Every pre season here in Amsterdam Ajax hold a tournament, they always have top teams competing,get a great turnout, and they regard it as a must to get the players up to speed, i would love Sunderland to do this at the SOL, and invite the same type of teams, we would benefit in a lot of ways, 1. see how far Mon has brought us 2. wet the fans appetite for the coming season. 3. get in some quality competition 4. increase the turnover even more 5. have sky sports televise it more money 6. Probably increase the actual attendance during the season with these games 7. have a chance to see how new signings fit in with the present squad 8. Wont be kicked to death as we do playing league 1 teams 9. less chance on injuries for the start of the season your views lads
I would rather we went to Asia/Middle East/Africa (anywhere but Europe basically) for the next 2-5 years, get ppl watching us over there and corporates involved. Then once we have a foothold, and are a top 8 side (regular) then hold the tournament over here at the SOL.
With the pre season game we have in Thailand I wouldn't rule us out of being part of the Barclays Asia Trophy which would be good as its on Sky If not and our pre season is in that part of the world it might be bad news for the fans who like to go and watch the lads but for the club trying to get recognition over in that part of the world it would be fantastic! Fingers crossed the club could get some investment from that part of the world. As for us holding a tournament it would be fantastic if we could get 3big clubs from around the world to come and play at the SoL along with us, similar to the Emirates Cup and Amsterdam Tournament which we participated in a couple of season's ago We cannot however as the pitch would not be ready in time with the concerts that are held. Think the signing of Ji has helped us get some publicity in that part of the world now maybe its time to look at Japan, Honda or Kagawa as MoN's big summer signing
I would love for them to come to America but that is more for me just so it would be easier for me to go to all the pre-season games. Putting the club first & not me i agree with Steve Asia/Middle east/Africa
