Newcastle even
Crystal Palace 1/50
Hull 1/33
Cardiff 1/20
Stoke 1/7
Norwich 1/6
Sunderland 2/9
West Ham 2/7
Fulham 2/7
Swansea 4/11
Aston Villa 2/5
West Brom 4/9
Southampton 1/2
Arsenal 2/1
Stephane Sessegnon has insisted he is happy to be part of manager Paolo Di Canio's plans at new-look Sunderland.
It emerged earlier this summer that the Black Cats might be prepared to listen to offers for the 29-year-old Benin international, who only signed a new contract in August last year.
However, despite speculation linking him with a series of clubs, no formal offers have materialised and Sessegnon insists his future lies on Wearside.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland.
"We have worked well in pre-season and hopefully we can continue like this. I'm enjoying it at Sunderland and my mind is for Sunderland now."
Sessegnon initially arrived at the Stadium of Light in a £6million switch from Paris St Germain in January 2011 and at his best, looks every inch the player in which then manager Steve Bruce invested so heavily.
However, inconsistency has been a problem and rumours that he could leave the club last summer did little to improve the situation.
But Di Canio's recent shopping spree and a gruelling pre-season have left Sessegnon in optimistic mood ahead of the new campaign.
He said: "It's a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
"I think that affected me during the first few months of last season, but this year is different because we have had a good pre-season with a lot of good players coming.
"That's made everyone work hard in training and we have got a strong mentality too among the players. It looks good already for the start of the season."
A round-up of transfer news from Sunderland as Paolo Di Canio closes in on his next signing
Daprela's agent Angelo Semararo told Sky Tyne and Wear on Monday that the player was delaying his move to Palermo to hold talks with Sunderland, but that no longer looks the case.
Fabio Daprela has now been quoted on an Italian website, saying the decision to join Palermo is an easy one.
Charis Mavrias could complete his switch to Sunderland this week, Sky Tyne and Wear understands.
The Greek winger’s future will be decided “in the coming days", a source close to the player said.
A deal has been agreed in principle between Sunderland and Panathinaikos, Sky understands.
Former Sunderland target Lucas Orban has joined French club Bordeaux.
Stephane Sessegnon says he is happy at Sunderland despite reports linking him with a move away.
And, Fulham are in pole-position to sign Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley.
ARGENTINE left-back Lucas Orban is on the verge of joining French side Bordeaux.
Sunderland spent several weeks tracking Orban earlier this summer after learning there was no chance of signing last season’s loan success Danny Rose on a permanent basis.
The Black Cats remained patient as Orban took his time contemplating his future at lowly Argentine outfit FC Tigre.
But as Orban dragged his heels over deciding his next move – with River Plate, Villarreal and Nice also interested – Sunderland eventually opted to end their pursuit.
Orban is now expected to seal a £2m move to France, with Bordeaux.
Sunderland misfit Phil Bardsley could move to Newcastle United
Newcastle United are understood to have shown interest in Phil Bardsley, who is also a target for Fulham and Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland misfit Phil Bardsley could be in line for a shock move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are understood to have shown interest in the out-of-favour full-back, who is also a target for Fulham and Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.
Fulham remain favourites to sign the former Manchester United man, although a move to Newcastle – where he could become Joe Kinnear’s first signing – would allow him to stay in the North East.
Bardsley is a popular figure on Wearside and was voted Sunderland’s player of the year the season before last, but he has no future at the club after falling foul of new head coach Paolo Di Canio in May.
Di Canio was furious after pictures emerged of the Scotland international on a late-night casino visit in the run-up to Sunderland’s final day visit to Spurs. Bardsley was fined, dropped for the game at Spurs and has also been bombed out by Di Canio since Sunderland returned to training at the beginning of the month.
The 28-year-old has been left in the North East to train with the reserves while the first team travelled to Italy for a training camp and then headed out to Hong Kong.
Name:
Then Again2013-07-31 18:17
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Newcastle United Eye Shock Move for Sunderland Defender
Geordies are so far the only top-flight club not to have entered into the summer transfer market.
Recently appointed Newcastle United director of football Joe Kinnear wants to bring unwanted Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley to St James’ Park this summer, according to reports in the Sunday Express.
The Magpies are so far the only club in the Premier League still to have a single acquisition in the close-season transfer window, despite Kinnear’s arrival earlier this month and head coach Alan Pardew’s constant public urgings on the matter.
And it is safe to say that the club’s fans will be far from impressed by these latest reports, especially given the fact that their bitter rivals have already told Bardsley that he is surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light next season.
However, either way Kinnear still wants to press ahead with plans to bring the 28-year-old Englishman to the north east next season, with the full back set to be available on the cheap as his current contract at the Black Cats expires on June 30 2014.
Bardsley has been at Sunderland for the past five-and-a-half seasons now, having originally arrived on Wearside from Manchester United in January 2008 for an initial fee of just £850,000, although that could rise to as much as £2 million depending on certain add ons.
And during that time the right back has made 167 appearances overall for Sunderland, scoring seven goals and winning the club’s Player of the Year award in 2011-12.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has laughed off the suggestion that his players are afraid of him.
However, he is renowned for his fiery personality and received some criticism for his no-nonsense handling of players and his strict training methods.
But, asked whether his players feared him, Di Canio responded: "The players cannot fear the manager, it's not possible. I don't kill people, I let them train!
"No, they are not worried. Obviously, they don't love me, and I told them they don't need to love me, they have to follow me, and then they're going to be OK.
"Sometimes we have a fight and sometimes they drive me crazy, and then I'm going to get angry, but to be honest it is more like a family, with respect.
"Sometimes the son or the daughter goes away from the right road and I pull them back."
Di Canio was keen to improve the fitness of his squad towards the end of last season and still thinks that is an area he needs to focus on.
"Our team is a very good team, but not a top team," he said. "To reduce the gap between us and the top clubs it's obvious that we need a strategy and tactics and technical quality.
"But physical condition is also one of the main parts, otherwise it is difficult to reduce this gap.
"We train in a different way to other clubs and have different things to improve. Athleticism is crucial to competing at the top level."
A round-up of the latest Sunderland stories and transfer rumours on Wednesday, July 31.
Various sources claim Greek winger Charis Mavrias is set to become Sunderland’s 10th summer signing.
But, The Chronicle claim Sunderland have decided not to pursue a deal for Mavrias.
If he did join, various sources claim that would likely spell the end of James McClean’s time at the club, with Celtic closing in on the £2m-rated Irishman.
Stephane Sessegnon has begged Paolo Di Canio to let him stay at Sunderland, according to The Sun.
The same article claims injured striker Steven Fletcher hopes to return to action in September.
