Let's teach you faggots something actually worth chanting to:
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!"
>>203
Times have changed. Hahahahahaha did you see arsenal celebrating their 4th spot finish
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-02 13:47
>>201 You know who you are, the plastic Arsenal 'fans' that ride the glory and glamour train and who have no association with the football club whatsoever.
Never having to watch your team struggle for cash or survival, scratching around for players and staff, just watching 'your club' spending millions. If it wan't for REAL supporters there'd only be a few clubs and what a state football would be in . You plastic jokers make me sick tbh, you're not real football fans, just glory hunting jokers with your new Newcastle 1992 club.
To the majority of you, grow up and support you local team FFS!
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-02 13:52
Was arguing with an Arsenal Glory Hunter mate about our two clubs. I believed Arsenal could possibly be sinking lower, he naturally disagreed. He seemed to think Champions League qualification was automatically theirs but I said what if they don't finish in the top 4? He replied with such confidence that they'll "probably win the Europa League" - all Arsenal fans think they're entitled to success even though they haven't had any success (relative to Man Utd's, Chelsea's etc) in the past.
Then you have United fans these past few days: 8th of May - "Moyes is a rubbish manager with no experience", 9th May after his announcement as manager - "He's a great manager, done well with Everton" etc.
Since my Arsenal Glory Hunter mate had the cheek to call Liverpool fans delusional, it got me thinking; which top 7's fans are the most delusional?
Is it Arsenal's who still think they're the invincible? Or fickle United fans who's fanbase mainly comprises of glory hunters? Or could it be us, Toffees, Spuds, City, Newcastle or Chelsea fans?
I personally believe Arsenal Glory Hunters are by far the worst, but I'd like to know what you guys think!
STEPHANE SESSEGNON wants to stay at Sunderland and be part of the Paolo Di Canio revolution.
Sunderland have been willing to part company with Sessegnon this summer, despite the Benin international only penning a new contract at the Stadium of Light last August.
It is the second successive summer where Sessegnon’s Sunderland future has been in doubt, with the speculation affecting the 29-year-old’s form during the opening few months of last season.
But Sessegnon, who started Saturday’s Barclays Asia Trophy final defeat to Manchester City, is enjoying life under Paolo Di Canio and insists he is fully focused on the Black Cats.
Sessegnon told the Echo: “The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I’m happy at Sunderland. We’ve 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’s form last season wasn’t helped by his lack of pre-season action either after he failed to feature in any of Sunderland’s friendlies under Martin O’Neill.
But the former Paris St-Germain forward has started all four of Sunderland’s pre-season encounters so far and is encouraged by the club’s preparations for the Premier League campaign.
“It’s a very important time, you need to have a pre-season,” he said.
“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’ve had a good pre-season, with a lot of good players coming.
“That’s made everyone work hard in training and we’ve got a strong mentality too among the players.
“It looks good already for the start of the season.”
Sunderland suffered their first pre-season defeat on Saturday after Edin Dzeko’s ninth minute opener proved sufficient for City in dreadful conditions in the Hong Kong Stadium.
Sessegnon added: “It’s always difficult when you play against a team like Man City, but then everyone could see the pitch too.
“I know it’s the same for the two teams, but we gave everything.
“Unfortunately, there was no chance for the team to win.
“We didn’t create many chances, but City played well. They were compact and they defended together. It was difficult for us.
“Pre-season has been hard, but it’s good.
“We’ve played four games, won three and lost one.
“Let’s hope it continues like that because we have 19 days or so until the season starts.
“If we continue to work well, we’ll be ready to start the season strongly.”
New Sunderland signing Jozy Altidore believes that his time in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar will be beneficial, according to Sky Sports, as he returns to the Premier League after a disappointing spell with Hull City in the 2009/10 season.
The United States international failed to make an impression with the Tigers, scoring just two goals in 30 appearances as the club was relegated. However, he has been prolific with Alkmaar over the previous two seasons, scoring an impressive 51 goals in 93 games in all competitions.
And after that successful spell, Altidore hopes to impress in the Premier League at the second attempt. He said: “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.
Altidore is one of several players brought in this summer by Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, as the Italian looks to shape his squad for his first full season in charge. Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini, and Lazio defender Modibo Diakite are among his other new recruits.
PAOLO DI CANIO says it is impossible for his training regime to go overboard during pre-season.
