Martin OâNeill and his Sunderland cohorts jetted off to South Korea on Monday to compete in the Peace Cup as part of their preparations for next season. Such exotic preseason destinations are not something the Black Cats faithful are used to having become more accustomed to tours of Great Britain and Ireland but the clubâs rising stature as an established Premier League side means they now have much higher standards. Itâs an ambition that former Chairman Niall Quinn, followed by owner Ellis Short, have been championing as they attempt to promote the clubâs image but fanâs concerns appear to be far closer to home. While no supporter is naive enough to turn their nose up at increased revenue streams and global branding, many are far more eager for their beloved club to prioritise new signings than new sponsors. Itâs certainly a delicate balancing act for the men in charge but it would seem as though Sunderland are trying to run before they can walk as they look to further their worldwide appeal before improving their playing staff. As it stands, Carlos Cuelllar is the only permanent signing made by OâNeill during his 18 months in charge and the Northern Irishman has suggested little will be done before they return from Asia next week. Not exactly the news fans wanted to hear as they sift through endless pages of speculation in the hope of seeing some fresh faces. Itâs no secret the club needs at least two strikers, a winger and some new fullbacks but many believe the majority of their first team are no better than squad players. With so much expected of OâNeillâs first full season in charge, the frustration in the North East is palpable given their continuing lack of transfer action. Sunderlandâs league form towards the end of last season left many with a bitter taste in the mouth as it concluded a campaign that had petered out after OâNeillâs initial impact recovered Steve Bruceâs early failings. A 13th place League finish ultimately represented a step backwards in the clubâs progression and yet theyâve sidestepped further investment to embark on their Korean tour without even taking key attraction Ji Dong-Won. The strikerâs Olympic commitments cannot be helped but his presence was supposed to be the main reason why the club chose to compete in the tournament and itâs another signal of where their priorities lie as many believe they need to concentrate on improving the first team before they swan off around the world. Not only are fans disappointed at having to wait another week or two, they also know how little time there is to blend any new players into the squad. The tour shouldâve been the perfect opportunity but instead their youth team have been called upon, complimented by a handful of senior stars. Despite it being a useful training exercise, thereâs also a £2m prize for the winners which Sunderlandâs weakened squad is unlikely to bring home and this has further called into the question the merits of such a far flung tour. While some are prepared to be patient and trust OâNeillâs judgement, the managerâs coy approach to transfer targets means there is little concrete evidence that Sunderland are chasing anybody. Last season Bruce started early when bringing in over ten new recruits to the Stadium of Light and while a repeat of such an influx is not expected, some feel that other more active clubs are stealing a march in their quest for talent. The likes of QPR and Fulham have snapped up players many feel wouldâve graced the Stadium of Light and while rivals Newcastle are targeting European stars, Sunderland fans have only an overpriced £10m+ move for Wolvesâ Steven Fletcher to read about on daily repeat. Itâs not a situation that fans envisaged when Short insisted he would back OâNeill to invest in the squad but in his defence, the Texan billionaire also said they would be targeting quality not quantity. While many are desperate for new faces, the prospect of signing a player like Fletcher for £12-15m just to get him over the line quickly is not preferable to delaying a month and signing him for £8-10m. Itâs a risky waiting game that may mean some of the Black Catsâ targets are snapped up by their bigger spending rivals but it certainly appears to be a logical approach from a side looking to maintain financial stability while competing at the highest level. Excuses made regarding last seasonâs woeful start to the season were pointed towards so many new players taking time to adjust and while such concerns will not be as prevalent this time around, many still feel it would be sensible to sign players as soon as possible so they have more time to prepare. So far Sunderland are lagging behind in the transfer race but itâs a marathon, not a sprint and judgement should be reserved until fans have seen the team that crosses the deadline day finishing line before they criticise the clubâs patient albeit procrastinatory approach. Do you think Sunderland are right to bide their time in the transfer market? Should OâNeill be looking to sign players quickly so they have more time to adjust ? Let me know your views and opinions by following me on Twitter â Tweet me @Alex_Churcher
No offence to us, but we are not exactly going to be going after the edin hazards of this world, where a club has to move fast or lose out to another club. I think they are doing it the correct way, remember most in the euro squads are having an extra week off from their club squads, we have this cup which I believe will be great business for the club (eventually) which will hopefully mean, we can go for the edin hazards of this world in the years to come (up and coming, very good - world class players). I see nothing wrong with waiting or the competition in South Korea, its not like everyone else is buying crap loads of players is it.
Hahahahaha and with that comment the credibility of the article is shot. I feel comfortable with our dealings as of yet, just a bit bored and listless at the lack of excitement of new signings. However I think that just means we're waiting and getting the best players we can for the best prices.