The Journal understands Besiktas midfielder Manuel Fernandes is among the options Sunderland are considering.
Paolo Di Canio has told Jack Colback he must make a decision on his Sunderland future after rejecting a new contract, according to The Sunderland Echo.
The club has no intention of letting Colback leave despite interest from Hull and Cardiff City.
Exciting Sunderland Winger on Verge of Celtic Move
Irish wide man said to be relishing chance to join SPL giants.
Scottish Premier League champions Glasgow Celtic want to sign highly rated Sunderland midfield player James McClean this summer, according to reports in the Sunday Express.
The Scottish giants feel that the exciting Republic of Ireland international can bring some much-needed creativity to their midfield next season, with Hoops head coach Neil Lennon said to be desperate to sign McClean before next week’s crucial Uefa Champions League second-round qualifier against Swedish outfit Elfsborg.
The 24-year-old has been with the Black Cats for the past two campaigns now, having originally arrived in the north east from home-town club Derry City on a three-year contract in August 2011 for a fee of just £350,000.
However, that transfer was sealed by previous Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill, with the wide man being a firm favourite of the Northern Irishman’s at the Stadium of Light, before his sacking towards the end of the previous campaign that is.
And following the arrival of new manager Paolo Di Canio, there have been big changes at the club, who only just failed to avoid relegation to the Championship at the end of the previous campaign, with McClean’s very own Sunderland future coming under question.
As a result, despite 11 goals in his 69 appearances for Sunderland, it appears as though Di Canio is happy for the winger to now join Celtic, with a deal for McClean expected to be finalised in the next few days.
Alfred N’Diaye leaves Sunderland for loan move to Eskiehirspor
ALFRED N’DIAYE has completed a loan switch to Turkish club Eskiehirspor.
N’Diaye missed Sunderland’s pre-season trip to Hong Kong after his partner gave birth on the eve of the Black Cats heading out to the Far East.
But the midfielder’s future lies away from Wearside anyway, as the 23-year-old has agreed a season-long switch to Turkey - just six months after leaving the country to move to the Premier League.
N’Diaye started 15 out of 17 top flight games following his £3.7million January move from Bursaspor, but Paolo Di Canio has been willing to dispense with the Frenchman’s services, as he looks to add a playmaker to his central midfield options.
A clause of around £5m has been built into N’Diaye’s deal to convert it into a permanent switch, as is standard with loans between different countries.
But it is thought that the negotiations over a permanent departure have not been extensive, with Sunderland simply happy to let N’Diaye leave on loan.
N’Diaye’s exit will represent the third of Martin O’Neill’s three January signings that Di Canio has dispensed with.
Sunderland made no attempt to sign Kader Mangane permanently after the end of his loan from Middle Eastern side Al-Hilal, while Danny Graham finalised a season-long loan to Hull City 10 days ago.
Sunderland Target Swiss Youngster To Help Fill Left Back Void
Amazingly, there appears to still be the odd left back kicking around that Sunderland haven't been linked with at some point or another. Here is one link with some substance to it.
FC Zurich defender Loris Benito has emerged as a Sunderland target as the seemingly perpetual left back hunt goes on.
Despite an early start this summer it has been a long old slog to replace Danny Rose, with lengthy pursuits for Lucas Orban and Benjamin Mendy ending in frustration.
That has prompted a fresh list of targets to be drawn up. Valencia's Aly Cissokho is a target, though the belief seems to be that it would not be an entirely straight-forward deal to complete.
Whether or not Switzerland Under-21 international Benito is considered a primary or secondary target is not known, but he is certainly a name under consideration, even to the point that Sunderland have made their interest known to his club.
He does have the rather curious distinction of once being bitten on the field by a rampaging beech marten, which is quite funny. On the plus side, however, he did show a pretty impressive turn of pace to catch the little blighter in the first place.
Meanwhile, reports in Norway claim that Sunderland had a scout present at Strømsgodset IF over the weekend apparently to cast their eye over Stefan Johansen. The midfielder - nicknamed 'the Norwegian Modric' - is an elegant and creative left-footed player and would certainly fit the 'bring the keys to the house' criteria laid out by Paolo Di Canio.
No news yet on how serious a target, if at all, Johansen is, but an interesting snippet nonetheless.
As Sunderland's quest to sign all of the footballers on the planet rumbles on, one reported long-standing target has become a free agent.
Rumoured long-time Sunderland target Mauro Zarate has revealed that he is now officially a free agent having won his battle to have his Lazio contract terminated.
The Argentinian forward made the announcement himself via his official Twitter account on Tuesday night, where he said:
From now on I’m free, finally I can go and play elsewhere.
Now I am happy again.
I thank the fans for three very beautiful years in Rome. I have always given my all to the Lazio shirt.
Whether or not Sunderland's interest in Zarate is genuine or not remains to be seen, but the player's agent spoke specifically about a potential move to Wearside in a radio interview last month, describing it as a 'viable solution'.
Zarate is, in many ways, an easy player to link with Sunderland. He shares Lazio connections with Paolo Di Canio, is well-known to Italian football, and now represents some real value considering there would be no transfer fee involved.
He doesn't come without controversy, however. The 26-year-old has a reputation to be difficult to manage, and he has even had clauses inserted into previous contracts to provide incentives to actually pass the ball.
One to keep an eye on, and we are sure his name will be linked again in the coming days, but for the moment we are not all that sure there is much in it.
The Gossip: Portuguese Playmaker To Bring The Keys?
It has been a eerily quiet week in terms of transfers for Sunderland, which actually made for quite a nice change. The reason behind it is probably the Hong Kong trip rather than a general satisfaction with the squad, but that didn't stop a few new names being linked with a move to join Paolo Di Canio's revolution.
First, the boring numbers part, those in bold have signed.
