points
2002/03 - Break record signing with Tore Andre Flo for £6.75m. Reid replaced by Howard Wilkinson. Mick McCarthy takes over with nine matches left. Relegated with lowest points tally ever (19)
2004/05 - Win Division One
2005/06 - McCarthy leaves in March after just two wins. Kevin Ball appointed as caretaker. Relegated with new record low number of points (15).
2006/07 - Consortium headed by former hero Niall Quinn takes over. Quinn appointed as manager but sacks himself after four straight defeats. Roy Keane becomes manager. Win promotion to the Barclays Premier League
2007/08 - Break British transfer record for a goalkeeper - paying Hearts £9m for Craig Gordon
2008/09 - After a disappointing run, Roy Keane resigns from his post as manager in December. Ricky Sbragia takes temporary charge and keeps the Black Cats up. Steve Bruce takes becomes new pemanent manager in June.
2009/10 - Bruce secures Sunderland's Barclays Premier League status as they finish 13th.

Manager Steve Bruce
 

Steve Bruce will look to transform Sunderland's Barclays Premier League fortunes after he was appointed manager of the club in June 2009.

He arrived at the Stadium of Light after an 18-month stint at Wigan Athletic, where he performed heroics by first helping the Latics beat the drop in 2008, before leading them to a mid-table finish at the end of the 2008/09 season.

It was Bruce's second spell at the JJB Stadium after a brief eight-match stint at the end of the 2000/01 season.

He started out in management as a player-manager with Sheffield United in the summer of 1998 and made 11 appearances for the Blades before hanging up his boots in November.
In his first season in the Bramall Lane hot-seat, Bruce led United to eighth in Division One - just missing out on the play-off places.

He left for Division One rivals Huddersfield Town shortly after the campaign ended and took them to an eighth-place finish, this time two points off the play-offs.

But a disappointing start to 2000/01 led to his dismissal in October and Bruce was out of work until April 2001 when Division Two club Wigan hired him for the first time.

Bruce proved his Midas touch by getting them into the play-offs, however luck deserted him as the Latics crashed out at the semi-final stage.

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan lured the out-of-contract manager to Selhurst Park with Bruce having taken charge of eight Wigan matches.

Palace had an excellent start to the season but Bruce was on the move again in November - six months into his tenure - with Palace top of the Division One table.

Birmingham City, the club where he spent two seasons as a player between 1996 and 1998, was his next stop after a compensation package was agreed between the two clubs.

INSTANT SUCCESS
Bruce enjoyed instant success at his former club by leading Blues from mid-table in the Championship to a 2002 play-off final victory over Norwich City and promotion to the Barclaycard Premier League.

With Blues back in the big time after a 16-year absence, Bruce's men comfortably survived with a 13th-place finish.

In 2003/04, he improved on that by steering the club to 10th position and 12th the following season.

The 2005/06 campaign proved more difficult for the Northumberland-born manager and Birmingham were relegated after four seasons in the top flight.

But he and Blues bounced back in style by winning promotion at the first attempt with a second-place finish, falling short of winning the Championship title on the last day.

Fifteen matches into the 2007/08 season, Bruce ended his spell with Birmingham after lowly Wigan enquired about bringing him back to the club.

Bruce took over the managerial reigns over at the JJB Stadium at the end of November 2007 with the Latics deep in the relegation zone.

He soon proved his managerial credentials once more, helping his new club avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League. In 2008/09, his first and only full season in charge, he led the side to an 11th place finish.

He was appointed Sunderland manager in June 2009, taking over from caretaker coach Ricky Sbragia. Bruce guided the Black Cats to 13th in 2009/10.

[cryptic3]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bruce ready for revenge mission
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is relishing the chance to avenge the worst day of his managerial career.
 


Bruce had never even been to a Tyne-Wear derby match when he sent his side into battle at Newcastle United on 31st October, and he left St James' Park wishing he still had not after a demoralising 5-1 defeat.

But Bruce has been delighted with the Black Cats' form since that match, and they sit sixth in the table going into the derby.

TOO MUCH

"I do believe in management, the secret is not to beat yourself up too much and try not to get too carried away when things are going okay," he said.

"But certainly the 24, 48 hours after the event were the most difficult, probably, I have had to face.

"The one thing you want from your staff and the team is to respond, and I don't think anybody could argue with the response we have had since, which is terrific.

"Fair play to the staff, they have done their bit to try to make sure we got off the ropes and came out fighting, and the team has done that, which is fair play to them too."

Sunderland host Newcastle on a day of derbies which also sees Birmingham City meet Aston Villa and Everton travel to Liverpool.

