[Kingdom Bhoy]

Originally Posted by Paully D

Any of you been reading Iceman's N'Zogbia thread on RTG? He's very well respected over there and says that he thinks we have a great chance of signing him unless Villa offer something like £20,000 a week more than we will. Would love this to be true but still can't see it happening.

Similar would love to sign him but I don't think it will happen.

[legendary.xix]

Originally Posted by Paully D

You're not wrecking my head anyway mate, I love talking about Sunderland and football in general so feel free to ask away

Bruce was on radio last night and said he knows now that Sessegnon's best position is just off the striker, so I think we'll see him playing in the hole next season. Like you say, he can play wide in a front three either.

Yep, he'll be a definite starter. One of the first names on the team sheet. Really, really good player. He's great to watch.

Did this work towards the end of last season, playing Sess of off Gyan? I hope it works but I have doubts as nothing stood out much towards the end of last season. I thought it was expected Gyan would do better with a big striker up front?

[Paully D]

Originally Posted by legendary.xix

Did this work towards the end of last season, playing Sess of off Gyan? I hope it works but I have doubts as nothing stood out much towards the end of last season. I thought it was expected Gyan would do better with a big striker up front?

Gyan has said himself he prefers to play in a 4-5-1 and Sessegnon has said he prefers to play centrally. I've also started to think Gyan plays better on his own upfront (I've been watching a few of his Ghana games from a little while back recently) and it's definitely the case that Sessegnon is better playing just off the striker, although he could well be used on the left of a front three either with licence to roam.

I think we could see a midfield and forward line of:

Cattermole

Gardner Vaughan/Meyler

Larsson--------Sessegnon

Gyan

Or:

Cattermole

Larsson------Gardner-------New Signing

Sessegnon

Gyan

Bruce has indicated already that he'll play Wickham sparingly and I can't see Ji being involved too much at all in his first season as he adapts to the culture, language and style of Premier League football.

I do think we're short of a left sided midfield player so I really hope he addresses that. It would be great if rumours of his trying to hijack Villa's deal for N'Zogbia are true but I really can't see it at this stage as I think they'll blow us away in terms of wages. Perhaps we can get Welbeck back on loan and play him there? There aren't many proven Premier League players around that are naturally left sided though, either at full-back or in midfield.

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks.

[Kingdom Bhoy]

In case people did not know tickets for SAFC v mags go on sale next Monday @ 10.00 am.

[only1kilbane]

Originally Posted by Kingdom Bhoy

In case people did not know tickets for SAFC v mags go on sale next Monday @ 10.00 am.

Aye have to get in early on Monday for that get my SEC tickets hopefully ! Off to Germany on Wed for pre season so glad they not on sale when im there. With regards to Nzogbia just want him to move somewhere one way or the other all these itk's keep coming up with new stories on the smb just rather its dead in the water or we get him. Do still need a left winger and striker. Still think Welbeck be back in on loan.

[Paully D]

Why Newcastle fans are starting to envy Sunderland - The Telegraph

Decent article from Luke Edwards.

[Paully D]

From the club website, on this day 14 years ago:

Striker Kevin Phillips signed from Watford for £525,000. He made an immediate impact by scoring a post World War 2 record of 35 goals in his first season at the club, and then 30 in his first season in the top-flight, earning him the European Golden Boot.

Phillips went on to score 134 goals in just 239 appearances for the Black Cats, he also picked up eight caps for England during his time at the Stadium of Light.

[Kingdom Bhoy]

Originally Posted by only1kilbane

Aye have to get in early on Monday for that get my SEC tickets hopefully ! Off to Germany on Wed for pre season so glad they not on sale when im there. With regards to Nzogbia just want him to move somewhere one way or the other all these itk's keep coming up with new stories on the smb just rather its dead in the water or we get him. Do still need a left winger and striker. Still think Welbeck be back in on loan.

Sorry if I have misread this bud but are you getting a season ticket/card this season ?

[legendary.xix]

If Villa are signing Given, Hutton, N'Zogbia and Parker, it shows getting into the top 8 will be difficult.

[Kingdom Bhoy]

1 1 final score this afternoon in Germany Seggs scored for us.

[AstonMartin]

Who is your first choice keeper this season or do you think there will be a bit of alternating?

[Paully D]

Originally Posted by AstonMartin

Who is your first choice keeper this season or do you think there will be a bit of alternating?

Westwood will start the season as number one.

Bruce has said he doesn't know yet etc but they're just sound bites and I think he knows well that Westwood will be his number one.

There's no way we'd have brought Westwood in and gave him £30,000 a week if he wasn't going to be a starting player.

[G.K.]

Surely it's unfair on Mignolet?

[Kingdom Bhoy]

Originally Posted by G.K.

Surely it's unfair on Mignolet?

Kieren Westwood is the better keeper Mignolet is still learning the game.

[legendary.xix]

Originally Posted by G.K.

Surely it's unfair on Mignolet?

While he did ok last season he hasn't done enough.