Valentin Roberge (Maritimo)
Mobido Diakite (Lazio)
Diogo Viana (F.C. Penafiel)
Danny Rose (Tottenham)
Emmanuel Cascione (Pescara)
Danilo D'Ambrosio (Torino)
El Hadji Ba (Le Havre)
Mauro Zarate (Lazio)
Bas Dost (Wolfsburg)
George Mandjeck (Auxerre)
Charlie Austin (Burnley)
Alfred Finnbogason (SC Heerenveen)
Greg Sandomierski (Genk)
Tom Allan (York City)
Salif Sane (Nancy)
Cabral (Basel)
Lucas Orban (Tigre)
Gary Hooper (Celtic)
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Milos Krasic (Fenerbache)
Wilfried Bony (Vitesse)
Grant Holt (Norwich)
Andreas Weimann (Aston Villa)
Paulinho (Livorno)
Nacho Scocco (Al Ain)
Reto Ziegler (Juventus)
John Guidetti (Manchester City)
Josuha Guilavogui (Saint-Étienne)
Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli)
Luis Pedro Cavanda (Lazio)
Joseph Alfred Duncan (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Rosina (Siena)
Jonathan Biabiany (Parma)
Benjamin Mendy (Le Havre)
Scott Parker (Tottenham)
Johan Elmander (Galatassaray)
Abel Hernandez (Palermo)
Daniel Moberg Karlsson (IFK Göteborg)
Remi Gomis (Valenciennes)
Matej Vydra (Udinese)
Mejdi Traoui (Espérance de Tunis)
Jozy Altidore (AZ)
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
Vito Mannone (Arsenal)
Jérémie Aliadière (Lorient)
Jeroen Zoet (PSV)
Ibrahima MBaye (Inter)
Daniel Bessa (Inter)
Gino Peruzzi (Vélez Sarsfield)
Callum McManaman (Wigan)
Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham)
Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Heerenveen)
Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth)
Chung-yong Lee (Bolton)
Robert Acquafresca (Bologna)
Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos)
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus)
Przemyslaw Tyton (PSV)
Maxi Lopez (Catania)
Innocent Emeghara (Lorient)
Bastian Oczipka (Eintract Frankfurt)
Christiano Biraghi (Inter)
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Aly Cissokho (Valencia)
Luca Marrone (Juventus)
Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce)
Emil Hallfreðsson (Chievo)
Frederik Sorensen (Bologna)
Jorge Flores (Tigres)
Fabio Daprelà (Brescia)
Libor Kozák (Lazio)
Julio Buffarini (San Lorenzo)
Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas)
So then 5 new names taking us to a wonderful looking 73 in total. If that isn't a sign that we are in for a good week, then I don't know what is!
The most exciting fresh name on the list is definitely that of Manuel Fernandes. The Portuguese central midfielder is said to be refusing to sign a new contract at Besiktas, and with him having just one one year left on his current deal that may force his club to cash-in this summer.
Di Canio said in the week that he was hoping to add a creative midfielder to his squad who can 'bring the keys to the house' and Fernandes would certainly satisfy that criteria. He is a quick and athletic player who is known for his ability to carry the ball and inject pace into attacks from central areas.
However, this does seem to be more like a link you want to believe rather one one you necessarily feel you should. Sunderland were credited with an interest in the former Portsmouth and Everton man last January, so it seems likely their name has just been tagged onto a story about his contract situation.
One interesting fact about him though is that he shares a cousin, Gelson Fernandes, with Cabral, who he would likely partner in midfield if he did wind up on Wearside.
Elsewhere the perpetual search for a left back continued, but just how accurately the press were reporting it is anyone's guess. Mexican Jorge Torres has been strongly linked by the tabloids, though we don't believe he is on the list of targets, at least for now.
Meanwhile, the Italian press are quite convinced that Fabio Daprelà of Brescia is the man of our dreams, but he seems much more likely to head to Palermo. They are also of the opinion that Sunderland remain in the hunt for a new striker with Lazio's beanpole Czech Libor Kozák the latest name to be pulled from the hat. Unless another striker departs, however, it seems highly unlikely that another one will come in.
There have been no fresh updates regarding Aly Cissokho, who still looks to be a top, if unlikely, left back target.
Argentina has once again proven to be an interesting source of gossip, and that is something we can expect to continue given the army of scouts with big contacts in the region now employed at the club. Julio Buffarini, a busy and traditional right winger who plays for San Lorenzo is rumoured to have caught Sunderland's eye. With Adam Johnson and David Moberg Karlsson already here and impressing, that one doesn't look all that likely to us.
The Gino Peruzzi story refuses to die, too. It is now pretty well-known that the Vélez man failed a medical but it seems Sunderland's interest in him is far from over. He is back at his club and embarking on a rehabilitation program apparently at the behest of Black Cats medical staff, so expect that one to rumble away in the background for a while yet.
The right back chase is almost as ridiculous as the left back one, in truth. Luis Pedro Cavanda, who has appeared to be a strong target all summer, now looks set to stay at Lazio with the Italian press absolutely adamant that the Belgian has penned a new 5-year contract to stay in Rome.
All over Hull City, some hope and some despair. Oh, you're the one for me, fatty. You're the one I really, really love...
Sunderland's misfiring striker Danny Graham has clinched a season-long loan move to Hull City, where he will link up with former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, along with David Meyler, Ahmed Elmohamady and Paul McShane.
The striker, who failed to hit the net in 11 games for Sunderland, and in all honesty never really looked like doing so. His loss isn't one that will be felt at all on Wearside, except perhaps Nando's and Mama's in Newbottle.
Graham issued the standard pleasantries upon signing;
It's exactly the same as when I joined Swansea a couple of years ago, a club coming up into the Premier League. The stories for the two clubs are very similar.
I know I'm coming to a good club with a top manager, a fantastic stadium and some very good players.
When the chance came to sign here on loan, I jumped at it.
Perhaps the only thing worth noting is that it's widely expected among those in the know that Sunderland will not be looking to replace Graham, and seem perfectly happy to enter the season with Stephane Sessegnon, Ji Dong-Won, Jozy Altidore, Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher.
If by some bizarre turn of events Sunderland fancy bringing him back, they can do in January 2014. Hull also have an option to buy at the end of the season.
At least he can't score against us, as would have been inevitable had the move been made permanent.
SUNDERLAND will head to Denmark to play FC Midtjylland in their final pre-season game next Wednesday.
The Black Cats arrived back on Wearside today having finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.
Paolo Di Canio's men will now travel to Scandinavia to face the Danish side at the MCH Arena in Herning, on Wednesday 7 August, in a 6pm kick-off (local time).
Ticket details for the trip to face the Danish Superliga side will be announced shortly.
But there was one glaring omission: mainland China.
Many businesses see the fast-developing country - now the world's second-biggest economy - as "the holy grail", says Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, adding that he didn't "quite see it in the same way".
Nor, seemingly, do Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, Sunderland and Manchester rivals United and City, all of whom have been in Asia on lucrative pre-season trips, without including mainland China on their exhaustive itineraries.
Football and marketing experts said there were a number of commercial, logistical and sporting reasons for staying away.
"We are in a very fortunate position in that we operate in 212 countries and China is in the top 10 of our strategic markets," Scudamore told AFP in Hong Kong last week, where City, Spurs and Sunderland each played two games in four days in the Premier League's Barclays Asia Trophy.
Each team picked up STG1.2 million ($A2.03 million) pounds for appearing in the exhibition tournament, according to The Daily Telegraph.