 Courtesy of:   premierleague.com

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bent asks to go
Sunderland have confirmed that striker Darren Bent has handed in a transfer request.
 


The 26-year-old frontman has asked to leave the club he joined for an initial £10m during the summer of 2009 amid speculation that Aston Villa have tabled an £18m bid.

The Black Cats have now confirmed Bent's request on their official website but have made no comment as to whether it has been accepted.

The statement read: "The club can confirm that it received a written transfer request from Darren Bent following yesterday's Wear-Tyne derby match."

SECOND TIME

Bent scored his 11th goal of the season in last weekend's 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat by Notts County, but has managed just two in his last nine matches and drew a blank in Sunday's 1-1 derby draw with Newcastle United.

He enjoyed a sensational first season on Wearside after ending his unhappy spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and rewarded manager Steve Bruce with 25 goals.

The former Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic frontman missed out on a trip to last summer's World Cup finals in South Africa, the second time he had suffered the same disappointment, but scored his first senior international goal in a 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifier victory in Switzerland in September.

Bruce invested a club-record fee in excess of £13m to recruit Ghana international Asamoah Gyan to play alongside Bent in August 2010, but it appears he now faces a fight to keep the pair together.


Courtesy of:  premierleague.com

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Welbeck sidelined for eight weeks
Sunderland striker Danny Welbeck could be out for up to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
 


Welbeck, who is on loan from Manchester United for the season, underwent an operation on Wednesday to repair a torn knee cartilage a day after former team-mate Darren Bent had sealed his big-money switch to Aston Villa.

Bruce said: "Danny was operated on and it was confirmed he had a torn cartilage and he will be (out for) six to eight weeks."

IMPRESSIVE FORM
The news leaves manager Steve Bruce with only one fit senior striker - record signing Asamoah Gyan - for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Blackpool.

Welbeck picked up the injury in the closing stages of the 1-0 win at Villa on 5th January.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a hamstring problem - but the operation has given a different picture.

It is a blow for the 20-year-old, who has been in impressive form since scoring his first goal for the Wearsiders in the 3-0 win at Chelsea in November.

That breakthrough at Stamford Bridge was the first of six goals in nine matches which leaves him second in the club's Barclays Premier League goalscoring charts behind Gyan, following Bent's departure.



Courtesy of:  premierleague.com

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bruce targets permanent Mensah swoop
Sunderland's Steve Bruce would like to make John Mensah's stay permanent, but only if he can prove his fitness.
 


The Ghana international has spent the last two seasons on loan from Lyon, but has found a long run in the team hard to come by owing to a chronic back problem.

Bruce is due to make a decision on Mensah this summer, but Bruce has yet to decide what he is going to do.

EASY ONE
He said: "We have a decision to make on John at some stage and I can tell right now, it's not going to be an easy one.

"He's one of the best defenders I've ever seen when he's fit, but he's often not and you have to decide on where the balance stands in terms of the club getting value for money.

"When he's fit, you have to put him out there. I've given up trying to analyse it. He played all the World Cup, didn't he? Day after day. He's a smashing lad and a wonderful player, an excellent team player, and a good influence on the dressing room - in the end I felt it was worth taking a risk because he's such a quality player."


_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bruce signs new Black Cats deal
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has committed himself to the club until 2014 by signing a new contract.
 


The 50-year-old, who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2009, has been in discussions with the Black Cats for some time and has now put pen to paper.

Sunderland are currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League and bidding for a first top-flight top-10 finish in a decade.


Bruce said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. It's a magnificent club from top to bottom with wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager.

"We have the makings of a fantastic young team.

"It's been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished, so we are looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years."

UNIQUE PASSION
Chairman Niall Quinn, who along with owner Ellis Short has provided Bruce with the financial backing to rebuild the squad, was delighted to have reached an agreement.

He said: "It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that in Steve we have the man to do just that.

"In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players, many of whom are young and desperate to achieve and improve.

"He embodies the ethos of team-work and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff.

"As someone born and bred in the north east he fully understands the unique passion for football in this region.

"He has already raised the aspirations of not only the players, but also the supporters, and instilled a belief in everyone that we can go on to achieve the sustained success that we all crave for this club."

 
_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bruce plays down Turner fears
Steve Bruce has dismissed suggestions that Sunderland's Michael Turner might not play again this season.
 


The 27-year-old defender has been missing since 22nd December after he damaged his knee when colliding with a post as he cleared an effort from Everton's Tim Cahill off the line at the Stadium of Light.

Turner visited a specialist last week after complaining of pain in the knee following his return to training amid fears that he had suffered a setback.