Sunderland’s players landed back in England this morning after a draining week-long stay in Hong Kong, with Di Canio’s men due to resume training at the Academy of Light on Wednesday.
After overseeing a 10-day boot camp in Italy earlier this month, Di Canio continued to work his players hard in the Far East, with daily double training sessions - plus two games on the dreadful Hong Kong Stadium pitch.
But Di Canio says his players cannot do enough at this stage of the campaign, as he attempts to fine-tune their fitness for the start of the Premier League in 19 days time.
Di Canio said: “Is it possible to over-train players? At this stage, no.
“I found with some players last year that they were under-training.
“It is not at the end of the season where you have played many games.
“It is only the beginning and they’ve come from 40 days off so you can’t over-train.
“We have to be careful because we have the plan with our fitness coach.
“But we know that we can pay the price now because we want to be sharp.
“It’s obvious that when we start the season officially after one or two games, we can use our energy in the right way.
“You have to fight sometimes with your demons because if you didn’t have this habit before, the brain thinks ‘what is going on?’.
“But it is important that we are sharp in 19 days time.”
Despite Sunderland suffering a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Saturday’s Barclays Asia Trophy final, Di Canio insists he was more than happy with the efforts of his players.
And the Black Cats head coach was particularly relieved to his senior statesmen come through the game unscathed after Manchester City centre-half Matija Nastasic was stretchered off from a dreadful surface.
“I’ve seen two teams who’ve lost one player to injury – one for an ankle problem (Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen) and one who came off on Saturday,” added Di Canio.
“I just kept my fingers crossed and the grandads like John O’Shea and Wes Brown, they played 90 minutes which means our pre-season is a good medicine.
“I said that we want to play when we’ve got the chance, but it was obviously more difficult on that kind of field.
“In general, we have done a good job.
“The opponents are one of the best clubs in the world in terms of individuals, so I’m more than satisfied.
“There was a good spirit and attitude, especially in the first quarter of an hour. We had three or four potential chances.
“With the first chance for them, the goal came.
“I’m not happy, because you never are if you lose. But I’m happy with my players.”
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says his players are "an example to others" and praised their professional attitude following the side's recent pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
Sunderland beat Spurs in the semi-final of the Barclays Asia Trophy before suffering defeat against Manchester City in the final.
The Sunderland squad was mobbed after they held an open training session, and enjoyed vocal backing from the crowd during their matches.
Paolo Di Canio told the club's official website: "Our club did a good job, not just in playing football but how we behaved outside of the football environment.
“We have a big name to protect, the dignity of this club and I heard that many of the local fans 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.
Sunderland transfer window so far: Downgraded keeper but overall success
With one month left till the close of the transfer window we take a look at The Black Cats’ efforts in the market so far.
Sunderland... At least I have plenty to write about hey?
Players signed
Paolo di Canio, when not busy whipping his boys into shape, has been reshaping his team from top to bottom.
Emmanuel Giaccherini has to be the marquee signing of the bunch. At £6.5 million, the Italian international comes at a snip from Juventus.
Some of their best business has however been utilising the Bosman ruling.
Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite are good defensive additions, while Cabral could prove to be one of the Premier League’s bargain buys.
El-Hadji Ba looks a promising talent, and Jozy Altidore will be charged with getting the goals like he did at AZ Alkmaar - not with Hull City.
Vito Mannone has come in as the new number one stopper from Arsenal, and has looked impressive in pre-season.
And little known quantity David Karlsson also looks a promising talent - especially from dead-ball situations.
It certainly has been a rebuilding stage, as the Italian looks to bring in players he feels can play his style of football in the Premier League.
Wes Brown’s return from injury also acts as basically a new arrival.
Ones that got away and those to come
Sunderland pulled out of a deal for Charis Mavrias of Panathinaikos this week, but are still being linked with the signature of Zdravko Kuzmanovic from Inter Milan.
It is an interesting pursuit, as many Premier League teams chase his signature.
The club did miss out on promising left-back Bernard Mendy who instead went to Marseille - so there may be scope for a left-back to arrive still this summer.
Those who have left
In terms of those that got away only one was really wanted.
Simon Mignolet has joined Liverpool for £9 million and that will obviously be a loss.
Other than that, the players to have been moved on seem to be those not in the plans of Di Canio.
