Keane Signs Players/Sunderland Thread

[Jazz 16]

Edit: 20th Aug: Confirmed Signings: Chimbonda, Tainio, Diouf, Healy, Cisse, Colgan and Malbranque.
Great work Keano.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/07/24/manual_165427.html
Kaboul and Tainio sign.


Looks like Keano is finalising deals for 4 Spurs players-Kaboul, Malbranque,
Chimbonda and Tainio.
Tainio is a done deal and it looks like Kaboul has been sorted as well.
Chimbonda is also very interested in playing for Keane.
Sunderland are looking to consolidate their place in the league and
personally I think all four are excellent signings for Sunderland.
They will all help and probably even walk into the first team as well, most of them.

Im sure people will say its crap business again from Roy but I think he's done
well albeit a bit expensive.

So what do you lot think? Good or bad business from Roy?

[marty davidson]

i dont think Tanio is any good

[TheManc]

Lol the thread title is a bit misleading.

I think its great business by Keane. I think Chimbonda, Malbranque (sp?) and are good players, Kaboul and Tainio I can't remember them doing much so I can't comment on.

Aslong as Keane hasn't spent too much money then they will definately improve Sunderland.

[marty davidson]

Lol the thread title is a bit misleading.

I think its great business by Keane. I think Chimbonda, Malbranque (sp?) and are good players, Kaboul and Tainio I can't remember them doing much so I can't comment on.

Aslong as Keane hasn't spent too much money then they will definately improve Sunderland.


yes Chimbonda and Malbranque r good

[Jazz 16]

i dont think Tanio is any good

He is combative, energetic and can play at bit. He also has great international
experience with 40 odd caps for Finland. He is definitely underrated but still did
ok at Spurs. He was always a consistent performer and always gave his all.
I think he will do well at Sunderland. They need an experienced man with a
decent engine in the middle. He can also fill in where needed.

Even Kaboul is underrated. He failed to really settle but we saw a few glimpses
during the season. he is still very young (21 maybe22). I believe he captained
France U21's team. So if he settles and gets a regular game (which he should
at Sunderland) he will progress very nicely.

Malbranque and Chimbonda would be fantastic signings. Chelsea and teams
in Spain were looking to get him only a year ago. He has the quality which we
saw at Wigan and generally for Spurs.

[abojodeh]

Tainio is great signing
he can do very well at sunderland and
i hope he do

[sparkic]

He is combative, energetic and can play at bit. He also has great international
experience with 40 odd caps for Finland. He is definitely underrated but still did
ok at Spurs. He was always a consistent performer and always gave his all.
I think he will do well at Sunderland. They need an experienced man with a
decent engine in the middle. He can also fill in where needed.

Even Kaboul is underrated. He failed to really settle but we saw a few glimpses
during the season. he is still very young (21 maybe22). I believe he captained
France U21's team. So if he settles and gets a regular game (which he should
at Sunderland) he will progree very nicely.

Malbranque and Chimbonda would be fantastic signings. Chelsea and teams
in Spain were looking to get him only a year ago. He has the quality which we
saw at Wigan and generally for Spurs.

Top Class post and I agree with each word ;)

I think Keano did a good job as he bought epl experience and quality players who work hard and also some who have potential to be really good (Kaboul). Kaboul in particular is a good signing imo as well as Chimbonda and Malbranque. Tanio as well should be a good addition.

[Keanos Magic Hat]

Tainio and Malbranque will be good acquisitions.

Im not too sure about Kabul, at Spurs he seemed more interested in attacking and scoring goals rather than the nitty gritty of defending...He is young for a centre half so has time on his side but I think it would be major step down in quality from Evans when Roy needs to be strengthening his team..

I just dont like Chimbonda attitude...he is a footballing mercenary-his behaviour at both Wigan ( handed in a transfer request before crucial final league match) and Spurs ( at the carling Cup Final. i would much rather the commitment of Phil Bardsley at right full especially as Sunderland are going to be up against it in a lot of games. Keane talks a lot about character...I think Chimbondas is questionable

[Jazz 16]

^^^ good point about Chimbonda. Doesnt seem like the most savoury of fella's.
but if anyone can whip him into shape it's Keano. He can play anywhere
across the back four so Id nearly expect to see him at centre back.
Sunderland need something better than McShane and Higginbottom
at centre back and both Kaboul and Chimbonda are just that. Although Nyron
will start there with one of them. Roy needs them to do a job. If they start
moaning or giving out they will be right out that door again.