THIGH MUSCLES
However, despite being given the all-clear to step up his recovery, rumours have been circulating that his season could be over.

But Bruce told the club's official website: "We have seen a specialist and the one thing he's got to do now is get his thigh muscles stronger.

"It's still disappointing for Michael, but we are still hoping he will be back some time in the coming weeks."


_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Gordon worry for Sunderland
Steve Bruce fears Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon could be sidelined for six months if he requires knee surgery.
 


The Scotland international has been given a special exercise regime which the club hopes will help cure his troublesome tendon problem.

However, if the treatment fails then the former Hearts shot-stopper would be forced to undergo treatment that could sideline him until October.

SIX MONTHS
Manager Bruce is crossing his fingers that the worst-case scenario does not transpire, and depending on the level of surgery he needs he could be out for as little as a month.

"The inflammation he's got around the knee isn't great so if this exercise programme he's on doesn't work they'll have to go into it," explained Bruce.

"We're hoping to avoid an operation because that could see Craig out for a month or, if it is severe, up to six months."


_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Injury blow for Bruce
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was left counting the cost of the home defeat by Liverpool.

 


Bruce's injury list grew once again as Sulley Muntari and Kieran Richardson both limped off before Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring with a controversial 33rd-minute penalty.

Anton Ferdinand and Phil Bardsley might also have left the field had Bruce not used up his final substitution by replacing the tiring Danny Welbeck 61 minutes into his first start since January.

Muntari, Bardsley and Welbeck are now rated as doubtful to join up with their respective international squads.

sensible enough

Bruce said: "Phil will have a scan on his knee. Ferdinand's is a straight kick - he should be okay. Muntari's is a calf injury and Richardson's is a hamstring.

"That is a frustration for me because just as we think we are all singing and dancing again, we have lost two who have been mainstays over the last few weeks. It's frustrating.

"I will have a conversation with Stuart Pearce over Danny Welbeck and the Under-21s. I did have a conversation with Stuart, who was only going to play him in one game anyway.

"I am sure he will be sensible enough with him.

"We have made a call to the Scottish FA - I can't see Phil joining up. I can't see Muntari joining up with Ghana, but until we have scans and get results.

"They have got to report these days to their own FAs, but I would have thought they would all be extremely doubtful."

 
_{Courtesy of:   premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Bramble blow for Bruce
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce fears defender Titus Bramble's season could be over due to a knee injury.

 


The club announced on their website ahead of Sunday's 5-0 defeat at Manchester City that Bramble would miss the match after suffering cartilage damage.

However it is not yet clear whether it is a recurrence of the problem the 29-year-old had surgery for earlier in the campaign.

Speaking after the 5-0 defeat at Eastlands, Bruce said: "Bramble had an operation a few months ago and he has never felt quite comfortable.

"He had a scan the other day and he could miss the rest of the season.

"We've been told (he needs) complete rest at the moment."

late setback

Another knee injury victim Fraizer Campbell, who has not made a first-team appearance for the Black Cats since August, had been expected to feature in the squad to face City but was also ruled out after suffering a late setback.

Bruce said: "Fraizer Campbell twisted his knee yesterday in training and he will have a scan.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that it is not a recurrence of the knee injury that he had in August."

 
_{Courtesy of:   premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Mensah suffers setback
Sunderland's John Mensah will be sidelined for at least three weeks after it was confirmed he has torn a groin muscle.

 


The 28-year-old Ghana international suffered a Grade Two adductor tear just 11 minutes into Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion and will sit out the rest of the month.

Mensah had managed to put together a run of seven successive starts, but his fitness problems have returned to haunt him once again.

The defender, who is currently on a second season-long loan deal from French club Lyon, has proved a key man when he has been fit.

break down

However, that has become increasingly rare and manager Steve Bruce's decision on whether or not to make his move permanent during the summer is becoming more straightforward by the week.

Bruce is currently trying to get to the bottom of just why so many of his players break down in matches with Mensah, Kieran Richardson and Anton Ferdinand all limping off on Saturday.

In the short-term, the manager has a headache for Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League trip to former club Birmingham City with Mensah joining Titus Bramble on the sidelines and Ferdinand battling to shake off a hamstring problem.

Michael Turner is just two matches into his comeback from a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury, but Bruce's options in central defence are now severely limited, and that could mean a move into the middle for regular right-back Nedum Onuoha.

 
_{Courtesy of:   premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Injury woe continues for Campbell
Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell is unlikely to play again this season as he prepares to undergo a second operation on his knee.