"For a lot of businesses, in terms of business and marketing, China seems to be the holy grail. We don't quite see it in the same way because as I said, we are in a fortunate position where we are in so many other countries," Scudamore said.
"But clearly, just looking at the numbers, it's a huge country and hugely emerging, emerging in terms of its sporting culture.
"And therefore we are involved in China, we have good partners in China - it took us a while to find them but we have some very good partners in China.
"It's not just a broadcasting entity, it's a marketing entity and we are working out in the regions in China because you cannot really describe China as a single entity, given the size, the scope and the expansion of it."
Premier League teams in recent weeks played in front of fanatical sell-out crowds in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The clubs charge appearance fees and they benefit from sales of official merchandise, as well as trading on their huge popularity by signing myriad sponsorship deals.
Tiger Tian, a sports marketing expert in Beijing, said a combination of factors had kept English teams out of China this summer.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City were all in the country last year, he noted, but said football fans in major cities were becoming increasingly "picky".
"They're fed-up with big names but poor performances, which unfortunately had been the case on several occasions when Premier League teams visited before," said Tian, explaining that was less the fault of the teams and more the travelling, difficult pitches and limited quality of the opposition.
"Rapidly rising costs and limited sources of revenue are also threatening promoters' bottom lines.
"Premier League teams, like everyone else in the world, see China as a goldmine and ask for higher and higher appearance fees.
"Obtaining all kinds of government permits is also extremely demanding in terms of both time and funds, and there's always a danger of a last-minute shutdown."
Several games involving European teams in China have been shelved at the eleventh hour.
In May, a friendly between Italian giants AC Milan and Dutch champions Ajax in Beijing was cancelled three weeks before kick-off because of "organisational reasons".
The organisers had failed to pay an appearance fee on time, Chinese media said.
Barcelona also ditched their August game in Shanghai "after coming to the conclusion that it could not be played in perfect conditions", the club said.
Julian Jackson, of the sports marketing agency Total Sports Asia, said there was "a fairly easy reason" why China had not got in on the Premier League jamboree.
The league's failure to strike a deal to have games shown on China's all-powerful state broadcaster CCTV means it simply does not have the same following as elsewhere in the football-mad region, he said.
CRAIG GARDNER says he has reassured Jozy Altidore that he can transfer his prolific goal record to the Premier League.
Altidore spurned three good chances in Wednesday’s Barclays Asia Trophy semi-final victory over Spurs, as Sunderland fans got a first glimpse of the £6million summer signing.
The 23-year-old scored 31 goals for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season, yet found the net just once during a loan spell in the Premier League at Hull City, when he was still a teenager.
But Gardner is convinced that Altidore will prove a hit for the Black Cats and has told the American international that he will thrive after returning to England as a more polished performer.
Gardner told the Echo: “Jozy’s come in and I had a chat with him and he’s wondering about the pace of the Premier League.
“But I said to him, you’re a great player, just go out there and play your game.
“With the power and pace he’s got, he’ll be fine.
“With the positions he shows he can get into, I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals for us.”
Gardner says Sunderland are right to be encouraged by their performance against Spurs, despite at times farcical conditions on a waterlogged pitch – a situation which is unlikely to be any better for tomorrow’s Asia Trophy final against Manchester City.
Paolo Di Canio’s side kept their focus despite kick-off being delayed and the game being shortened, with their superior fitness eventually telling against Andre Villas-Boas’ men.
“It does help when you get encouraging performances in pre-season,” added Gardner, expected to continue at right-back against City tomorrow.
“I’m sure there won’t have been many people who would have betted that we’d beat a top four side like Tottenham.
“We went out there and worked our socks off and hopefully we can do the same tomorrow.
“It was obviously difficult in the conditions and we saw that the pitch wasn’t the best when we trained on it the other day.
“But the lads didn’t moan, they just got on with it and it paid off.
“We had a lot of chances and I think in the end, we deserved the win because we outplayed them.”
The Selection Dilemma: Just What Is Sunderland's Best Centre Half Pairing?
Supporters have been discussing all summer which of Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge is more likely to join John O'Shea as first choice defender, and with Wes Brown back into the fold, the question has become even harder. We take a look at the options and try and work out just who will make it into the our back four.
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Sunderland's defence last season was rickety to say the least. While the team only actually conceded 54 goals, a fairly credible total compared to the teams around them, this was largely down to the excellent goalkeeping of Simon Mignolet, who made more saves than any other in the Premier League. You always felt that we were likely to concede at least one goal in a game, and considering our woes at the other end of the pitch, one goal was often all that was needed.
It was therefore crucial that Paolo Di Canio and his team of merry Italians acted in the transfer market to improve the back four. Fortunately two centre halves came in almost immediately: Valetine Roberge and Modibo Diakite both signed on free transfers, joining John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar at the club. Furthermore, now that Wes Brown has miraculously recovered from his long-term injury, Sunderland look in far better shape at the back.
However, with very little known about Diakite and Roberge on Wearside, there remains the question of what the club's best centre half pairing is, and which two will start against Fulham on the 17th of August. John O'Shea and Wes Brown played the majority of the 80 minutes against Tottenham on Wednesday, but I wouldn't expect this to be the first choice pairing for most of the season. While both players are excellent readers of the game, they lack pace, something which could easily be exploited in the Premier League. The more likely option is that we'll see one of the former Man Utd veterans partnering one of the new signings.
Brown is probably the best defender Sunderland have on their books at the moment. His loss over the last 18 months has been a great one, and his surprise return to action is a huge boost. However, question marks will always remain over his fitness, and there'll always be a worry that Brown, who resembles children's TV 'claymation' character Morph, and who is only marginally less vulnerable to having his legs ripped off, is just one game away from another serious injury. On the other hand he's had no problems so far during Di Canio's punishing pre-season, so it's conceivable he's turned a corner.
Of course, despite Brown's return to fitness, you would not expect John O'Shea to spend a lot of time warming the bench next season. He is, after all, Di Canio's captain. It's true that the Irishman had a patchy 2012-2013, but this could partly be explained by his defensive partners, having to hold the hands of Titus Bramble, Carlos Cuellar and Matt Kilgallon throughout the season. With a better centre half alongside him, O'Shea would likely return to the consistently solid displays he produced during his first season in Sunderland colours. His leadership skills will prove vital for a team lacking in Premier League experience and, because of this, along with Brown's fitness issues, I would put O'Shea in ahead of his former Man Utd team mate.
The question now is which of Sunderland's new signings should partner O'Shea. Working on the assumption that best defensive partnerships are the ones who compliment each other: where ones limitations are balanced out by the partners strength (see Ferdinand/Vidic, Terry/Carvhalo), both Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite offer credible arguments.
