[ChiccO]

Well done mate, well done. :clap:

Screw Niall Quinn. If he doesn't want you at Sunderland next season then I'm sure you will have enough of a reputation to land yourself at a bigger club.

[Poolie Exile]

ChiccO, on Apr 17 2009, 07:14 AM, said:

Well done mate, well done. :clap:

Screw Niall Quinn. If he doesn't want you at Sunderland next season then I'm sure you will have enough of a reputation to land yourself at a bigger club.

Thanks matey, but as you might have seen I have got me new rolling contract deal signed. So it's Sunderland for the near future for me...

Still if an Italian Serie A side or Celtic coming calling then who knows? My reputation is at National level now in case you all wondered.

[ChiccO]

Poolie Exile, on Apr 17 2009, 03:18 PM, said:

Thanks matey, but as you might have seen I have got me new rolling contract deal signed. So it's Sunderland for the near future for me...

Still if an Italian Serie A side or Celtic coming calling then who knows? My reputation is at National level now in case you all wondered.

I know what you mean but a rolling contract doesn't make him seem like he wants to keep you at the club, or was it your choice?

Being in the CL must mean that you will have an increase in players wanting to sign for you?

This post has been edited by ChiccO: 18 April 2009 - 10:50 AM

[Poolie Exile]

ChiccO, on Apr 18 2009, 11:50 AM, said:

I know what you mean but a rolling contract doesn't make him seem like he wants to keep you at the club, or was it your choice?

Being in the CL must mean that you will have an increase in players wanting to sign for you?

Getting a rolling contract is probably better, means I won't have to wait til my contract expires at the SoL to move: I can move anytime

The squad is pretty strong I think but if there is someone out there who can make a major difference then I'll try and sign them. Hence the bid for Boyd.

Keep reading pal, and that goes for everyone

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Thursday 4 June 2009

Well I half expected it really. Tony's just called me on me mobby whilst I am catching the sun rays here in the Bahamas. Rangers won't even entertain my enquiry for Kris Boyd made the other day.

Safe to say, Kayleigh was not impressed me answering the mobile whilst we are on holiday together but hey if she wants to date a Premiership manager such as me then well - she has got to live with these things you know.

I'm not giving up on Boyd, I would really love to bring him to the SoL. Unless David Murray got wind of it and since he's probably seen me in the away stand at Ibrox watching Celtic - therefore he said no. They won't get rid of me pursuit that easy.

Also I asked about a promising 18 year old that is out of contract at Newcastle having heard good things about him from our Youth Team boss Kevin Ball. He goes by the name of John Canavan, and he's got what it takes I reckon so we made a bid to entice down to us since Newcastle were about to offload him. He rejected us in favour of newly promoted West Brom. Is this kid for real? Team that has qualified to play in the CL or a newly promoted Premiership side...no brainer really as far as I am concerned! He doesn't know what he's gonna miss out on...

Sunday 7 June 2009

Lee Wilkie asked me by text if he can be removed from the transfer list. Sorry son, you are in the same boat as young Mr Skiljo: namely you ain't in my plans anymore. So you stay on the list. Thanks for your service Lee, but you really should start thinking about first team football elsewhere at your age 'cos you ain't gonna get it in Sunderland unless I play a weakened squad in a Cup match somewhere.

However, we have been alerted that Gareth Bale could be available for transfer from Southampton as he's turned a new deal down there. This kid has got exceptional talent, and could be worth a dabble. Question is I still don't know what transfer budget I have got for the new season. But he's in our thoughts for sure now, just hope no other Premiership boss is thinking the same: highly unlikely though!

Bale: Transfer target perhaps?

Thursday 11 June 2009

Tony has signed a new contract so he says via text. Apparently the offer was too good to turn down - maybe it could be time to ask for a wage increase myself just to really piss Niall off.

Sunday 14 June 2009

Oh how I'm laughing today as I touch down in good old Blighty coming back from my hols very tanned to say the least.

The big news is that Middlesbrough have sacked Gareth Southgate. Yes, as in that idiot who said we lacked ambition and wouldn't qualify for the CL after a 0-0 draw at the Riverside last season. Now, he's out of work after Keith Lamb gave him the old heave ho. Serves the big nosed pillock right. Might send him a text and send me deepest sorrow at his departure. Then again, I might not.

Also I have a meeting tomorrow with Niall about budgets at 10:00am plus he's got a major annoucement to make too. Might be my wage increase, well here's hoping it is...

Oh Kayleigh enjoyed the holiday, hopefully I created such a good impression she will want to see me again now we are back home.

No wonder Southgate looks pensive, he's just found out that he's lost his job!

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Monday 15 June 2009

Back to work, and had a major meeting with Niall today. Well, despite me taking the Club to the Champions League he hasn't given me a wage increase but the good news is that I have a very substantial warchest to spend on new players.