I think they are 4 very good signings, especially for a team like them.

[eoininho]

when i 1st heard the news i thought keano had finally lost it, he tends to go for the available players.. but on second thought these are pretty good signings.

Malbranque will give them some1 to play with Reid in midfield and open up defences

Tainio is a solid player with a lot of international caps and that cant be underestimated he'll give them a holding player in the midfield and oust the mediocre millers, etutu and whatever other muck he has

Chimbonda brings a bit of baggage but he is a good player, im dissapointed however for Bardsley

Kaboul is a prospect, I think Keane could more so do with a very experienced Premiership centre half, I honestly think some1 like Hyypia or Sol Campble would be ideal!

interesting that Kaboul originally stated he wouldn move to the N East if there was an earth quake.. id be interested to know whether he was tempted by what Keane said or what Keane offered in terms of Money!

[cjl_safcfan]

great signings if we can get them...

but it looks like we will only get tainio and chimbonda.
kaboul said he wouldnt come here even if there was an earthquake or something like that. all malbranque talk has died down. also, villa have put an undisclosed bid in for kaboul... hopefully tottenham turns him down and kaboul makes his mind up(he asked for more time to think)

also, rumours of another tottenham player(bent) have been flying round sunderland

[Jazz 16]

also, rumours of another tottenham player(bent) have been flying round sunderland

That will never happen. They are resigned to losing Keane and Berbatov,
just sold Defoe a while back so they wont be getting rid of Bent. No way.

Bad news on the Kaboul front. Looks like Villa had a bid accepted so its now
up to the player. Cant see him picking Sunderland now, especially after the
earthquake comments (the ****).

2 out of 4 aint too bad I guess....

[cjl_safcfan]

specially when in the last few days we've signed two irish fellas

[reddwarf]

Malbranque would be a good signing.

Chimbonda can be moody so he'll have to watch out with Keano around but he has always been a solid full-back during his time in the Prem.

I was initially impressed with Kaboul but it seemed that the more he played the worse he got. Perhaps a mistake made him lose confidence so Keano will have to motivate him to get back to his best but I think he has the potential to be a really good player.

I don't know much about Tainio tbh. He's a jack of all trades, master of none isn't he? Decent squad member to have I suppose.

[Jazz 16]

Tainio and Chimbonda are comfirmed. Still no word on Malbranque and
Kaboul must decide between Villa or Sunderland.

Keane is now after bad boy Diouf. The deal looks set to go through today.
Not a bad signing for 2.5 mill. They need some reinforcements up front.

[marty davidson]

i don't no why Keane bough Tainio

[Jazz 16]

i don't no why Keane bough Tainio


He is combative, energetic and can play at bit. He also has great international
experience with 40 odd caps for Finland. He is definitely underrated but still did
ok at Spurs. He was always a consistent performer and always gave his all.
I think he will do well at Sunderland. They need an experienced man with a
decent engine in the middle. He can also fill in where needed.
.
His versatilty is also important. He can play across the midfield and even slot
in at full back should they be stuck. great signing for Sunderland who are
looking to be a mid table team.

[Drew9]

Good business from Keano to get Tainio in particular, one thing that most of the lower league teams lack are goals and a good base in midfield, thi is vital if you're to survive and and climb the table. Tainio when played in his proper position is one of the most consistant performers. I remember last season he was employed in that position against Arsenal in the League Cup and he was probably the best player on the pitch, excellent job in the holding role and will be a top signing for a team looking to consolidate. Chimbonda is a moody sulky character, typical frenchman one might say, but yes purely on football abilty he is another very good signing, Younes Kaboul is someone who i would call a 'poor man's Rio' he's a footballing centre back, he reminds me of the Rio Ferdinand that we signed in his fist season before he really matured. Malbranque is the flair player that every side needs, something Sunderland must be dieing for, he would be an excellent signing and if they buy a very good goal poacher with these signings they could be looking at finishing 10th in my opnion :) fair play to em

[Jazz 16]

Sunderland manager Roy Keane wants an answer from Tottenham pair Steed
Malbranque and Younes Kaboul about a move to the club.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/7530274.stm

[Keano!]