 


The 23-year-old underwent surgery after damaging his cruciate ligaments against Manchester City in August, and was preparing to make his return against the same opponents earlier this month when he suffered a setback in training.

It was hoped that rest would solve the new problem, which came after he twisted the knee.

However, he will now have an exploratory operation which is likely to end his season.

Bruce said: "Fraizer is likely to have to go back and see the specialist who operated on him previously.

"He will open the knee up and have a look to see how things are."

exercise programme

Former Manchester United striker Campbell has managed just four appearances this season and his absence has proved particularly costly since Darren Bent's £24m move to Aston Villa in January.

Meanwhile, Bruce fears goalkeeper Craig Gordon will also need knee surgery.

The 28-year-old has been an unused substitute for the last five Barclays Premier League matches after returning early from Scotland duty because of the injury.

Swedish specialist Professor Hakan Alfredson prescribed an exercise programme to help strengthen the ligaments, and Gordon will fly to Scandinavia once again next week to see if that has done the trick.

However, given the fitness concerns which have severely depleted his squad this season, Bruce is pessimistic about the outcome.

He told the club's official website: "Craig sees the specialist next week. He has been following an exercise programme, so we will see what he has to say.

"Given the way the season's going, I wouldn't be surprised to see Craig having an operation too, to be honest. We will have to wait and see."

However, Bruce was hoping for better news of central defender Titus Bramble as he visited his own specialist on Thursday.

The 29-year-old looked certain to miss the rest of the season after damaging a knee cartilage, but the noises coming out of the Stadium of Light in recent days have suggested he might yet play again before the end of the campaign.

_{Courtesy of:   premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Gordon blow for Sunderland
Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is set to be sidelined for up to six months after undergoing knee surgery.

 

The Black Cats have confirmed that the 28-year-old Scotland international had an operation in Sweden on Monday.

Manager Steve Bruce said: "Craig had the operation yesterday and it went well. He will be out for about four to six months now."


Gordon had travelled to Scandinavia to consult renowned specialist Professor Hakan Alfredson for the second time in the hope that surgery could be avoided.

no alternative

He had earlier been given a programme of exercises designed to strengthen the knee by Prof Alfredson.

However, as Bruce had hinted on Friday, it was obvious that there was no alternative once the second examination had taken place and the decision was taken to carry out the operation.

Bruce added: "Craig's been following a programme, but when the specialist had a look at the knee again, we were left with no choice but to go ahead with the surgery. That just sums our luck up at the moment."

The news will have come as a blow to Bruce, who said in the wake of Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Birmingham City that plans for Gordon's operation, if necessary, would be put on hold until the end of the season.

 
_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Campbell set for second op
Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell is to undergo knee surgery which will rule him out for the bulk of next season.

 


The Black Cats have confirmed that the 23-year-old striker, who has missed all but four matches of the current season with cruciate ligament damage, needs a second operation.

Manager Steve Bruce revealed his fears over Campbell last week, and they have now been realised, and with loan signing Danny Welbeck struggling with a hamstring problem, he faces heading into Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League match with Wigan Athletic with only one fit senior striker.

Campbell initially suffered his injury during the 1-0 victory over Manchester City on 29th August, and was in line to return against the same opposition on 3rd April when he twisted his knee again in training.

an inquiry

The club's medics had hoped he had suffered only a minor setback, but examinations revealed the full extent of the damage and that surgery was the only option.

Campbell will have his operation just 48 hours after keeper Craig Gordon headed into theatre for a procedure to address his own knee problem.

The Scotland international will be sidelined for between four and six months.

Sunderland have paid a heavy cost for injuries this season, and in particular knee problems, to the extent that Bruce has launched an inquiry into the reasons.

The likes of Titus Bramble, who is unlikely to play again before the end of the current campaign, Michael Turner, David Meyler and Welbeck have also endured lengthy lay-offs for similar reasons.

Fitness concerns in general have had a seriously detrimental effect on the club's hopes of securing a top-10 finish, and defeat at Birmingham City on Saturday - their eighth in nine league matches - left them sitting in 15th place in the table, just five clear of the relegation zone with as many fixtures left to play.

 
_{Courtesy of:   premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

More injury woe for Sunderland
Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson will miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture of a shin.

 


The club have confirmed Richardson has suffered a stress fracture of his left fibula and will be out for at least three weeks, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

The former England midfielder, who has also operated at full-back and just behind a lone striker for the Black Cats this season, sustained the injury in the 3-2 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion on 9th April, and joins the long list of walking wounded at the Stadium of Light.

medical people

Manager Steve Bruce, who was already struggling to put a team together for Saturday's trip to Bolton Wanderers, is, however hopeful that Richardson will be able to return for pre-season training.