Niall has given me an extra £8 million on top of the money I had spare last season, so with it all added as one I have around £9 million to spend which is great. However, he does know how prudent I am with transfer money so he can sleep easier knowing full well I won't spend it on one player who is unproven and has the potential to be a big money flop. The press would have a field day if I did this and it's not fair on Niall and Sunderland.

Also, as from December things will have changed off the pitch. The board have decided to expand the stadium so it holds 65,000 from the 49,000 it currently has its capacity. With this in mind, we will have the biggest stadium in the North East so take that and party Borer and Newcastle. We are number one now, and this means that we aim to stay there.

Niall also said he would settle for a reasonable mid table finish this season. To hell with that, I want an automatic Champions League spot!

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Paul Stalteri's going to be the biggest name missing when we start pre season training again next Monday morning. We have had it confirmed that Paul is recovering at home from a spot of food poisoning. It's his own fault really, I told him that raw moose is no good for anyone - for God's sake you have to cook it first.

Silly boy!

Stalteri: should watch what he eats next time!

Thursday 18 June 2009

Made another cheeky attempt to sign Kris Boyd from Rangers again. Offered a part exchange deal with £3 million pound cash and also Chris Eagles and Lee Wilkie chucked in for good measure - total well over £5 million! Murray said no again: I am sure my Celtic connections are being used to influence his sad little mind. Boyd wants to go, we want to sign - what's the big deal eh?

Might have to get my mate Charlie to have a few wee words with Boyd to talk him into joining us. Anything will do really so long as we sign him...

Also, our free transfer coup of last season where we signed Wesley (Sonck) has been voted as one of the signings of last season! Nice... Also they reckoned we overachieved last season. Load of crap really, we had a great team spirit and that is why we did so well. No pleasing some people.

Friday 19 June 2009

Fair bit of interest in our wantaway midfielder Liam Miller today. His agent reports that Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Southampton and West Brom want to sign him. They can have him to be honest, as he is not in my first team plans anymore. Added to that, just think we will be saving £10,000 a week on wages when he does decide to go and that could quite easily be re-invested on someone who won't whinge like he is doing so.

Another player could be going as well. Arnau is wanted by a team called Alcorcòn back home in his native Spain. Never heard of the team but if he can agree terms with them then he can go with my blessing.

Sunday 21 June 2009

Arnau has agreed terms with that Spanish club, so he's going home to join them when after his contract expires here on 30 June. Wonder if he will cook us any more paella dishes before he goes - I hope so really because his paella is really something else.

Municipal de Santo Domingo: Arnau's new stadium as from July 1 ...only holds 3,000 fans though!

Monday 22 June 2009

Players reported back to training this morning, well all of them except Mr Stalteri who is still feeling a bit crap from that food poisoning bug he picked up a few days ago. Apparently his missus didn't like the moose joke I made, OK it must have been raw polar bear meat then.

Well, it's either that or he copped for a mouthful of a hockey puck - I'll leave you to decide!

Liam Miller's leaving us! He told me at the end of the training session that he had agreed terms with West Brom and can't wait to join them on 1 July. I said good luck to him - well tongue in cheek really, what I wanted to say was good riddance! Just hope he doesn't come back to haunt us in the new season.

And finally, Kayleigh still loves me - well that's what she said in a soppy text message last night!

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Thursday 25 June 2009

Just as you all thought I would take the hint, I decided no! Yeah, you guessed it - I have made another bid for Kris Boyd. I have made him my main transfer target this summer and I will not go away so poor Sir David Murray and all at Ibrox will have to cope with a renewed effort.

Bet they're sick and tired of emails from Sunderland with a bid in them for the afore mentioned striker! Must be driving them all up the wall and Boyd himself will be thinking: "Jeez, this guy won't go away man - he really does want to sign me! Wonder why Rangers won't sell me though..."

Also, I have made enquiries about two other SPL players. I ain't naming them to anyone in case of getting gazumped by someone else. The Press think one of the players is Shunuske Nakamura. Well, let 'em think that cos it's wrong! I do like Nakamura yeah, but I can't see him getting a game here for the position he wants to play in such is depth we have that position.

Nakamura: Linked with a move but not coming as far as I say so....

Friday 26 June 2009

Finalised three more pre-season games this fine day to help get prepartions ready for the new season. Taking the lads on a 2 game Czech Tour early next month. We fly out on the 5th, and the following day play Sigma Olomouc and three days later lock horns with Bohemians Prague before flying back to the North East the following day.

The reason is simple: to get the lads prepared what type of teams they might encounter in the CL qualifiers. Safe to say I can't see the problem is in it - might come crucial for us. Also have arranged another of my prestigious home friendlies again: 18 July 2009 against Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon to you for short, and again playing them will give us crucial European quality opponent experience. We also have friendlies at Mothewell on 14 July and at Brighton and Hove Albion on 25 July 2009. Not sure if I will arrange anymore as of yet...

Saturday 27 June 2009

It's over! Kayleigh has said she doesn't think she could cope with the demands of being a Premiership's manager partner.