Roy Keane was quoted as saying he intended to sign five more players for Sunderland
this summer. Keane was questioned on transfer targets after his men beat Irish outfit,
Cobh Ramblers, in a comprenhensive 4-0 victory earlier in the week.

Keane has already managed to attract players like Chimbonda and Diouf to his ranks
and it seems the Irishman isn't finished there with media reports suggesting that
Keane may approach former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson over the availability of Louis
Saha. Saha is not first choice at the moment for United and with United chasing Spurs
midfielder, Dimitar Berbatov, Saha may welcome the chance of regular first team
action.

Personally, I'd rather see Saha stay but I could see him moving TBH.

[RedForceRising]

*prays* Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Roy Keane, Lord. He was a wonderful servant to Manchester United as a player and now that he's Sunderland's manager, he is still a wonderful servant.

Lord, please let Roy look upon Louis Saha with favour and at the same time, please give Louis the wisdom and strength to move on to another club for the benefit of all interested parties.

Finally Lord, please grant Sir Alex Ferguson the sense to bite off Roy;s hand, if the latter offers anything upward of 7million pounds for the porcelain man.

Anything above 8million and Roy can have Darren Fletcher too!

Thank you, Father and may all praise be to you.

AMEN!

[Jazz 16]

Looks like Malbranque will go to Sunderland and Kaboul will go to Pompey.

[alhambra]

Malbranque and Chimbonda are good sign!! keano got some great lads

[nigelchin]

nope. kaboul's agent has stated he expects kaboul to sign for sunderland as pompey do not have the cash. read it somewhere on the net. roy keane are making more quality signings than what he made last season. prepare for the sunderland reign hahahhaha

[Jazz 16]

Sunderland are playing forest in a friendly and Chimbonda, Tainio and Diouf
made their debuts. Keane looks to have built a capable squad with some
decent players. Richardson just scored a screamer with his right peg, which
made Keano smile. Sunderland will find it tough this season like they will every
season but I reckon they should finish between 11th-14th.

Game finished 1-0 to Sunderland. Interview with Keane was funny after. He said
he didnt sign Kaboul cos some other manager brought him partying to a
casino till 4am partying lol.

Another nice bit in the game was after Richardson scored a screamer.
Keane had just been roaring at Richardson for not tracking back. Keane
was giving him an earful and then 10 seconds later he scored. He then ran
over to Keane pointing and laughing at him. Keane just laughed and turned away
sheepishly. lol

[thekeanefella]

*prays* Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Roy Keane, Lord. He was a wonderful servant to Manchester United as a player and now that he's Sunderland's manager, he is still a wonderful servant.

Lord, please let Roy look upon Louis Saha with favour and at the same time, please give Louis the wisdom and strength to move on to another club for the benefit of all interested parties.

Finally Lord, please grant Sir Alex Ferguson the sense to bite off Roy;s hand, if the latter offers anything upward of 7million pounds for the porcelain man.

Anything above 8million and Roy can have Darren Fletcher too!

Thank you, Father and may all praise be to you.

AMEN!

top post, :D

[RedMurph7]

Sunderland are playing forest in a friendly and Chimbonda, Tainio and Diouf
made their debuts. Keane looks to have built a capable squad with some
decent players. Richardson just scored a screamer with his right peg, which
made Keano smile. Sunderland will find it tough this season like they will every
season but I reckon they should finish between 11th-14th.

Game finished 1-0 to Sunderland. Interview with Keane was funny after. He said
he didnt sign Kaboul cos some other manager brought him partying to a
casino till 4am partying lol.

Another nice bit in the game was after Richardson scored a screamer.
Keane had just been roaring at Richardson for not tracking back. Keane
was giving him an earful and then 10 seconds later he scored. He then ran
over to Keane pointing and laughing at him. Keane just laughed and turned away
sheepishly. lol

Ha Ha Ha. Keano, what a man!!!

[piazza]

I still can't believe Pele include Diouf on his list of the "125 greatest living players"

[SALFORD RED]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11695_3890007,00.html

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has blasted Stoke over their treatment of transfer target Marton Fulop.