Danny Graham, Alfred N’Diaye and Ahmed Elmohamady have all left - as have the deadwood in Titus Brable and Matthew Kilgallon - two players that have been punching above their weight for a while now.
Others could follow, with James McClean, Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley in particular linked with an exit.
So expect more new faces to boot.
Grade so far: C
A solid rebuilding session at the club but losing Mignolet for Mannone is a definite dip in quality.
That being said Altidore, Giaccherini and Cabral look quality signings that should steer them away from relegation troubles this season.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-05 17:33
This dude makes some good copy/pasta!
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!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-06 15:16
>>213
HA HA SHITTYASSHOLES SAME MANAGER, SAME MID TABLE JERK OFFS, HAHA ASSHOLENILS SUCK MAJOR DICKS!!!!!
Name:
anon2013-08-06 15:18
LONDON FAGGOTS, CRAPPY PLAYERS, CRAPPY CLUB, SHITTY FANS....
Sunderland have accepted a bid from Championship side Wigan for winger James McClean, Sky Sports sources understand.
The 24-year-old looks surplus to requirements under Paolo Di Canio's regime, having previously starred under Martin O'Neill.
McClean joined Sunderland in 2011, signed by Steve Bruce, but injuries meant he never got to play under him before his departure and instead he was blooded by O'Neill.
The former Derry City man made a stunning impact and was tied down to a new-long term deal in early 2012.
However, after a brilliant debut campaign, things did not work out last season and he appears to not be in the plans of Di Canio, who is ready to let him leave after already bringing in nine new faces this summer.
Wigan have now made their move and have had a bid accepted as Owen Coyle looks to further bolster their promotion push back to the Premier League.
It is understood that at least two more clubs have an interest in McClean.
Sunderland have promised us a season of excitement and uncertainty with Paolo Di Canio wanting to win silverware
If there is one thing you can predict with any degree of confidence about Sunderland this season, it is they will be unpredictable.
Not only do they have a manager in Paolo Di Canio who has never conformed to the norm, either as a player or a coach, they also have a completely new team thanks to a bold rebuilding project led by their new director of football Roberto De Fanti.
Sunderland have signed eight players in this transfer window and are not finished yet. Di Canio was far from impressed with the quality of the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill – although to be fair to his predecessor he had already told owner Ellis Short he needed to completely overhaul it before he was sacked back in March – or their professionalism.
He wanted to make the team his own and has done, with the help of De Fanti, who has been responsible for identifying the players Di Canio will try to mould into a competitive Premier League team who will – and this is how he will be judged – not be haunted by their usual relegation fears.
Of the new arrivals, American striker Jozy Altidore, who was prolific in Holland with AZ Alkmaar, and Italy international Emanuel Giaccherini, who has arrived from Juventus, are the best known. The rest are a collection of Bosman-style free transfers and foreign youngsters with potential, but no Premier League experience
.
A quick scout of the pre-season guides and there are plenty of people who fear Sunderland are going to struggle once more this season. Then again, they are easy targets.
Since returning to the Premier League in 2007, Sunderland have really only had one campaign where they were not in any sort of relegation danger. That came with Steve Bruce as manager in 2011, when they finished tenth.
They are no longer perceived as a yo-yo club, perhaps, but they are perennial strugglers who begin each campaign knowing the primary objective is to preserve their top flight status.
Di Canio, though, is determined to change that. He did not come to Sunderland to maintain the status quo. He has come to win things.
Some may snigger at that suggestion, but Di Canio, for all of his charisma and quirkiness, is not out to amuse anyone.
There is much about the Italian that entertains, but there is also no questioning his motivation or his desire to be successful. Di Canio will demand every single one of his players gives his all to the cause. He will expect total dedication to him and the team. He will constantly remind his players that every individual should be striving to improve.
His methods are unorthodox and there have already been problems in the dressing room as a result. Several of the players he took charge of last season have expressed their dismay at the strict new regime and complained about the way they are treated and spoken about. Those that have done, are no longer part of his plans.
Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon have been released. Right-back Phil Bardsley has been told he will not play for the club again while Di Canio is manager, while the club captain under Bruce and O’Neill, Lee Cattermole, has also been ostracised and told he will be no more than a squad player if he digs his heels in and stays on Wearside.
