Sunderland echo. 10 years ago today.

Times have changed a lot in 10 years.

Remember any of this lot?



Here’s what the Echo was reporting on SAFC on this day 10 years ago. KEEPER SET TO SIGN FOR CATS TODAY: Sunderland hope to rush through a deal for goalkeeper Darren Ward today. The former Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Norwich keeper has trained with Sheffield United recently with a view to a move and is a free agent. Capped five times by Wales, the 32-year-old wopuld come in as cover for number one choice Ben Alnwick. TRIALISTS WAIT FOR A DECISION: Niall Quinn will tell his five Sunderland triallists today whether they have a future on Wearside. Sunderland’s chairman and manager watched the hopefuls go through their paces in a training ground friendly against South Korea Under-20s yesterday. Barcelona B midfielder Arnau Riera made the biggest impact, setting up the only goal of the game for Chris Brown ... Arsenal rookie Anthony Stokes looked a frustrated young man for most of the game .... former Newcastle left-back Robbie Elliott had a steady game, but it now looks unlikely Quinn will make any offer to Austrian goalkeeper Mike Gspurning or Athletico Bilbao midfielder Endika Bordas. MURPHY SIGNS NEW FIVE-YEAR CATS DEAL: Daryl Murphy has signed a new five-year deal at Sunderland. Chariman and manager Niall Quinn has been impressed with the 23-year-old since taking over at the Stadium of Light. Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 internatonal Murphy scored in three of the Black Cats’ four pre-season friendlies but was entering the final year of his existing deal. KYLE PONDERS NEW OFFER: Sunderland have offered Kevin Kyle an extended contract and Niall Quinn believes the striker may have “had his head turned” by the work of agents in the summer. Luton remain keen on the big Scot, with Wolves, Coventry and Oldham also linked with interest. Tomorrow: Big return for Superkev? Elliott must prove himself, and Caldwell hopes for captaincy

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport...ago-ward-riera-gspurning-and-bordas-1-8046810

 

leaps and bounds.....

we were so close to being completely ****ed

 

Massive changes. Still reckon that Bruce team was so close at one point.

 

it was close, v. close.quality throughout.

Just a shame bruce was managing it, the pie-scoffing dgb.

 

I hope we are not going to revisit similar times under Moyes - no signings yet and 2 tough opening games (Boro for expectation only)
Come on Moyes get quality recruits or its going to be a tough season -

 

The players we have now are in a different league to back then. Same all the other teams in the premiership have progressed as well really.