Apparently, it's too stressful an experience for her! Ah well, that's her problem - plenty more fish in the sea as the old phrase goes eh?

Sunday 28 July 2009

Quelle surprise! Rangers have thrown out our £4.6 million bid for Kris Boyd. However as I said earlier in the week, I won't go away and say OK I won't bother you anymore. Like hell I will! I want Boyd and he wants to come here I hear so what's the problem eh? Just bloody sell the striker to me and that's it! "Simples!" as that talking meerkat would tell you Mr Murray.

Tommy Høiland has gone home today with food poisoning. First Stalteri and now young Tommy - what is it with eating hockey pucks? Can't be food at the training ground, no-one else is complaining and I can eat like a proverbial horse yet I'm right as rain so to speak.

Hockey pucks - not exactly a tried and trusted diet is it? Or do others know better, I think we should be told....

Hockey Puck: The new eating in thing when it comes to dieting..or perhaps not?

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Monday 29 June 2009

Received a massive blow this morning when Ben Alnwick went down in agony during training. Since he is my first choice keeper I am very concerned about it and my worst fears were confirmed when Damon Voss diagnosed that Ben has pulled his hamstring.

The prognosis is finalised with the fact he is going to be out for at least a month, and with our European adventure just a matter of weeks away it is something we could do totally without. Still it opens the door to Patrice (Luzi) to catch my eye in the next few weeks or so and try and impress.

Mind you, we have got young Ruud Boffin arriving in a few days so that might be easier said than done.

Tuesday 30 June 2009

Today was one of those days that every manager dreads, telling players that they aren't wanted anymore and they are free to go and find some other team to play. I usually leave it to the end of the training session and then call them in one by one, and today was no exception. They usually know it is coming, especially those who have been in the game long enough.

So this afternoon it was a sad duty to inform Cosmin Pascovici, Richard Smith, Chris Backhouse, Lewis Edge, Marc Kalenga, Robbie Fowler and David Connolly they weren't needed. It was particularly harsh on Dave (Connolly) as he had been our joint top scorer in our first season back in the Premiership, but it just didn't happen for him last year and I thought at his age then it might be better if he gets first team football elsewhere. Cosmin was a gamble that never paid off, but red tape constantly meant he would be forever be shunted off to our feeder club in Poland. As for Robbie, injuries played a major part and that's why he could never get a major run in the side.

I wished them all the best though, as I said it's one of those days every manager dreads to have.

Connolly: One of the released players

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Our injury report just got worse. Wesley (Sonck) complained during training of problems with his legs halfway through training this morning, and Damon said it looked like shin splints to him as Wesley screamed more and more. A trip to see the specialist at the local hospital confirmed that Damon was right as usual, and we now have to face the next 4 weeks without our top scorer. Still with the players I have at my disposal now, I think we will be able to cope but he's a hell of a loss.

Later that day it was back to the Stadium of Light to unveil my five new signings this season so far. Of the five, I must admit I am very excited to see Alex strut his stuff in our team this season...well he is Brazilian and full of excitement and flair! I am sure our fans will be equally excited too. He better be good, I forked £1.7 million
to bring him here...

The Financial Times, not normally a recommended read around these here parts, also brought good news to us as we have been rated the 73rd richest club side in the world. Last year we were 95th so you could say we are doing something special here. The five richest clubs in order of wealth are however: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, AS Roma and Arsenal.

Barca: The Richest Club in the World, but Sunderland are slowly closing in...

Going to a singles evening at the Tall Trees in Yarm tonight on the advice of some of the pros here. Is my need for a female companion really that desperate? Come to think of it, it is. Here's hoping I find that special someone eh?

[Ferenczi]

Been ages since I read this and I love the new features Mark. Keep it up mate!

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Thursday 2 July 2009

Remember I said I was going out last night? Well, I did do. Clad in a smart t-shirt and jeans, I went off to the Tall Trees at Yarm which for those who don't know is just outside the 'Boro (Middlesbrough). Didn't expect much really but there were some quite tasty women on view though. One dark haired one kinda took me eye though, slim and with an absolute perfect body. You know the kinda one that you fancy but think I'm gonna get nowhere like.

To cut a long story short, I got talking to her and things kinda went well. You could tell she was a local lass as well because there was a bit of Middlesbrough twang in her accent. Still if all the birds in 'Boro are like this, I will have go down the A19 a wee bit more often. Spent the night with her too, we managed to swing a room at the hotel which is part of the complex. Woke up smiling her at me side, and cooing in my ears "Mark, ready?". I smiled back and cooed "Diane, ready?" - for I had just pulled one of my dream women that night. She had a radio show to do but called in sick, and spent the rest of time with me.

Meet the love interest now, Billingham's finest:

A dream to behold....