Ex Maritimo man Roberge is unlike the majority of defenders in the club's recent history in that he can play with the ball at his feet a bit. Sunderland have lacked a player who can bring the ball out of defence, and the Frenchman offers the option of starting attacks from the back. He also offers a crucial component the team lacked last season, which was strength. Sunderland were notably lightweight all over the pitch, with players easily outfought by tougher opposition. We saw this in particular during the games at West Brom and Aston Villa, where Lukaku and Benteke battered the back four to pieces. Roberge is noted for being strong in the tackle, and hard to beat physically.
Diakite is also an imposing physical presence, standing at 6'4'', and provides a strong aeriel threat. However, perhaps the former Lazio man's most important quality is his pace, which Sunderland sorely lacked at the back last season. Diakite's speed will be a huge advantage for the team and, like Roberge, he also has an excellent reading of the game, and these qualities combined means the team can afford to play higher up the pitch with less risk.
Of course, Dikaite isn't perfect. While he's known for going on long runs forward with the ball, his distribution isn't terrific. He also has a reputation for occasionally losing focus, and being a little bit clumsy on the ball, as opposed to Roberge who is known for his calmness and composure. However Diakite still offers a lot of the attributes Sunderland have lacked in defensive positions recently. Furthermore, he has the qualities required to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, unlike Roberge, who Kristan Heneage argues should be allowed to make a slow transition into English football.
With his technical skill, Roberge could certainly offer a long-term option to Sunderland once he's fully adapted to the rigours of English football but, it's Diakite who, in the immediate, and injuries permitting, would appear to be the best man to compliment John O'Shea in defence. Regardless, the club now have more strength in depth, and have a group of defenders who can all slot in and do a more than adequate job. What can't be denied is that the current crop are one hell of an improvement over Matt Kilgallon and Titus Bramble.
MODIBO DIAKITE’s stint on the sidelines is expected to be a brief one after the Bosman signing was left out of Sunderland’s trip to Hong Kong.
Diakite is yet to feature for the Black Cats during pre-season after missing both of Sunderland’s behind-closed-doors games in Italy with a slight hamstring strain.
That injury was sustained on only the fourth day of pre-season at the Academy of Light and required the former Lazio centre-half to spend eight days on the sidelines.
After only just returning to full fitness prior to Sunderland’s trip to the Far East for the Barclays Asia Trophy, Di Canio opted not to take a chance on Diakite.
But the Sunderland head coach is confident that after a week on Wearside, working alongside the club’s fitness and medical staff, Diakite can play a part in pre-season.
Di Canio told the Echo: “He’s got a little injury because after four days at the Academy of Light, we had a match and you could see everyone wanted to push to give their best.
“He made two or three very hard tackles and he hurt his hamstring and was out for eight days.
“We decided not to bring him to Hong Kong because it’s better if he stays at the Academy of Light morning and afternoon with the physio and fitness coach.
“Obviously, he couldn’t be part of this trip, but the other signings have made me very happy already.”
Di Canio admits Sunderland are also taking a cautious approach with Diakite due to the 26-year-old’s injury record.
Diakite missed the bulk of last season at Lazio through injury, yet Di Canio says a balance has to be struck between competitive training and pure fitness work.
When asked about Diakite’s run of injuries last season, Di Canio added: “This is also a problem.
“When there is someone who is running a risk sometimes, I try to keep him calm.
“That is not easy because it’s in their nature.
“But if they only run, run, run, rather than playing in a training game, you don’t give them the chance to express themselves in a match.”
Di Canio moaning about the rain in Hong Kong, AVB complaining about a wet pitch, Vertonghen injured. There are alternatives: stay at home is one.
Spurs and Sunderland travelled across the globe to play in atrocious conditions
We’ve had fantastic weather. Given the downpour before Sunderland’s 3-1 win over Spurs earlier this week maybe they should have refused to go out on the pitch.
There are genuine causes for complaint, but clubs can’t take the money form these pre-season trips and then start complaining.
NEWCASTLE JOKE CHIEF KINNEAR SERIOUS ABOUT SUNDERLAND'S CAST OFF BARDSLEY
Newcastle United chief Joe Kinnear is serious about taking Phil Bardsley off Sunderland’s hands.
The People says the word from the defender’s camp is that the Magpies have made “tentative inquiries” for Bardsley.
And Kinnear is not put off by the 28-year-old’s bad-boy image, after he was pictured lying on a casino floor covered in £50 notes.
But if the Toon’s director of football does decide to add Bardsley to the Geordies’ rather threadbare squad – they are the only Premier League side not to have signed a first- team player in the close season – he will find competition from both Fulham and Blackburn.
Swedish winger David Moberg Karlsson is determined to fight hard to make Paolo Di Canio's starting 11 for Sunderland's first game of the season
David Moberg Karlsson is determined to prove his worth to new coach Paolo Di Canio after a promising debut.
The Swedish winger scored a goal and made another in a substitute appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Asia Cup.
But with Emanuele Giaccherini talked up as one of Europe’s best players by Di Canio, and a host of other wingers to compete with, Karlsson will have a tough job making the starting 11 for Sunderland’s opening game of the season, at home to Fulham.
In contrast to some other positions, the Black Cats have an embarrassment of riches in the wide areas. Adam Johnson started on the right wing for the Black Cats, El-Hadji Ba made a solid debut from the bench and Sebastian Larsson is another option – although he continues to be used in a holding midfield role – as is James McClean.
Like Ba, the Swede may find he has been brought to the club more with an eye on the future than the present. “I want to play as much as I can, even if that means coming on as a substitute in the next game too, I will continue to train hard and try my best,” Moberg Karlsson told his new club’s official website.
“It was great (to play), I feel happy just to have been on for a few minutes.
“It was a tough game to play in, the air was very, very wet and the surface too, but I think we did very well.”
The score was 1-1 when the Swede entered the fray 62 minutes into a game that was shortened to 80 by the deluge of rain before the match and during its first half.
Di Canio has worked his players incredibly hard in pre-season and their superior fitness showed in the second half of the semi-final, with Brad Friedel pulling off a couple of good saves to keep the margin of victory down.
“It was a great result,” Moberg Karlsson reflected.
“We’ve trained hard during pre-season and it was good to test ourselves against Spurs. It will be different when we play them in the league but we did well, nevertheless.”
Before going clean through to beat Friedel for the final goal, Karlsson had set one up for fit-again central defender Wes Brown.
“I don’t take too many corners,” the 18 year-old revealed. “I just thought if I can get it in towards one player it may work, and Wes managed to get his head to it very well.”