There are some who warn of implosion; that Di Canio is too abrasive, too confrontational and too volatile to cope with millionaire footballers and their fragile egos. They predict the dressing room dissent will quickly undermine him, prompting criticism he will not be able to handle in the media and, ultimately, his demise.
Crucially, though, the club’s supporters are not among them. Di Canio’s style has been embraced, not resisted. The cult of the leader, he so carefully nurtures, celebrated.
Di Canio is the star name and the star attraction at the Stadium of Light and he begins his first full season as manager with the full support of the board above him and – despite the initial division caused by his previous association with Italian fascism – the supporters around him. That is vital because he rules with absolute authority.
Sunderland should also be applauded for not playing safe with their choice of manager, just as owner Short should be commended for backing him in the transfer market this summer.
Having gone for two obvious candidates in Bruce and O’Neill, Short felt he needed to take more of a gamble. It might back fire, yet it could also pay off spectacularly if Di Canio is as good as he thinks he is.
The point is, we don’t know how things will pan out, but we know it is going to be exciting finding out.
For all of its hype, the Premier League has become too predictable. Dare I say it, it has even become a little boring for clubs like Sunderland who have become stuck in a rut battling for survival. Di Canio is the type of character who could change that with the sheer force of his personality.
He did a good job at Swindon, getting them promoted from League Two and leaving them in the play-off places last season.
His critics will point out he did so by spending more than £4m – a vast amount for a lower league club – and quit before the tide turned in order to preserve his reputation. The extravagant budget he enjoyed at Swindon has been cut in half since he departed, walking in protest at the sale of one of his best players in a bid to help balance the books.
Di Canio went through 48 players in less than two years in Wiltshire. He will not be able to do the same at Sunderland.
He has got the new players he wanted and he has the backing he needs, but eventually he will have to make the most of what he has got at his disposal.
That’s the challenge, but is one that promises to enthral like never before at the Stadium of Light.
McClean on brink of joining Wigan's crusade to get back to the top flight after Sunderland accept £2m bid for winger
Wigan have had an £2million offer accepted for Sunderland winger James McClean.
Blackburn were also reportedly interested in the Republic of Ireland international but Latics manager Owen Coyle looks to have got his man.
Coyle said before the bid was accepted: 'We're chasing one very good player as we speak.
'Whether we're able to get him in remains to be seen, but I'm certainly not finished adding to the quality we have here.'
On the chances of losing some of his key men, the boss added: ‘We know that rival clubs are more than aware of the quality we have at this football club.
‘All I can do as a manager is prepare them for the games and concentrate on that. Everything else is out of our control, but we still haven't even had an enquiry for any of our players let alone a firm bid.
‘As a manager, I am comfortable with that but, like anything else, we are always looking to plan ahead. And I am looking to add to the squad, not dismantle it.’
Wigan's 10 summer signings
If they complete the move for James McClean, Wigan would have nearly bought a whole teams-worth of players in the transfer window.
Leon Barnett (Norwich, £500,000) Juan Carlos García (Olimpia Tegucigalpa, free), Grant Holt (Norwich, £4m), Marc-Antoine Fortuné (West Brom, free), Scott Carson (Bursaspor £700,000), James Perch (Newcastle, £700,000), Thomas Rogne (Celtic, free), Chris McCann (Burnley, free), Stephen Crainey (Blackpool, free), James McClean (Sunderland, £2m)
Premier League - Sunderland, Besiktas to battle for Kozak
Lazio striker Libor Kozak is expected to be the subject of a bidding war between Besiktas and Sunderland.
The Biancocelesti forward is not part of Vladimir Petkovic’s plans for the coming season, and is likely to be shown the exit door at Stadio Olimpico.
As such, according to Calcio News the 24-year-old could be on his way to either Turkey or England.
Besiktas have already submitted a loan bid for the goalscorer, with the right to sign outright – but that has been rejected by president Claudio Lotito.
Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland are also another option for the Czech Republic international, and they could be on the verge of making a €6m (£5.1m) offer.
The midfielder rubbished suggestions of a fall-out despite the fact he has joined Eskisehirspor on loan, having only arrived from Bursaspor in a £3.8 million deal in January
Alfred N'Diaye has dismissed claims he fell out with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio after he left the club on loan, having only arrived in January.
The midfielder joined the club during the winter transfer window for £3.8 million from Bursaspor but lost his place in the team following the appointment of Paolo Di Canio in March.