Got some transfer deals sorted as well for good measure which made it an excellent day all around. Swooped to sign one of those Greek young midfielders I have been targeting secretly for a while. He is 21 years old and goes by the name of Fotis Sfakianakis, we call him just plain old Foty, as his surname as you'll agree is a bit of a mouthful and would be nigh on impossible to pronounce after a fair few sherbets - bet Panathinaikos are gutted to lose a player who looks a decent midfield prospect. As he comes in, five go out on season long loans: young Jim Ballatyne has gone to Longford Town whilst Vas Constantine, Amit Singh, Nemanja Vucicevic and Sherman Càrdenas are off to Slask, our Polish feeder club. For Sherman it's his first trip there but I am sure the others will help him settle in well.

Friday 3 July 2009

It's not been a bloody good pre-season with injuries cropping up here and there and the latest to be ruled out is new signing Mirko. He completely mis-kicked the ball during training, and next thing he's holding his thigh in agony. Turns it's only a minor thigh strain but serious enough to keep him out of action for three weeks. Not good really especially as Wesley (Sonck) was already out injured and I was looking to Mirko to lead the line in pre-season. Still, we still got John Sutton available but the treatment room is looking a bit too crowded for my liking if truth is to be told.

One of the players I had my eye on today moved clubs. Ben Watson, a player with a tremendous long shot in him, has left Crystal Palace to join Ipswich Town for £700,000 which is a bargain. Even though he has slipped the net this time, I will be keeping my eyes on young Mr Watson: that's not to say he's gonna remain at Portman Road for the rest of his career - far from it. So long as he doesn't score against us this season....

These fans really must love me though. Our resident internet geek Liam Lawrence has been scouring the 'net and tells me that on those un-official message boards fans have been indundated with positive feedback over Ruud Boffin's signing. Apparently the fans have been singing his praises already and he's only been with us two days! I have been said to have pulled off a "masterstroke" in signing Ruud and the fans are convinced that Ruud is destined for a superb career here in Wearside. All is good then.

Saturday 4 July 2009

Took Diane out for a romantic meal tonight. Went extremely well, she is just so jealous that she can't go to Czech Republic with me tomorrow as apparently that is one of her favourite places she likes to visit - still I won't be gone long though.

No more injuries to report but puck eaters Tommy and Paul are back on the road to recovery thankfully. Mrs Stalteri though still hates me though: thinks I hate Canadians! If only she knew about my hockey obsession then that should soon shut her up.

Sunday 5 July 2009

Arrived in Prague today ahead of our friendly in Olomouc tomorrow and in the city on Thursday against Bohemians. We're actually going to have our base here and it was warming to discover that Slavia Prague have granted us use of their training facilities which is so nice of them.

Spent most of the rest of day sightseeing and pointing out specific things to some of the younger lads who have never been here before. Well, when you have been here about six or seven times like I have then it's only natural to become a bit of an unofficial tour guide. Unwound later on by relaxing in a Prague bar as you do with Tony (my assistant) and Kevin Richardson (one of my coaching staff).

Decided also to field an experimental side of youth and experience against Olomouc, with only seven substitutes. Main point is to get Alex gelled in quickly too, we can ill afford to have him homesick straight away and giving him as many games in pre-season as we can; well that will be of enormous benefit to us and him.

Must remember to buy Mam a puppet from off the Charles Bridge whilst I am here though....

Hang on, it's only a puppet!

[Poolie Exile]

PRE SEASON 2009-10

6 July 2009: SK Sigma Olomouc 0 SUNDERLAND 0

Team: Luzi (Boffin) - Nosworthy, Delaney (Hoefkens), Davids, Benchenaa (Clarke) - Kavanagh © (Minkenen) - Whitehead (Van Leeuwen), Snoyl - Eagles (Fredheim Holm) - Alex, Sutton (Brown)
Attendance: 8,811
Man of the Match: Chris Eagles (Sunderland)

9 July 2009: Bohemians Prague 0 SUNDERLAND 4
Scorers: Alex 18' 28', Brown 38' pen 45'

Team: Boffin (Carson) - Stalteri (Green), Donoghue, Gaardsøe, Wallace (Mtiliga) - Dorman © (Clarke) - Andrè (Lawrence), Hysèn - Smith (Leadbitter) - Alex (Cook), Brown
Attendance: 10,073
Man of the Match: Chris Brown (Sunderland)

14 July 2009: Motherwell 1 SUNDERLAND 3
Scorers: Porter 45', Snoyl 53', Fredheim Holm 73' 90'

Team: Luzi (Carson) - Stalteri, Hoefkens © (Delaney), Davids, Benchenaa (Mtiliga) - Minkenen (Keogh) - Lawrence (Andrè), Snoyl - Eagles (Sfakianakis) - Elliott, Sutton (Fredheim Holm)
Attendance: 4,299
Man of the Match: Daniel Fredheim Holm (Sunderland)

18 July 2009: SUNDERLAND 2 Olympique Lyonnais 1
Scorers: Alex 66', Eagles 74', Fred 76'

Team: Luzi (Boffin) - Stalteri (Nosworthy), Hoefkens ©, Gaardsøe (Delaney), Mtiliga (Benchenaa) - Dorman - Lawrence (Eagles), Whitehead (Alex), Fredheim Holm, Hysèn (Van Leeuwen) - Sutton
Attendance: 22,167
Man of the Match: Tobias Hysèn (Sunderland)