Brown has not played a competitive game since January 2012 after persistent knee trouble, and Di Canio revealed the club had offered to pay him off in the summer, but he seemed to come through unscathed.
“It’s good to be back, it’s been a long time,” Brown said afterwards. “It was good to get a few more minutes under my belt on Wednesday and carry on the pre-season as I have been doing.
“It’s always a bonus to get a goal, but first and foremost, it’s just good to be back in training, doing everything back with the lads.
“Training has been hard, I’m not going to lie. But we’ve done it and hopefully that will help us and get us going to a good start in the season.”
On the former Manchester United defender, Di Canio said: “I have to be honest and say that with a team I wanted to rebuild, I thought at the beginning that he was not on my list for the future.
“After one year and two months out, at his age, I couldn’t start thinking about a player who I didn’t know if I could rely on.
“I spoke to him and was clear that he wasn’t on the list (of players Di Canio wanted to retain). But I’m very happy to tell him now that he’s completely on my list. He has got experience, quality, desire and he can help the others.”
Sunderland's Craig Gardner has insisted that he is happy to play in any position this season.
The midfielder, 26, was deployed at full-back by manager Paolo Di Canio during the club's recent participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.
"I just want to play as many games as I can this season, no matter what position it is," Gardner told the club's official website.
"I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench. I am playing in pre-season. I have played four full games and I am enjoying it."
The Black Cats narrowly missed out on winning the Barclays Asia Trophy as they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in Saturday's final.
Sunderland defender Wes Brown has revealed that he was always confident he would be able to return to the game despite his injury setbacks.
The 33-year-old returned to action for the Black Cats in the Barclays Asia Trophy after missing the entirety of their last Premier League season.
Brown told reporters: "A few people have asked me if I was worried if I would be able come back this time. It sounds weird but, no, I never thought that.
"I always had confidence in myself. It just took a lot longer than I first expected. I have had injuries throughout my career so I never doubted I could come back again."
Brown was part of the Sunderland side that lost in the final of the Asia Trophy against Manchester City.
Sunderland to step up chase for Aston Villa and West Ham target Zdravko Kuzmanovic
SUNDERLAND appear to have moved into pole position to sign Inter midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
Rumours about a Sunderland move for Kuzmanovic surfaced last week, but now reports in Italy suggest that the Black Cats are set to formalise their interest.
Kuzmanovic has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa and West Ham.
Sam Allardyce confessed that Kuzmanovic is a player he was interested in but West Ham were rebuffed in their pursuit of the 25-year-old after the player's agent said he expected the Serbian international to remain with Inter.
Kuzmanovic only joined the club from Stuttgart in January and is not thought to be ready to give up on Serie A, despite making only ten starts last term.
In response to the West Ham speculation Kuzmanovic's agent Marko Naletillic said: "The future of Kuzmanovic is simple.
"He will be staying with Inter and that is for certain."
But that hasn't stopped Sunderland and Aston Villa also being linked with a move for the player.
It was thought that a £5m fee may be enough for Inter to cut their losses on Kuzmanovic, but it appears Paolo Di Canio may have a tougher task getting the player to agree to make the move to Wearside.
Kuzmanovic was highly regarded during his time at Stuttgart, and Arsenal were linked with a move for the player, but Italian-speaking Kuzmanovic was very clear that a move to Serie A was his preference.
It remains to be seen whether the influx of Italians at Sunderland during the off-season has any impact on Kuzmanovic's reluctance to move to England.
Sunderland eye Quincy Owusu-Abeyie transfer as he waits for Crystal Palace offer
31 Jul 2013 22:30
Ex-Arsenal winger can leave Panathinaikos for free and has been playing for Palace in pre-season PLUS Colback latest
Sunderland could hijack Crystal Palace’s bid for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
Former Arsenal winger Owusu-Abeyie has been on trial with Premier League new boys Palace, but is yet to be offered a contract.
Now, the Black Cats' manager Paolo Di Canio is weighing up a move to bring the well-travelled Ghana international to Wearside.
The 27-year-old, who was loaned out at Birmingham, Cardiff and Portsmouth during a three-year stint with the Gunners, has been told he can leave his current club, Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Elsewhere, Di Canio wants a decision from homegrown midfielder Jack Colback, who is stalling on a new contract offer.
Colback has just 12 months left on his current deal at the Stadium of Light, and newly-promoted duo Hull and Cardiff are ready to offer the 23-year-old a fresh challenge.
Di Canio would love to keep the former England youth international, who has also filled in successfully at left-back in making almost 100 appearance for a club he joined at age 10.
The Italian wants a swift decision: “I’ve spoken to Jack twice recently, he’s a genuine guy with a fantastic attitude.
“He has to make clear what he wants to do in the future because if a player has it in his brain to leave, it’s difficult.”
Di Canio’s tactics will make me a better player – Sunderland’s Larsson
SEB LARSSON believes Paolo Di Canio’s footballing philosophy will see him become a more influential central midfielder this season.
Larsson spent the bulk of last year in the middle of the park, yet by his own admission, the Swedish international faced a steep learning curve after being thrust inside from the right flank by Martin O’Neill.
The 28-year-old believes he has a far better grasp of the position now and looks set to stay in central midfield after playing there in both of Sunderland’s outings in the Barclays Asia Trophy last week alongside summer signing Cabral.
But Larsson says he has also been helped by Di Canio’s blueprint for Sunderland, with the head coach keen to implement a more attractive style for the Black Cats.
Larsson told the Echo: “I’d definitely say I know the position better now.
“And with the way we’re going to be trying to play football next season, I think that will suit me a lot more too.
“I give 100 per cent whenever I can, but I’m maybe not that ball winner when you’re defending for a whole game and having to win headers and stuff.
“I like to be able to get the ball under control and play it a bit more.
“But that’s going to be very easy next season because that’s what the boss wants us to do.”
Di Canio remains keen to add to his resources in the middle of the park, with a midfield playmaker at the top of his wishlist for the remainder of the transfer window.
Sunderland are not blessed with options in the engine room, despite the summer captures of Cabral and El-Hadji Ba.
Craig Gardner and Jack Colback are operating as emergency full-backs, Lee Cattermole’s future is still unresolved and Alfred N’Diaye has joined Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan.
Until any further recruits, Larsson and Cabral are likely to continue as Di Canio’s first-choice, with the latter impressing in the Far East and demonstrating there is more to his game than simply being a midfield ball-winner.
“Cabral can do that, but he can play too without a doubt,” added Larsson.
“That’s the type of player the manager has wanted to bring in.
“He wants to change the style of the team and we’re working very hard on doing that.
