EPL 2007/8 Season. The Relegation Run In

[JK]

I hope ur right DW, I've foudn them entertaining this year .. BUT .. Still a big call IMHO.

[Dogwatcher]

No doubt it is a big call.
But Keano's standing is only growing as a manager - we've got to hope we can hold him - which will make it easier to bring quality players into the club. A bit of stability in staying in the EPL will help no end.
If we pick up some more points we can go mid table this year, without as strong as a squad as we should have.
Keano seems to inspire the most from his players - as evidenced by our regular late match goals.

But, that's just my view, I'm no expert.

[Royal City]

I hope ur right DW, I've foudn them entertaining this year .. BUT .. Still a big call IMHO.

Sunderland are far bigger than many of the clubs who have represented England in Europe recently such as Bolton and Blackburn. Its probably very difficult to those not from the North-East of England to realise just how big a club Sunderland are in terms of supporter base. 45,000 on the weekend against West Ham should show that though, and now we have rich owners and an ambitious board/staff, I don't think finishing 7th within the next 2-3 years is out of the question completely...........

Just have to stay up this year

[Dogwatcher]

Again, while the Sunderland loving is going on, how was the noise at the SOL on Saturday night!!!!
Possibly the loudest I've heard a crowd ever.

[Royal City]

Again, while the Sunderland loving is going on, how was the noise at the SOL on Saturday night!!!!
Possibly the loudest I've heard a crowd ever.

It was awesome, the biggest thing about Sunderland is the supporters. And we did actually win the loudest supporters in the EPL survey earlier this year tho so no surprise................

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26102007/ ... table.html

And the scary thing is; the atmosphere was far better at Roker Park than at the SOL!!!

[JK]

I hope ur right DW, I've foudn them entertaining this year .. BUT .. Still a big call IMHO.

Sunderland are far bigger than many of the clubs who have represented England in Europe recently such as Bolton and Blackburn. Its probably very difficult to those not from the North-East of England to realise just how big a club Sunderland are in terms of supporter base. 45,000 on the weekend against West Ham should show that though, and now we have rich owners and an ambitious board/staff, I don't think finishing 7th within the next 2-3 years is out of the question completely...........

Just have to stay up this year

Fair call mate, I've never been over there so wouldn't have any idea on something like that I must admit ... Just seems to me that in recent history (say last 5-10 years) Sunderland wouldn't have the financial clout to compete with clubs like Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle ... Villa and Man City can also be added to that list now and then you have the likes of Everton, Blackburn and Pompey in that mix also who are probably a little more advanced than the Cats just now.

Like I said though, would be more than happy to see it happen (so long as they don't take a spot off my Reds )

[Dogwatcher]

Look out mate, we're gunning for your Reds.

BTW - if Bolton drop down, would that be the first time in recent years that a team playing in Europe during that season got relegated.

[JK]

Fair question, would have to be wouldn't it?

Also, I probably should have included the West Ham in my above post too (before any Hammers fans get stuck into me*).

[Royal City]

I hope ur right DW, I've foudn them entertaining this year .. BUT .. Still a big call IMHO.

Fair call mate, I've never been over there so wouldn't have any idea on something like that I must admit ... Just seems to me that in recent history (say last 5-10 years) Sunderland wouldn't have the financial clout to compete with clubs like Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle ... Villa and Man City can also be added to that list now and then you have the likes of Everton, Blackburn and Pompey in that mix also who are probably a little more advanced than the Cats just now.

Like I said though, would be more than happy to see it happen (so long as they don't take a spot off my Reds )

Agreed with the money analysis, until 2 years ago we had no cash whatsoever, but since the Irish consortium bought us out we have spent in excess of 40 million pounds this season and basically bought promotion last season. We have the ability to match most clubs now with spending power (except the obvious such as Chelski and Man U) just have struggled to attract the best players due to the perception we are a yo-yo team. Hopefully we can end that with survival this year.

[JK]

No doubt Keano has instilled a great fighting spirit in the boys (which should come as no surprise give Roy's own background), so were they to stay up and consolidate next season I guess they're as much chance to be a smoky as anyone.

PS: Didn't realise you guys had been bought out also, hope your owners are more favourable toward the club than ours.

[Dogwatcher]

Niall Quinn's heavily involved CP.

[JK]

LOL Looks like I just found myself a 2nd team to follow ... Oh wait, any bad blood between your mob and my boys over the years??

[Royal City]

No doubt Keano has instilled a great fighting spirit in the boys (which should come as no surprise give Roy's own background), so were they to stay up and consolidate next season I guess they're as much chance to be a smoky as anyone.

PS: Didn't realise you guys had been bought out also, hope your owners are more favourable toward the club than ours.

Niall Quinn is our chairman. A great story from last season was when we beat Cardiff 1-0 in Wales, our fans were kicked off a chartered flight back to Newcastle Airport whilst in transit at Bristol Airport due to a chant being sung.

Quinny was p*ssed off and told the airline 'you can't do this to my people' and he paid for taxi's for the entire 150 people affected by the incident to travel from Bistol back to North-East England (shudder to think how much that would have cost!!!)

He is a legend

[Dogwatcher]

There's a book called The Irish Uprising which came out after last season that I'd love to get my hands on.

[Royal City]

There's a book called The Irish Uprising which came out after last season that I'd love to get my hands on.

Have you seen 'On the Up'? Its last years Championship DVD. Great interview with Quinn on it.

[Dogwatcher]

Ohhhh - might have to get that.

I've still got that Gers video and flat hat BTW

[JK]

I just received my copy of "Tales From The Travelling KOP" today (umm, whilst we're on the subject of books)

Thats a pretty awesome effort from Quinn to part with his own hard earned ... Can't see Liverpool's owners doing that (lol northat fans accepting it for that matter).

[johntheclaret]

Here's a big call: If the Black Cats stay up (which is looking ever likely!!!) we will be playing in Europe in two season's time.

With Keano at the helm, the feature looks very bright.

"the feature"? DW. You're getting a little excited aren't you mate

[johntheclaret]

Look out mate, we're gunning for your Reds.

BTW - if Bolton drop down, would that be the first time in recent years that a team playing in Europe during that season got relegated.

Don't forget Millwall DW. Won their European berth by playing in the FA Cup. Was in the CCC when they got relegated. (I Think)

[johntheclaret]

No doubt it is a big call.
But Keano's standing is only growing as a manager - we've got to hope we can hold him - which will make it easier to bring quality players into the club. A bit of stability in staying in the EPL will help no end.
If we pick up some more points we can go mid table this year, without as strong as a squad as we should have.
Keano seems to inspire the most from his players - as evidenced by our regular late match goals.

But, that's just my view, I'm no expert.

That depends if Tipperrary from he Irish league comes in for him