Free speech mate, say what you like! I imagine you're more of an authority with a more valued opinion on this board than the clown who wrote the article!
[h=1]Are Sunderland Getting Left Behind in the Transfer Market?[/h] please log in to view this image Date: 17th July 2012 at 3:00 pm Written by Alex Churcher please log in to view this image Martin OâNeill and his Sunderland cohorts jetted off to South Korea on Monday to compete in the Peace Cup as part of their preparations for next season. Such exotic preseason destinations are not something the Black Cats faithful are used to having become more accustomed to tours of Great Britain and Ireland but the clubâs rising stature as an established Premier League side means they now have much higher standards. Itâs an ambition that former Chairman Niall Quinn, followed by owner Ellis Short, have been championing as they attempt to promote the clubâs image but fanâs concerns appear to be far closer to home. While no supporter is naive enough to turn their nose up at increased revenue streams and global branding, many are far more eager for their beloved club to prioritise new signings than new sponsors. Itâs certainly a delicate balancing act for the men in charge but it would seem as though Sunderland are trying to run before they can walk as they look to further their worldwide appeal before improving their playing staff. As it stands, Carlos Cuelllar is the only permanent signing made by OâNeill during his 8 months in charge and the Northern Irishman has suggested little will be done before they return from Asia next week. Not exactly the news fans wanted to hear as they sift through endless pages of speculation in the hope of seeing some fresh faces. Itâs no secret the club needs at least two strikers, a winger and some new fullbacks but many believe the majority of their first team are no better than squad players. With so much expected of OâNeillâs first full season in charge, the frustration in the North East is palpable given their continuing lack of transfer action. Sunderlandâs league form towards the end of last season left many with a bitter taste in the mouth as it concluded a campaign that had petered out after OâNeillâs initial impact recovered Steve Bruceâs early failings. A 13th place League finish ultimately represented a step backwards in the clubâs progression and yet theyâve sidestepped further investment to embark on their Korean tour without even taking key attraction Ji Dong-Won. The strikerâs Olympic commitments cannot be helped but his presence was supposed to be the main reason why the club chose to compete in the tournament and itâs another signal of where their priorities lie as many believe they need to concentrate on improving the first team before they swan off around the world. Not only are fans disappointed at having to wait another week or two, they also know how little time there is to blend any new players into the squad. The tour shouldâve been the perfect opportunity but instead their youth team have been called upon, complimented by a handful of senior stars. Despite it being a useful training exercise, thereâs also a £2m prize for the winners which Sunderlandâs weakened squad is unlikely to bring home and this has further called into the question the merits of such a far flung tour. While some are prepared to be patient and trust OâNeillâs judgement, the managerâs coy approach to transfer targets means there is little concrete evidence that Sunderland are chasing anybody. Last season Bruce started early when bringing in over ten new recruits to the Stadium of Light and while a repeat of such an influx is not expected, some feel that other more active clubs are stealing a march in their quest for talent. The likes of QPR and Fulham have snapped up players many feel wouldâve graced the Stadium of Light and while rivals Newcastle are targeting European stars, Sunderland fans have only an overpriced £10m+ move for Wolvesâ Steven Fletcher to read about on daily repeat. Itâs not a situation that fans envisaged when Short insisted he would back OâNeill to invest in the squad but in his defence, the Texan billionaire also said they would be targeting quality not quantity. While many are desperate for new faces, the prospect of signing a player like Fletcher for £12-15m just to get him over the line quickly is not preferable to delaying a month and signing him for £8-10m. Itâs a risky waiting game that may mean some of the Black Catsâ targets are snapped up by their bigger spending rivals but it certainly appears to be a logical approach from a side looking to maintain financial stability while competing at the highest level. Excuses made regarding last seasonâs woeful start to the season were pointed towards so many new players taking time to adjust and while such concerns will not be as prevalent this time around, many still feel it would be sensible to sign players as soon as possible so they have more time to prepare. So far Sunderland are lagging behind in the transfer race but itâs a marathon, not a sprint and judgement should be reserved until fans have seen the team that crosses the deadline day finishing line before they criticise the clubâs patient albeit procrastinatory approach.
What the **** happened there? I didnt print it twice, but there we go ..... the power of computers, or what?
Not too bothered yet that we don't seem to have any players in sight, it would be nice to have some decent names to whet our appetites and, when the lads get back I'm sure we will have what we crave. Loads of time yet (6 weeks I think) so be patient, apparently it's a virtue.
Tweet me @Alex_Churcher Can someone with Twitter access send him a message on my behalf and tell him to go **** himself from me? Cheers