“I think you can see glimpses and hopefully we’re only going to get even better.”
CONNOR WICKHAM says few teams in the Premier League will be fitter than Sunderland next season after their overseas exertions.
The Black Cats resumed training at the Academy of Light yesterday after spending the bulk of their pre-season campaign in foreign climes.
Paolo Di Canio took his side to Italy for a 10-day training camp, just four days after the start of pre-season, before Sunderland’s players headed to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy following 48 hours of respite.
England Under-21 striker Wickham expected Sunderland’s pre-season to be draining, yet says Di Canio’s regime will reap its rewards when the Premier League gets underway.
The 20-year-old said: “We went to Italy for a couple of weeks and were only back for two days before going out to Hong Kong.
“Now we’re back in the North East, we’ll be one of fittest teams in the league, without a doubt.
“So hopefully, we can use Hong Kong and Italy as a stepping stone for the start of the season.
“It’s been difficult, but all of the lads were expecting a difficult pre-season.
“We’ve all dealt with it and completed all the runs and the games.
“We are feeling fitter and stronger in the games, so I think it’s only going to help us and improve us as a team.”
Sunderland demonstrated the benefits of their fitness programme in Hong Kong, with two encouraging displays in the Barclays Asia Trophy.
The extra sharpness of Di Canio’s side saw them beat Spurs 3-1, before succumbing 1-0 to Manchester City in the final.
Although Wickham was deflated to lose against City, he believes Sunderland made a statement about their conditioning by performing well in such rain-affected games.
“Obviously the conditions weren’t great and then it started to rain halfway through both games,” added Wickham.
“But there was nothing we could do. We just had to try to play our own game.
“They were playing on the same pitch as us so I don’t think we can blame them.
“It was a shame to lose after getting to the final.
“But it’s all about fitness at this stage of the season.”
SUNDERLAND have demonstrated their focus on addressing three priority positions after abandoning a move for Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
As the Gazette revealed last week, Paolo Di Canio is keen to land three more players before the end of the transfer window – two full-backs and a creative midfielder.
Panathinaikos teenager Mavrias has become a victim of that hunt, with the protracted pursuit of the Greece international finally reaching a dead end.
The £2.5m move was originally delayed earlier this month due to Mavrias’ abdominal injury, before a meeting on Wearside to discuss personal terms, and undergo a medical was postponed.
Panathinaikos had expected Mavrias to travel to England today to finalise his switch to the Stadium of Light.
But the transfer has not progressed since Sunderland returned from Hong Kong on Monday, with Panathinaikos claiming they were not willing to agree to the Black Cats’ proposal to delay the move further.
Since the captures of fellow winger Emanuele Giaccherini and David Moberg Karlsson though, Sunderland have not seen the Mavrias move as a priority.
There has been a feeling at the Stadium of Light for several weeks that Sunderland’s interest in Mavrias may come to nought, and so it has proved.
After adding eight first-team players to the squad this summer, Sunderland are aware of the need to balance the books and offload the club’s dead-wood, while Di Canio’s biggest priority is on the two full-back and creative midfield positions.
Former Everton man Manuel Fernandes could be a role for the latter, with the Besiktas midfielder linked with a £6.5m move in the Turkish press.
Sunderland continue to be credited with an interest in Inter Milan’s Serbian international midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
But it is the two full-back positions that are arguably more pressing, with Sunderland not possessing a specialist in either position, given Phil Bardsley is considered surplus to requirements by Di Canio.
Gino Peruzzi was Sunderland’s main target for the right-back slot, and his club Velez Sarsfeld continue to insist that his £3m switch to Sunderland could be resurrected after his failed medical.
But Sunderland sources insist the injury is a serious one, and will prevent the Black Cats revisiting the deal.
After being frustrated in our attempt to sign a right back, have we returned for one of the first players linked with Sunderland during this window?
The Gino Peruzzi saga is still rumbling on, yesterday it emerged that Italian side Catania had shown interest in signing the Argentine defender, then the Velez president, Miguel Calello, said that until he gets a definitive 'no' from Sunderland, he does not consider the defender's move to be over.
All of which means Sunderland are still waiting to solve their problem right back position and with the season drawing ever closer, the prospect of Craig Gardner filling in there once again grows.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel though, with reports emerging from Italy that suggest Sunderland have gone back to the drawing board and re-entered the race to sign Torino right back Danilo D'Ambrosio. D'Ambrosio was actually the first right back linked to the club this summer, in fact regular readers of Roker Report, will have noticed his name on our weekly column 'The Gossip' since this summer's first edition of that feature.
The 24-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract, is highly rated in Italy and has been tracked by a number of clubs, including Napoli and Inter Milan. With his contract running down, his agent has admitted that he will leave Torino this summer and although it was a difficult decision, they both feel it's time he had a change of scenery.
It's thought that Torino want €4m for D'Ambrosio and considering he is currently earning a little over £5,000 per week, he will almost certainly fit into the young, hungry and relatively cheap model the club are targeting.
Whether there is any truth behind this link remains to be seen but there is currently a meeting set for Friday, so D'Ambrosio, his representative and Torino can work out a solution that suits all three parties, hopefully that means it won't be another long running saga and we will get some answers by the end of the week.
PROMISING rookie Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford has joined League Two Burton Albion on a season-long loan.
The England Under-19 stopper is highly rated at the Stadium of Light after training with the first-team for the last two campaigns.
But Pickford’s competitive experience is limited to the Conference after loan spells with Darlington and then last season at Alfreton Town.
Pickford, who kept five clean sheets in 12 games for Alfreton, is now expected to make his Football League debut for the Brewers at Cheltenham Town tomorrow after finalising a youth loan with the club.
Burton boss Gary Rowett said: “I’ve looked at lots of keepers this summer and felt Jordan was my number one target.
“I’m really pleased to get him on board.
“He’s 19 and looks like a young keeper – but he doesn’t play like one.
“Nicky Law (Alfreton manager) practically begged me to sign him.
“We’ve seen him ourselves and we were impressed.
“He did really well at Alfreton for a young keeper.
“He played in real physical games and he came for his crosses, no problem.
“He can kick it miles off both feet too and is one of the best kickers I’ve seen.”
Transfer talk: Sunderland’s McClean linked with Blackburn loan
SUNDERLAND winger James McClean has been linked with a loan move to Championship club Blackburn Rovers.
McClean is yet to start for Sunderland during pre-season after speculation about his future under Paolo Di Canio throughout the summer.
Celtic have been credited with an interest in the Republic of Ireland winger, while reports today have suggested Blackburn want to sign the 24-year-old on a season-long loan.