The 23-year-old completed a move to Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan last month but says it has nothing to do with a bust-up with the Black Cats manager.
"There was no problem with the coach," N'Diaye told the Sunderland Echo.
"We talked about my expectations because I need playing time. I'm at an age where I need to play, so it was agreed to my loan and I chose Turkey.
"After the half-season I spent at Sunderland, starting on the bench was not what I wanted.
"I am only 23, but you must play every week to progress. I could have stayed at Sunderland, but I preferred the loan."
The move sees N'Diaye reunited with his former coach at Bursaspor, Ertugrul Saglam, who is now in charge at Eskisehirspor.
He added: "I had several offers, but it is this one in Turkey that gave me the most motivation.
"I know the coach, I spoke with him and he is counting on me for the upcoming season. This offer guaranteed me the most playing time."
Liverpool to beat Sunderland to Aly Cissokho after deal for Lorenzo Melgarejo collapses
LIVERPOOL have agreed terms with Valencia's Aly Cissokho over a one year loan deal with the option of a permanent transfer.
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool stepped up their interest in the French international after a deal for Benfica's Lorenzo Melgarejo fell through, quashing Sunderland's hopes of luring Cissoko to the Stadium of light.
It is thought that Liverpool will pay Valencia €1m (£870,000) for the initial loan period with an option to sign the player permanently at the end of the season for €4m (£3.5m).
Cissokho will now compete with Jose Enrique for the starting left-back spot in Brendan Rodgers' team.
The signing brings the end to a summer-long search for reinforcements down the left for Liverpool with Brendan Rodgers on the record as acknowledging the position is an area that needed strengthening.
Late last month Rodgers said: "There are obviously certain areas of the squad where we're a bit thinner than others.
"We probably need a bit more support - that extra bit of quality - at the top end of the field and that's something we'll look out for.
"That'll be mixed with needing cover in the left-back position - that's something we're looking at. It's not really about numbers, it's about quality.
"If we can do that over the next number of weeks we'll be happy."
Liverpool thought they had addressed the problem after reaching an agreement with Benfica over Lorenzo Melgarejo, only for the deal for the one-cap Paraguayan to collapse over an inability to secure a work permit.
The news comes as a blow to Sunderland who had hoped for better news on Cissokho after a deal for Argentine full-back Gino Peruzzi was scuppered after the player failed a medical, leaving the out-of-favour Phil Bardsley as the only specialist full-back on the Black Cats' books.
Southampton & Sunderland Battle it Out In Pursuit Of Senegal Striker Moussa Sow
St Mary’s and Stadium of Light sides both keen on Fenerbahce forward.
Sunderland and Southampton are battling it out for the signing of Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow, reports the Daily Star.
Both Premier League clubs are keen on signing the Senegalese forward this summer as they look to strengthen their squads to avoid the drop this season. The former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund target has impressed since his move to Turkey and has often been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Sunderland having already signed striker Jozy Altidore this summer from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, are still looking to add one more forward this summer before the start of the season, but would need to offload one of their current forwards. Ji Dong-Won would be the likely candidate to leave the club, as well as Connor Wickham, who could leave on loan again this summer.
Manager Paolo Di Canio is desperate to add some real quality to his side this season, having already signed 11 players, including the likes of Modibo Diakite from Lazio and Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus, the 27-year old striker would round off a great summers work in the North East, the Black Cats have already had a £12million bid turned down for Sow this summer, but are willing to improve that offer.
Southampton are also keen on Moussa Sow, as they search for a strike partner for Rickie Lambert. Manager Mauricio Pochettino must offload a number of strikers before he signs Sow this summer, with the likes of Billy Sharp, Tadinari Lee and Emmanuel Mayuka all being made available for transfer this summer.
David Vaughan can leave Sunderland AFC for £1million
Sunderland have stated that Welsh International David Vaughan can leave the club for around £1million. The midfielder has only one-year remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light and the club have made potential suitors aware of his valuation.
Vaughan joined Sunderland from Blackpool two years ago but has never been able to firmly establish himself as a first-team regular at the club. The 30-year-old has been used only sparingly and has managed to make only 36 Premier League appearances in his two seasons at the club.
It has been believed that Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is interested in bringing Vaughan to Selhurst Park. The pair know each other from their time together at Blackpool.
