News/Chat/Talk/Signings - In the end zone - in the six
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland who play in the Premier League. Since its formation in 1879, the club has won six First Division titles—in 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, and 1936—and the FA Cup twice, in 1937 and 1973.
Gus Poyet committed to Sunderland as plans are made in case of relegation
Gus Poyet has admitted that Sunderland have to 'plan for all eventualities' as they battle for Premier League survival, and has pledged his future to the club even if they do go down.
The Black Cats are embroiled in a scrap to stay up and are currently bottom of the table, seven points from safety, ahead of Monday's meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Sunderland do have up to three games in hand on many of their fellow strugglers and Poyet is convinced his men can still beat the drop.
However, the Uruguayan recognises that it would be a mistake not to plan for the worst-case scenario and has made it clear that he would still be committed to the club if they suffer relegation.
"I've got a contract here and I always plan ahead. I'm unselfish like that - I plan two or three years ahead," Poyet, who signed a two-year deal when he succeeded Paolo Di Canio in October, said in the Sunday Mirror.
"It's not just about now. If I didn't plan ahead, in three years' time - if I'm still here - I will blame myself for not doing it.
"I was talking to (new sporting director) Lee Congerton. He told me a couple of things he was doing, and I was tempted to click on the plan for pre-season in the Championship and have a look.
"We've not put anything in place for that yet, but if people say you're planning for games in the Championship, you're expecting to be there.
"I'm not, but you have to have an element of realism. We need to start planning for all eventualities."
---
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Monday April 7, 2014, kick-off 20.00 (BST)
Team News
Emmanuel Adebayor is back in contention for Tottenham's clash with Premier League strugglers Sunderland on Monday, although Roberto Soldado and Jan Vertonghen are out.
The Togolese striker has missed the last three matches with a gashed heel and hamstring problem, while Vlad Chiriches and Paulinho are also back in contention.
Soldado and Vertonghen are unavailable after sustaining injuries in last weekend's defeat at Liverpool, while Kyle Walker, Erik Lamela and Étienne Capoue remain absent.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, meanwhile, has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Monday night's difficult Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham.
The Uruguayan's biggest problem will be to find the best XI to attempt to return from White Hart Lane with something to show for their efforts, after admitting he may have made a mistake in starting Monday's 2-1 home defeat by West Ham with leading scorer Adam Johnson sitting on the bench.
Striker Steven Fletcher is yet to be ruled out for the season with an ankle injury, but he remains some way from fitness, while keeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) is still missing.
Match Notes
By the time Sunderland arrive at White Hart Lane on Monday they could be bottom of the Premier League and, some would argue, should have even fewer points given the revelation that they fielded Ji Dong-won in four games when he was ineligible.
Tottenham won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in December to keep them sixth, a position they remain in but with Manchester United edging closing.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is a well-liked figure in N17 following his days both as a player and coach at Spurs, but that popularity may dip if he leads the Black Cats to an unlikely victory.