The arrival of Juventus’ Emanuele Giaccherini has pushed McClean down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, while Di Canio has also added to his options out wide with Swede David Moberg Karlsson.
Transfer talk: Fulham linked to Sunderland skipper Cattermole
FULHAM have emerged as potential suitors for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Skipper Cattermole is expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer, if Sunderland find anyone willing to match the 25-year-old’s wages.
Although Cattermole is now fully fit after recovering from the knee injury which ruled him out of the second half of last season, Paolo Di Canio has refused to confirm whether he has a future at the club, as reported by the Echo last week.
Reports today have linked Fulham with a £2.5million move for the former Middlesbrough man.
The Cottagers are also interested in out-of-favour Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley, who has been training with the club’s Under-21s during pre-season.
JOZY ALTIDORE is confident he can replicate his Eredivisie scoring feats on his Premier League return.
American striker Altidore netted 31 times for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season to persuade Sunderland to splash out £6million for his signature last month.
The 23-year-old believes he developed into a polished performer during his two seasons in the Netherlands after netting just once in 28 appearances as a teenager for Hull City in his previous experience of Premier League football.
And although Altidore realises there is a gulf between the Dutch and English leagues, he is relishing the prospect of leading Sunderland’s line next season.
Altidore told the Echo: “I’m very excited to be back in the Premier League.
“I’m delighted to have this opportunity and I just can’t wait for the league to get started.
“I think I just became a better player in Holland, than the one when I was at Hull.
“On and off-the-ball and linking up with the players around me, I just got better. It’s that simple.
“I’ve become a much more confident player since then.
“The two leagues are completely different, but we’re trying to play football which looks good and hopefully I can score some goals.”
Altidore is one of eight signings added to the first-team squad by Paolo Di Canio, with the Sunderland head coach hoping to add another three.
Florida-born Altidore says such an influx of fresh faces has been challenging, but has been impressed by the way they have been integrated into the fold.
“It’s been difficult with bringing so many players in,” he said.
“But we’ve been working on a lot of different things. There’s a great bunch of guys here.
“(Emanuele) Giaccherini is a very good player and Cabral has been doing some good things.
“We’re all committed to having good times this season.”
Altidore started both of last week’s Barclays Asia Trophy encounters, in Hong Kong, alongside Stephane Sessegnon and the duo look likely to start the Premier League campaign up front together.
But with Steven Fletcher on the way back from injury and both Connnor Wickham and Ji Dong-won in reserve, Altidore is impressed by the range of striking options that Di Canio can call upon.
Altidore added: “Sessegnon is a top, top player. There’s no doubt about it.
“And Connor is a very good player too.
“I think we have a lot of good options there and hopefully Fletcher will be fit soon too.”
CRAIG GARDNER admits he couldn’t envisage making a comeback after 18 months on the sidelines, let alone if he was in his 30s.
The return to fitness of centre-half Wes Brown has been one of the big plus points of Sunderland’s pre-season campaign after the former England international’s career looked to be over.
Brown’s last competitive appearance for Sunderland came in January 2012, with last season marked by a succession of injury setbacks for the 33-year-old.
But Brown has so far come through Sunderland’s pre-season unscathed – completing every training session under Paolo Di Canio and featuring in all four of the Black Cats’ friendlies.
Team-mate Gardner is hopeful that Brown can maintain that level of fitness, but says he has been taken aback by the hunger of the former Manchester United man to continue playing.
Gardner told the Echo: “Wes has done unbelievable during pre-season.
“I’m 26 now and I can’t imagine how tough it is to get back out there after being out for so long.
“The hunger he’s got is unbelievable and every day he’s had a smile on his face.
“After the injuries he’s had, it’s a credit to him for getting back and I just hope that he can stay fit now and play for us.”
Makeshift right-back Gardner lined up alongside Brown in defence during Sunderland’s participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy, in Hong Kong, last week.
And even though Sunderland have brought in eight new players so far this summer, Gardner says Brown’s return has to be considered as an added bonus to that tally.
“The new boys all look good, they’ve settled down really well,” added Gardner.
“But I thought Wes was superb in Hong Kong and he’s like a new signing for us.
“That’s got to be a big boost for the manager and let’s just hope he stays like that.”
LEE CATTERMOLE is not expected to depart the Stadium of Light imminently, despite the midfielder being linked with a £2.5million switch to Fulham.
The Cottagers have emerged as the most serious suitors for Cattermole so far this summer, with Sunderland’s willingness to part company with their skipper becoming increasingly clear.
Premier League new boys Hull City have been linked with Cattermole for several weeks, but ex-Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is not thought to be keen on taking the 25-year-old to the KC Stadium.
Fulham are a far more viable proposition, yet any talks are still at a preliminary stage, with Cattermole not thought to be on the verge of leaving the club.
Cattermole has resumed full training at the Academy of Light this week after knee ligament damage restricted him to just an hour of first-team football in 2013.
But as the Echo reported last week, Paolo Di Canio has refused to confirm whether Cattermole has a future at the club and the player is braced for the exit door.
Sunderland realise though that the problem with offloading Cattermole is his wages after he only penned a new three-year contract at the Stadium of Light in October.
Given his injury record during his four year stay on Wearside too, Sunderland face an uphill task to sell a player who is yet to feature under Di Canio.
If Cattermole does make the move to Craven Cottage, he could be part of a contingent of ex-Sunderland players.
Kieran Richardson made the move to West London last summer, while Fulham are now firm favourites to sign Darren Bent from Aston Villa, with Newcastle reportedly now out of the running.
Fulham remain the likeliest destination for Cattermole’s Sunderland team-mate Phil Bardsley too.
Bardsley has been forced to train with the club’s Under-21s throughout pre-season, yet the Cottagers are still keen to land the full-back in a cut-price deal.
Head coach says club made friends during Hong Kong trip.
Paolo Di Canio has praised his players’ “professional” attitude after the Black Cats were welcomed with open arms in Hong Kong.
Sunderland were popular with the local fans at the Barclays Asia Trophy last week and reached the final before suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
The players were mobbed following an open training session and enjoyed vocal backing from the crowd during the matches, particularly the final.
And Di Canio feels Sunderland have won more than a few friends in the Far East after witnessing how his players behaved and the locals’ reaction to them.
“It means our players, our group our club did a good job not just in playing football but how we behaved outside of the football environment,” he explained.
“We have a big name to protect, the dignity of this club and I heard that any fans the local area supported us because our players were very kind; they gave their time.
“They were professional, not behaving like fake stars – that made me proud and the club has to be proud too.
“Rather than hear some bad story, there is an environment where we can make the fans proud because this is the way to behave.
“We are a top club and an example for others.”