25 July 2009: Brighton and Hove Albion 1 SUNDERLAND 1
Scorers: Stieber 79', Alex 36'

Team: Alnwick © (Boffin) - Nosworthy (Donoghue), Davids, Delaney, Wallace (Benchenaa) - Minkenen - Eagles (Van Leeuwen), Snoyl - Leadbitter (Clarke) - Alex (Elliott), Vuċinić (Høiland)
Attendance: 8,191
Man of the Match: Sambegou Bangoura (Brighton and Hove Albion)

29 July 2009: SUNDERLAND 1 Fenerbahçe SK 2
Scorers: Vuċinić 46', Pancu 3', Appiah 53'

Team: Alnwick (Luzi) - Stalteri, Hoefkens © (Delaney), Gaardsøe, Mtiliga - Dorman - Lawrence (Eagles), Fredheim Holm (Elliott), Alex (Whitehead), Hysèn (Benchenaa) - Vuċinić (Sutton)
Attendance: 22,009
Man of the Match: Mike Zonneveld (Fenerbahçe SK)

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Monday 6 July 2009

Who needs Spain and sunshine when you have the Czech Republic for it eh? Played our first pre-season match at Olomouc this afternoon, and by gosh it was stifling out there. Had a look at the temperature gauge pitch side and it showed 31 degrees Celsius! That's almost 90 degrees on the old Fahrenheit equivalent and for playing football it's baking hot. Still Alex wasn't complaining though, must have felt like a beach in Brazil to the young man. Now that's a thought....

Pitch Side Temperature - hot or what?

It was no surprise though that the game ended 0-0 but I was very pleased in the way the team we put out (including the seven substitutes) played. The locals enjoyed it and Chris Eagles came off the pitch as Man of the Match for an extra bonus. His reward, a case of Czech lager. Funny thing, he declined my offer of helping him drink it....

Tuesday 7 July 2009

Whilst I am here in the Czech Republic, I am in touch with the Chairman via email and one of those voice conference calling thingy me bobs so if there's a player I want then I can get in touch with Niall and tell him to make a bid. Makes sense doesn't it?

It's come in useful as the other Greek kid has gotten wind of the fact we would like to bring him over to us and as such we have made a undisclosed bid to his club to see if they will sell him to us. It's a bit of a complex deal this one as the kid is under contract so we're trying to broke a deal that involves add-ons plus a sell on clause which they want but Niall isn't too keen on.

Hope something can be thrashed out. He's a 19 year old and has bags of potential, another major asset if we can do something. Well, we are building for the future here you know.

Diane misses me, awww ain't that sweet it? It's not a bad life having a Gladiator on your arm as eye candy is it really? In a word, no!

Wednesday 8 July 2009

Just as you think all is good, along comes another injury to add to the others back in England. The session had almost finished, thankfully the heat has subsided too, when Kav (Graham Kavanagh) turned too quickly on a shuttle sprint and has strained his knee ligaments. He's now looking at a couple of months on the sidelines which is not good as he's of the ideal experienced heads I was looking in pre-season to help bring some of these youngsters on.

Got alerted to the fact that American Danny Szetela can leave Liverpool however, so got on the video link to Niall and said to make a bid of £2.3 million to the Reds for him: rising to £2.6 million with an add on based on appearances. Danny who you may ask? Well he's just 22 years of age and can play in various positions which is an amazing asset and I think he'll be keen to be a part of our team rather than sit in Liverpool's reserves.

Niall also said that he's thrashed a deal out for that young Greek kid. If we can just agree terms with him then that'll be awesome - he's flying over in a few days to do so. Not too happy about the 45% sell on cluase they insisted on but Niall says: "Hey, that's the way the market goes these days."

Thursday 9 July 2009

Lee Wilkie joined the crocks list this morning with a stubbed toe which he sustained after getting out of bed the wrong side and not putting his carpet slippers on first. Serves him right really, he should really be that little more careful next time of asking. He'll be out for a week.

Second friendly went very well. Came off the pitch 4-0 winners with all the goals coming in the first 45 minutes where they just had no answer to our play. Alex showed how good he really is with a brace and Chris Brown reminded me that he's still pretty useful by notching the other two: one from the penalty spot. Brown even got the Man of the Match award, which again was a crate of Czech lager. Even more pleasing was the fact again all 18 players that were involved were great and put in good shifts.

Niall called me and told me that Liverpool have turned down our offer for Szetela even though it is better than the other offer they have received. Considering the other offer is from Rangers, and you know who the Liverpool boss is, I assume Le Guen is being an arse and only wants to sell the kid to his old club. Talk about being blinkered eh? Well, he won't get rid of us that easy and we'll be back for Boyd as well when we return too...are you listening Mr Murray?