Vaughan started his career at Crewe Alexandra and made 185 appearances for the club. He then moved to Spain signing for Real Sociedad but had an unhappy spell at the club and returned to England with Blackpool. The midfielder helped the Seasiders achieve promotion to the Premier League. Despite suffering relegation back to the Championship the following season, Vaughan managed to impress and signed for Sunderland in 2011.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has made a massive overhaul to Sunderland squad this summer sanctioning the departures of Matthew Kigallon, Simon Mignolet, Ahmed Elmohamady, Ryan Noble, Ben Wilson, Titus Bramble, Adam Reed, Alfred N’Diaye and Kader Mangane.
RYHOPE CW return to Wearside League action with tonight’s visit to Boldon CA, writes MALCOLM PRATT.
The Wearsiders, with Martin Swales still in charge, were without a fixture on opening day as they start back on familiar territory after being demoted out of the Northern League.
Ryhope, outstanding quadruple winners in the Wearside League in 2010/11 and 2011/12 and runners-up in the Northern League’s Second Division last term, are hot favourites for the title.
“We were all disappointed at being relegated from the Northern League, but the majority of last season’s squad have re-signed,” said recently appointed secretary George McKitterick, who stood down from a similar role with the Wearside League in the summer.
“There is a very good and positive atmosphere and we aim to return to the Northern League as soon as possible, hopefully at the end of this season.”
Boldon CA were surprisingly crushed in their first match at Redcar Athletic, but they expected to be much stronger tonight and are confident of having a new goalkeeper in place.
Assistant manager Steve Halliday had to step in at the last minute on Saturday. Six players have returned from holiday and are added to the squad.
Ashbrooke Belford House, with Asa Dobbing taking over from his father Tommy as joint manager, alongside Paul Robertson, are optimistic of a successful season.
Dobbing said: “We re-signed the majority of last season’s squad and have added Shaun Petch and Dean Arkley, both signed from Ryhope CW, to a strong pool.
“We lost Luke Olabode to Consett and goalkeeper Brett Wilson joined Harton and Westoe, but Paul and I believe we are strong enough to do well.”
Belford are at Jarrow tonight minus Kenny Taylor, Mark Egglestone and Steven Bogie, but Alan Young and Jake Moan return.
Jarrow miss Peter Kane, Brian Johnson, Ross Toward, Dean Black and Liam Bayles and a doubt surrounds David Conroy, but Ryan Burton is available.
New Sunderland West End manager Andy Colledge has Paul Milner and Mark Langley pencilled in for the debuts at Seaton Carew. Ross Kennedy is also available, but Lee Smith is a definite absentee.
Horden CW, fresh from an opening 5-0 win, will almost certainly field an unchanged side at Leam Rangers, who have midfielders Gordon Hutchinson and Nicky Langston back.
However, strikers Leon Kane and Anthony Thompson, who missed the opening game, are again very doubtful.
Coxhoe Athletic have a long trip to Cleator Moor and assistant manager Paul Charlton reports that captain Stephen Parnaby, Jonathon Hornsby, Michael Hillary, Mark Watson, Brad Cane, Chris Baxter, Neil Charlton, Kyle Scott, Michael Graham, Robert Tones, James Laidler and Ben Haddock are all unable to make the journey.
Tang Van Ngujen is doubtful, but Charlton hopes that Kyle Wren, Stephen Clough and Callum Walton will be able to play.
“The situation is so bad that we’ll be trying to recruit players before we set out. It may be I’ll have to turn out myself,” bemoaned Charlton.
Sunderland new boy will go from "strength to strength"
Emanuele Giaccherini will go from “strength to strength” at Sunderland - says Adam Johnson
Emanuele Giaccherini will go from “strength to strength” at Sunderland - says Adam Johnson.
The £6.5 million summer signing from Juventus has already impressed in pre-season friendlies against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, after penning a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
He and Johnson are set to figure in the Black Cats’ third and final warm-up game against FC Midtjylland in Denmark tonight.
Paolo Di Canio has spent the close season urging his new side to switch play between opposite flanks at pace, allowing full-backs and wingers to dovetail.
And Johnson said: “Last season it was tight when you were getting the ball and there were a lot of numbers around individuals, but I think if we can switch the ball quickly like we’ve been working on as well, it gives the opponents less time to get across.
“You can face the opponents up then and he (Giaccherini) likes to play out wide as well, so hopefully we’re going to stretch teams.