The Potters looked set to sign the goalkeeper after agreeing a fee with the North East club for the Hungarian earlier this month.

However, Stoke were unable to agree personal terms with Fulop and they pulled out of the deal before signing Thomas Sorensen on a free transfer.

Fulop has now been forced to return to the Stadium of Light and Keane is furious at how Stoke have conducted themselves in the whole episode.

"They took him for a trial, made him an offer and he asked for a bit more - but they said that's it," Keane told The Sun.

"It's a bloody disgrace to treat a player like that."

Can't see what stoke did wrong, they made an offer, the player wanted more and they said no.
.

[Zense_United]

cool, kean is a great manager now!

[hafiz_shukri00391]

wow, lets see what will happen to sunderland next season.....
Will they break into the top 10.........

[Jazz 16]

Kaboul went to Pompey the big goon :rolleyes:
He got 3/4 Spurs players and Diouf so not too bad for our Roy.
Lets hope Sunderland get off to a winning start against the Scousers.

[United_OG]

i hope keano does well, what a player, what a legend. Still not convinced about his transfer ability but he seems real good in front of a camera even as a manager!

Interesting season coming up for sure.

[cjl_safcfan]

from what i've seen(2 seasons) he looks like a good manager. people have went "what" about alot of his signings and they have turned out good for us(chopra and reid in particular)

by the way, we have also signed nick colgan-(a keeper from ipswich) could be good to keep our usual keepers on their toes. and bring his experience(only at championship level) but he has a few years of it. we have also got david meyler- a midfielder

[Jazz 16]

from what i've seen(2 seasons) he looks like a good manager. people have went "what" about alot of his signings and they have turned out good for us(chopra and reid in particular)

by the way, we have also signed nick colgan-(a keeper from ipswich) could be good to keep our usual keepers on their toes. and bring his experience(only at championship level) but he has a few years of it. we have also got david meyler- a midfielder

Youd call Chopra a good signing? :confused: Did you mean Kenwyne Jones?
Colgan is another Irish man, who will be the second keeper, that is if Ward gets
his move. Did you hear anything about that?

I think Keane has made some very shrewd signings this summer, far better
than he did last summer.

[Keano!]

Diouf, Malbranque and Kaboul are up there with the best signings this summer.

Those three will help him greatly!


SUNDERLAND FOR EUROPE!!!!! ;) And theres still more to come in IMO.

[Jazz 16]

Diouf, Malbranque and Kaboul are up there with the best signings this summer.
Those three will help him greatly!



Kaboul went to Pompey the big goon :rolleyes:
.

:rolleyes:
Chimbonda and Tainio were the other ones.

[eoininho]

He could really do with signing a centre half who has bags of premiership experience, Hyypia for example would be a superb signing for a team like Sunderland!
Otherwise I think Roy is pretty set with what he's got,

v good GK in Gordon,

good full backs,

Lacking experience and premiership quality in the centre slightly
decent creativity in midfield, now with Reid and Malbranque pulling the strings, Richardson, Murphy and Edwards on the flanks, they lacked creativity desperately last season, I expect they will be more of a threat going forward

Up front they have more options now with Diouf who is as good a second striker outside of the top 4 as you will find, Stokes needs to move up a gear, they will severely miss Jones while he's out... need to clear a bit of dead wood also

Not a bad 1st eleven..

.............................Gordon

Chimbonda... Nosworthy... McShane... Higginbottam

..................................Tainio

..........Edwards........... Reid....... Malbranque

...................Diouf

.....................................Jones

[Jazz 16]

You forgot about Bardsley Eoin. McShane is not ready for first 11 yet. He had
too many shockers last season.

.............................Gordon............... ...............

Bardsley.........Nosworthy.....Chimbonda......Higg inbottam/Collins....

..................................Tainio.......... .............

..........Edwards........... Reid....... Malbranque......

...................Diouf

.....................................Jones


Subs of note: Leadbitter, Whitehead, Yorke, Richardson, Murphy, Stokes, Chopra.

Not a bad team really. but as you said they probably need a bit of reinforcments in defence.