Touch down back in Blighty is early evening, and with Diane meeting me off the plane I sense a romantic reunion is order. And I still haven't bought that bloody puppet yet for Mam! I just wish I had never mentioned it for God's sake. Me and my big mouth.....

Szetela: Set for Rangers if Le Guen has his way but we want him as well...

[Hammer100]

Keep missing these updates, but superb as always Mark, nice masterstroke pulling Jet Though she must be pushing 40 by now surely?

[Poolie Exile]

Hammer100, on May 2 2009, 07:32 AM, said:

Keep missing these updates, but superb as always Mark, nice masterstroke pulling Jet Though she must be pushing 40 by now surely?

She's the same age as me mate, which is late 30s. Keep your eyes peeled for more escapades and side spiltting diary entries.

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Saturday 11 July 2009

Bit of a double dealing deal today as we determine who we need to keep as part of the first team squad and who to ship out on loan.

Met with the Greek youngster today, and also his father who doubles up as his agent. Sat them both down in the office and offered the kid a contract which I think is a good deal on offer. Here's hoping that he thinks on the same lines and agrees to join us. By the way, his name is Kostas Ntountoukis. What is with Greek names eh, why the hell are they damn difficult to pronounce? Feels like you have mouthful of food in your mouth when you are trying to say their names. Glad I am not a football commentator, all these complex names would have me in a proper mess.

As Kostas looks like coming in, Martyn Waghorn bids us a temporary farewell as he has agreed to spend a season long loan at York City. York, in case you were unaware, are one of our feeder clubs and I am glad Martyn has thought this move is going to be beneficial for him. He is still very young, so playing games for York can only assist in his development. Hopefully, both Sunderland, Martyn and York will the real winners in this deal.

Waghorn: Joining York on loan

Sunday 12 July 2009

Well that's one in the eye for those people from Ibrox, isn't it? Just as I thought a few days previously that Danny Szetela was Rangers bound because of the Le Guen connection, strange things happen. Strange being that Liverpool have turned the £2.2 million bid down from the Glasgow giants. Apparently, they are going to see if anyone else is interested before making a final decision. I can sense a renewed bid heading its way to Merseyside and Mr Le Guen's office.

Also talking about Rangers again, we have made a fresh approach for you know who. Yes, Mr Kris Boyd! Charlie's had a wee word apparently and hopefully if they give us the green light to discuss a contract with the striker then those words might convince the former Killie striker that a move to Sunderland is the real deal and will take his career to a new level.

Knowing them, they'll tell me where to stick my £4.6 million bid - aye where the sun don't shine!

Monday 13 July 2009

Not much to report today in terms of football business apart from that we have added another promising youngster to our ranks. 17 year old Arturas Karcemarkas has joined the squad on a free transfer and we can hopefully nuture the lad into a bit of a decent player in the years to come.

I did get asked why I keep signing foreign young talent. My answer is simple, well finding a decent home grown talent is pretty damn hard when you are in competition with teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool etc. But we will get there in the end, it's just a gradual process.

Outside football, Mam's never shut up since I brought that bloody puppet back from the Czech Republic. Apparently some of her friends want one now. Tough poo, not going back for a bit yet unless we draw a Czech side in the Champions League qualifiers. So they'll have to wait. Oh Diane was on that Loose Women show cooing how happy she is with her new love interest, namely me. Namechecked on a programme like that, I really don't know if that is a good thing or not but Diane thinks it is. Who am I to argue then?

Diane mentioned me on this programme...

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Good news today before our third pre-season friendly against Motherwell at Fir Park tonight. Today we were able to confirm that Ntountoukis has found the deal we offered him on Saturday afternoon to his liking and he has agreed to join us from Apollon Kalamarias for an initial fee of £60,000 with add ons chucked in. I reckon it must have been the feta cheese I bought in Sainsbury's before the contract talks began that helped seal the deal. Mind you, his father has promised to cook plenty of Greek dishes at the training ground providing the dieticians we employ approve.

Anyway in the friendly, we came back from trailing 1-0 at the interval and eventually triumphed 3-1 against Motherwell. Our first goal came from one of our new signings, Ferne Snoyl, and a late double from Daniel (Fredheim Holm). Holm's second was a peach though as 'Well keeper Dorus De Vries went up for a last minute corner, missed it completely and we fed it to Daniel who netted from fully 60 yards out with De Vries frantically trying to get back. Bet he feels a proper dumpling now....

Oh, our friendly on Saturday against Olympique Mayonnaise (sorry, Lyonnais) will be screened live on British Eurosport. Our stock is certainly rising, and will give the rest of Europe to chance to see first hand what we are building here in Sunderland and there is more to the Premiership than Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and bloody Arsenal. Must remember to look smart for the cameras then, and that means going to the barbers and as well as looking clean shaven too - look like Jesus of Nazareth if truth be told at the moment.

De Vries: Beaten from 60 yards out...oops a daisy!