“He’s everything you’d expect from that type of player, that’s what he’s like. His technique’s good, he can see a pass, he’s clever like most Italian attackers. I think he’s only going to get stronger as well when he plays a few games.
“He’s not scared of the physical side of it. Against Tottenham (in Hong Kong) he put a tackle in on Kyle Walker early on when a lot of players probably would have shied away. He got going and got stuck in.”
Johnson added: “If you look at all the top teams in the world, the full-backs are the wingers these days.
“You very rarely see wingers standing right out wide these days, especially in top teams. The full-backs are the ones who cross the ball most on the pitch. That’s the way modern football’s going.”
DARREN Bent could return to the Stadium of Light on the opening day of the season, with Fulham hopeful of concluding a deal for the ex-Sunderland striker.
The Cottagers have been battling it out with Newcastle United for Bent this summer and have seen two bids rejected by Aston Villa for the 29-year-old.
Villa are holding out for £6million for Bent, even though the England international has played no part in the first-team’s pre-season programme.
But Fulham boss Martin Jol, who brings his side to Wearside on August 17, is hopeful of concluding a deal for the former Sunderland favourite this week.
Jol said today: “I don’t speculate on things that are not 100 per cent.
“With Darren Bent, hopefully we can tell you something by the end of the week.”
STEPHANE Sessegnon has no idea what team Paolo Di Canio will select for tonight’s final pre-season game, against Midtjylland in Denmark (5pm kick-off).
But he says there is no doubt that the head coach has options he didn’t have going into the close season – and nowhere more so than in attack.
“It’s good for the team that we’ve got a variety of strikers,” the 29-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain man told the Echo.
“We need every player for the team.
“The more good players you have to help the team then the better it is for me, for everybody.
“This season, we have more ambition than last year and we need the whole squad.”
The arrival of in-form United States international Jozy Altidore has given everyone a boost, while with South Korean striker Ji Dong-won having impressed so much in pre-season, following his successful loan at Augsburg last term, he might have played his way into Di Canio’s long-term plans.
And as well as Connor Wickham and Sessegnon himself, there’s also the impending return from injury of last season’s leading scorer, Steven Fletcher.
Sessegnon is a big fan of the Scotland international’s predatory goal-scoring ability and is looking forward to having him back in the side, believing the ex-Wolves and Burnley man has plenty more goals in him.
“It’s important because Steven Fletcher is a good player,” he said.
“I don’t know when he will be back, but every player is important for us.
“When Steven Fletcher is back, he’ll be good.”
Of the new arrivals, the exciting attacking potential of winger Emanuele Giaccherini has caught Sessegnon’s eye. And the Benin international believes that the Italian – like himself – will prove adept at unlocking Premier League defences.
“He’s just come in, but he works well for the team already,” he observed.
“He’s got a lot of talent, so it’s a positive for us.”
Paolo Di Canio has named his side for Sunderland’s final pre-season game ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will start at the MCH Arena, with summer signing Valentin Roberge also handed a place in the starting line-up.
Fans will also be hoping to get a glimpse of Modibo Diakite, who is on the bench for this evening’s clash, after missing out on the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament in Hong Kong.
Keep up with the game on Twitter by following @SAFCOfficial
Sunderland Plan to Hijack Fulham Move for Uruguayan Midfielder
Black Cats aim to steal a march on the Cottagers in race to land Serie A defensive midfield player.
Sunderland are hoping to hijack Fulham’s move for unwanted Napoli midfield player Walter Gargano this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The experienced Uruguay international had been expected to sign for the west London club last week, with his agent Alessandro Lucci even due in the capital for talks with Cottagers head coach Martin Jol.
However, it is now understood that Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is hoping to steal a march on his Premier League rivals by persuading the 29-year-old to move to the Stadium of Light instead during the close-season transfer window.
Gargano has been told by his current employers in Serie A that he is now surplus to requirements in Naples going forward, and as such should find himself a new club next season after spending the previous campaign out on loan with Italian giants Inter Milan.
The holding midfield player featured in 36 matches in total in all competitions for Inter in the previous campaign, including in 27 Serie A contests for the club, however, the Uruguayan was then sent back to Napoli at the conclusion to his season-long loan spell last May.
But Gargano could now soon find himself playing in the north east next season if Di Canio gets his wish.