Bruce said: "Unfortunately, we have got to report that Kieran has a stress fracture in his left fibula.

"We X-rayed him after the game against West Brom and then subsequently scanned him two or three days later. The scans and the X-rays revealed nothing at all apart from a badly bruised bone.

"Unfortunately, what the medical people are telling me is that they [stress fractures] can appear within 10 days to three weeks.

"Consequently, we re-scanned him on Thursday when we detected that unfortunately, the boy has got a stress fracture and will miss the rest of the season.

"But we hope he is going to be joining in pre-season."

Bruce is without a recognised senior striker for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Bolton with Asamoah Gyan, Fraizer Campbell and on-loan Danny Welbeck all absent.

Midfielders Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson are struggling to be fit for the trip to the Reebok Stadium while defender Titus Bramble is another long-term injury victim, as is goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

However Bruce says he will not use injuries as an excuse for Sunderland's poor recent run and is targeting defensive improvement at the Reebok.

The manager says his side must tighten up at the back to compensate after conceding 15 goals in five matches during April.

The Black Cats have kept 12 clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League this season but only one in their last 13 outings.

more resilient

He told the official club website: "There's no hiding place from the disappointment we all feel. As the leader of it all I'm more disappointed than ever.

"It's not easy doing interviews and speaking to people at the moment because you can't hide the fact that the last 10 games have ruined what had the potential to be a fantastic season.

"Of course, everything has been analysed, looked at and I think most sensible people understand the reasons.

"However, we have three games to play and nine points to play for with plenty of teams we can still catch."

"We'll do our utmost to make sure we're more resilient against Bolton.

"We played some excellent stuff for the first 40 minutes of the Fulham game but didn't take our chances.

"We missed a cutting edge and that's why strikers cost big money. The hardest thing in football is to score a goal.

"My biggest problem is the resilience of our defending. We've never been prolific goalscorers - the season was based on the defensive record.

"I'm not going to make excuses. We should be defending better."

_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Sunderland sign McClean
Sunderland have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean.

 


Manager Steve Bruce has snapped up the rising star from Derry City for a fee of £350,000.

McClean, 22, has been capped by Northern Ireland at Under-21 level and was called up into the senior squad by Nigel Worthington before pulling out and announcing he wished to represent the Republic of Ireland instead.

The winger also featured in the select Airtricity League XI in the recent Dublin Super Cup alongside Celtic, Inter Milan and Manchester City and has become Steve Bruce's 10th summer signing.

free transfers

Sunderland have already brought in striker Connor Wickham from Ipswich Town for a reported fee of £8m plus striker Ji Dong-won from Chunnam Dragons.

Experience was added from Old Trafford in the shape of defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea plus Birmingham City midfielder Craig Gardner.

And the Black Cats also picked up three free transfers in Coventry City keeper Keiren Westwood and Birmingham winger Seb Larsson plus Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan.

 
_{Courtesy of:    premierleague.com}

[senator xxx]

UK Best Bet Betting and Poker Forum

Quinn steps down as chairman
Niall Quinn has stood down as Sunderland chairman to focus on a new role within the club.

 


The former Black Cats striker will now "spearhead international development on behalf of the club" while owner Ellis Short will take over as chairman.

Quinn, who had been linked with the vacant chief executive role at his former club Manchester City recently, said on the club's website: "This is a great opportunity for us to make the club stronger and I'm delighted that Ellis has agreed to support the plan.

"He'll be a fantastic chairman and taking this role on speaks volumes about his ambition for the club."

great honour

Quinn's new role will involve "developing Sunderland's profile and business interest overseas", according to the club.

American owner Short, meanwhile, said: "I can assure our fans that it's the same group of people continuing to lead the club.

"With financial fair play rules coming into effect it is essential for the long-term success of the club that we develop interests on a global scale and there's no-one better than Niall to sell the ethos of Sunderland to an international audience.

"He has been keen to drive this change for some time and I agree that it's the way forward for us now.

"Assuming the position of chairman is a great honour and I will treat the role as guardian of this club with the utmost respect."

Chief executive Margaret Byrne added: "Niall is widely known and hugely respected throughout the world of football.

"His profile, coupled with his vast knowledge of the game and the business, means he is perfectly placed to bring Sunderland to the forefront internationally.

"This new challenge begins immediately as he represents the club at the prestigious Leaders in Football conference in London this week, after which he travels to Korea with Steve Bruce and Mike Farnan, international marketing director.

"Trips to territories such as Vietnam, India, Abu Dhabi and Africa are also taking place in the coming months."

 
_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}