[SuperHSV]

Can't believe I've missed this on the forum, an amazing read. You put loads of detail and effort into this but its actually meaningful stuff which is interesting to read. I'd say keep up the good work but i'm sure you've probably lost count of the amount of times people have said that with this story.

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Wednesday 15 July 2009

To quote an old friend: "Arse biscuits!" as when I switched the old email server in my office, there was a reply from Glasgow Rangers about our new bid for Kris Boyd. Or in other words my personal mission to bring the Scotland internationalist to Wearside. The reply came from a Mr Henning Berg, who is now head honcho at Ibrox and yes as expected: he told me that the Boyd bid is rejected.

Gave him a nice reply though, by increasing the bid to total at least £5 million quid which is seriously good money for the striker. I have not given up my pursuit just yet - I even have a squad number lined up for him if we do manage to acquire him. That's how serious my intentions are, so you better believe it.

The longer Boyd delays in deciding his future, the better chance I sincerely believe in signing him. He will be our record signing for sure if we can do it.

Thursday 16 July 2009

Well, we had further developments today in the Boyd saga which I know as dominated my thinking for the summer. Unfortunately Boyd has happily signed a four year extension to his contract at Ibrox and is now tied there until the summer of 2014.

So with that in mind, I fully expect a terse response from Ibrox about the increased bid we made yesterday. Still we will have Mirko and Wesley on our books, although the signing of Boyd would have been great to say the least even if it is from a team that as a kid I grew up despising so much.

As Boyd looks odds on not to arrive on Wearside, one of our promising youngsters sets to leave us on a season long loan deal. Young Andrè, a Portuguese winger I bought last summer from Sporting Lisbon, is wanted by Dundee United for the season ahead. With them promising him first team football, I think it is a decent offer and a good chance for Andrè to get some very valuable first team experience. And the SPL is not a bad standard really. Hope he takes it...

Boyd: Staying at Ibrox until 2014

Friday 17 July 2009

After having the disappointment of Boyd yesterday I have decided to target Danny Szetela as my next signing for Sunderland. So with this in mind, Monsieur Le Guen will today be in receipt of an increased offer from us for the young American of £3 million after he had rejected our initial £2.5 million bid. Wait and see now....

There is a major issue when you are a club that is in the old Champions League, you get linked every player in the bloody world it seems. The latest to be linked with us is Lazio's Swedish attacking midfielder Henok Goitom, and when I was asked about him - well, I denied it. Sure I admit we looked at him once but that's as far as it goes. We have no intention of making this kid a Sunderland player.

Another one of our youngsters could be on the move soon on one of those season long loans. 19 year old right back Michael Kay is the subject of a bid by Kilmarnock and since the youngster needs first team experience and is not the first team picture at the moment then I have agreed to the loan request. It's now up to Michael to accept Killie's offer or not.

Saturday 18 July 2009

It's our prestigious home friendly with Lyon this afternoon and I really we can attract a decent crowd to watch it. In a bid to do this, Niall has decided to peg prices at a more than value for money £10 for adults and just £5 for concessions. I think it is a great move and hopefully we can put on a great show for those in attendance.

Denied another transfer target as well. Derby County's Northern Irish central defender Jonathan Evans is the latest to be linked here. He's not bad to be honest but I don't think we will be making moves to bring him here, well not yet anyway. Maybe if he matures in a better centre half than what we have at the moment then maybe, just maybe.

Ah well, best get ready for the French and our live appearance on British Eurosport too. And before you ask, I have had a haircut but the goatee I had beforehand is now just neatly trimmed so I look a bit more presentable compared to a few days previous.

Evans: Could be signed but not at this moment in time...

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Sunday 19 July 2009

Well another Scottish striker that I had my eyes one has just decided to sign a new deal at the club where he currently plies his trade. Since Boyd had decided to stay at Ibrox, I quickly switched my attentions to a promising youngster in Edinburgh. However, this morning the player in question has decided to sign a new 3 year deal. I really do begin to wonder why they won't come. Is the fact that we are in Champions League this season not good enough? I might be cheeky in a few days time and test their resolve by asking how much they want for him, yeah sounds an excellent plan to me.

Another potential target however could be worth exploring more. Southampton's South African born midfielder Andrew Surman has rejected a new deal at St Mary's, and could be worth a dabble. Thing is though, I have plenty of midfielders on my books so some might have to be gotten shot of if we want to bring him in. Also one of our scouts, Thomas Strunz, has alerted me to a talent playing in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen - might have to check him out. He does sound pretty good by all accounts though.

Enjoyed the friendly with Lyon yesterday and amazed at the crowd, over 22,000 fans. With the construction work on the South Stand taking place, it just goes to show that these fans are just something so special. It totally justified Niall's reduced pricing exercise for the match. However, Diane copped for a few wolf whistles as she took her place in the stand pre-match but then again that comes with being so gorgeous as she is. One down side, no Karim Benzema in the Lyon side. He is something else that kid, doubt we will be able to afford him anyway.

Andrew Surman: Rejected a new deal at Southampton...move maybe?

Monday 20 July 2009

Received some good news this fine summer's day as Mirko has recovered from his injury and started training this morning. No disrespect to John Sutton but Mirko is a much better player than John and the sooner we get him playing matches, the better our forward line will start to look. Got stopped in the street however and got told that Alex impressed a fair few with his cameo yesterday. Looks like we have stumbled upon a bit of a special player here and that's all down to Rob and his South American contacts. Nice one mate!

Another one of our youngsters has left on a season long loan deal today, and he's headed north of the border so to speak. The youngster in question is 19 year old reserve right-back Michael Kay who has agreed terms to spend the season in the blue and white of Killie. Good luck to the lad, I am sure he will enjoy it.

Finally, one of my best friends in football is back in management. When I say I was being sarcastic there, you can quite easily guess who I am on about. No Neil Warnock, but that big nosed pillock known as Gareth Southgate. Sacked by Boro for being useless, he's managed to land himself the Manchester City job. Where's old Aidy Boothroyd gone then? Hope City know what they have let themselves in for....

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Not much to report today. Dundee United have made a revised loan bid to acquire Andrè for the season, which after some consideration I have decided to accept. Inverness Caledonian Thistle also want our Portugeezer wing wonder, again on a season long loan. I accepted that bid too. Safe to say the final choice will remain with Andrè but he'll come out of the spell a much better player that I am convinced and that can only benefit him and also Sunderland as well.

Mam met Diane today for the first time today as she came up to the North East on a small break from her home in Sheffield. Ever since we sadly lost Dad, she has been out and about going here, there and everywhere and who can blame her? Verdict on Diane from Mam, thumbs up! So that trip to Yarm was worth it then?

Wednesday 22 July 2009

The treatment room is clearing and that is just great news to be honest. The latest first teamer to return to training today is Ben (Alnwick), and that just leaves Wesley (Sonck) and Kav (Graham Kavanagh) as the only senior pros injured alongside three youngsters. Just hope we don't pick up more injuries though, they're a nightmare to deal with especially at Premiership level.

Was staggered though when Tony informed the extent of how many players are out of contract at the end of this season. Take a look at this:

1st teamers: Wesley Sonck, Liam Lawrence, Patrick Mtiliga, Paul Stalteri

1st team fringe players: Graham Kavanagh, Chris Brown, Nyron Nosworthy, Timon Van Leeuwen, Clive Clarke, Lee Wilkie, Ivica Skiljo

Promising talents: Nick Smith, Joshua Home-Jackson, Gavin Donoghue, Trevor Carson

and 17 more youngsters....

That's pretty extensive a list. Gonna have a few headaches in deciding who to keep and whom not to. Wish me luck in it! Got advised also that 5 August 2009 is the scheduled date for our first foray into the Champions League, which is the third qualifying round. Safe to say, I will be following tonight's games with a lot of interest to say the least. Confirmed a second prestigious home friendly for next Wednesday in the shape of Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahçe. Look if we can beat Lyon, why not them either?

Coming to the Stadium of Light next week....

[Poolie Exile]

Last Updated: Monday 20 July 2009, 13:30 GMT
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BOOTHROYD IS THE REAL DEAL

FORMER Watford and Manchester City manager Adrian Boothroyd today spoke of his delight in landing one of the most prestigious jobs in the world of football, becoming the new Head Coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Boothroyd, 38, is one of the most highly sought young managers in the game today and Real have taken the bold step of appointing the Englishman in a bid to rejuvenate their recent stuttering form. President Ramon Calderon thinks that Boothroyd is the man to do this and in a statement at the press conference made by Sporting Director Jorge Valdano seems to back this up:

Jorge Valdano said:

"We at Real Madrid are very pleased this afternoon to announce Adrian Boothroyd as our Head Coach. He is a coach of the highest order and when a coach like this comes available then we make it our target to recruit them.

We are sure that Mr Boothroyd has what it takes to make Real Madrid a force again and we know he will play with a style and passion that we all demand.

Madrid has a history of being the home of winners, and Mr Boothroyd fulfils that criteria. He has targets of players he wants to do this, and he can be guaranteed that Real Madrid will back him every step of the way to restore our place as the biggest club side in the world."

The appointment of Boothroyd, who it has to be said had a mediocre playing career, has caused a few raised eyebrows in Madrid's direction. However, Boothroyd is determined to become a success in the Spanish capital.

Aidy Boothroyd said:

"I stand here today as the new Head Coach of the world's most famous teams. Mark my words, I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and with a superb squad at my disposal I think we can make a real good impression.

I would like to thank however both Watford and most recently Manchester City for the grounding which has enabled me to land this special position."

With Boothroyd now in Madrid, speculation switches to Eastlands to see whom his successor will be. Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is rumoured to top John Wardle's hit list but neither Wardle or Southgate were around to comment as such.

[Hammer100]

Nice few updates, it seems you have a huge squad, but think you'll need it if you're fighting in Europe. KIU Mark.