[cjl_safcfan]

yeah, defence is needed, maybe a striker since kenwyne is out

richardson on the bench:O we must be getting better players

also, i think mcshaggy has been loaned out(nnot sure)

Youd call Chopra a good signing? :confused: Did you mean Kenwyne Jones?



nope, i mean that we all thought chopra was a piece of dirty rotten scum who'd never even try for us. he proved us wrong- and keano right. i dont think any wearsiders ever doubted kenwynes ability.

[eoininho]

You forgot about Bardsley Eoin. McShane is not ready for first 11 yet. He had
too many shockers last season.

.............................Gordon............... ...............

Bardsley.........Nosworthy.....Chimbonda......Higg inbottam/Collins....

..................................Tainio.......... .............

..........Edwards........... Reid....... Malbranque......

...................Diouf

.....................................Jones


Subs of note: Leadbitter, Whitehead, Yorke, Richardson, Murphy, Stokes, Chopra.

Not a bad team really. but as you said they probably need a bit of reinforcments in defence.
I didnt forget about Bardsely, I always liked him! you really think Chimbonda will line up at centre half?

McShane needs to get his act together! Some1 like Sol Campbell or Hyypia even some1 like Andy O'Brien could do wonders for this team, Premiership experience is vital at centre half, De Zeuww showed this in Wigans 1st season, no big shapes but Jewell knew the experience in that position was v important and he helped keep them up!

Everywhere else i'm sure he's happy enough with, anything else would be a bonus!

[Jazz 16]

Id rather Chimbonda at rb or lb but himself and Bardsley would be the 2 to
definitely make the team along with Nosworthy as well. They do need someone
else, but they may have to make do with what they have. I rate Bardsley,
he's a tough right back.

[VaVaVoom]

Good post jazz!!! Roy keane is a legend and i follow and watch sunderland a much as i can just because Keano is manager. I think he is one of the most interesting people in football, i always hang on every word he says and always believe what he says..... its incredable the effect he has on people!
He is slowly turning Sunderland around, last year he couldn get anyone he wanted in but this year he is after making abit of progress.
The Spurs trio are a good buy, solid players.... i like Staed alot and think he is going to be Sunderlands best player!
Diouf and Jones when he is back will scare alot of defenders with there sheer strength! Both very intimidating and i hope make a good partnership!

I really wish Roy the best.... and one or two more signings would push him for a top ten.

[Jazz 16]

I thought Sunderland played well enough today. The new lads looked decent
but they came up against a decent enough team. Sunderland were the better
team in the first half but wore themselves out in the second. Torres took his
chance well but I think Sunderland will do well this season. Still need to buy
1 or 2 players but they will be fine.

[Zense_United]

this season they will get better

[eoininho]

they lined up pretty much the way i thought they would.. its still obvious they need some1 at the heart of defence, look good though, not going to be easy to beat!

Stokes hs the no. 44 jersey now, roy took the no. 9 off him harsh

[VaVaVoom]

they lined up pretty much the way i thought they would.. its still obvious they need some1 at the heart of defence, look good though, not going to be easy to beat!

Stokes hs the no. 44 jersey now, roy took the no. 9 off him harsh

Dont say Diouf has no.9

[eoininho]

Dont say Diouf has no.9
no he has no. 11

are you from kildare town by any chance? your the spit of a mate of mine from college!

[VaVaVoom]

no he has no. 11

are you from kildare town by any chance? your the spit of a mate of mine from college!

lol no im from Kilkenny Eoin:D
So is Keane saving no9 for a new signing before the deadline you think?

[eoininho]

lol no im from Kilkenny Eoin:D
So is Keane saving no9 for a new signing before the deadline you think?
Cisse 9 it looks like!

[Jazz 16]

Cisse 9 it looks like!

Dear God :rolleyes: The player I have loved making fun of for years......
Cant believe Roy is looking at him ffs......
Spose he could do well there.
He is also looking at players like Ferdinand jr and Ball.

[marty davidson]

what keano sees in Ciise is beyond me

[VaVaVoom]

Cisse would be cheap i imagine..... he did ok in prem and keane wants to take a pot shot at this one i think, the English market is too much.
Your looking at 10mil for Keven Doyle who i quiet like but he just had one good season. Cisses for about 6mil would be a good buy concidering

[Jazz 16]

Cisse is confirmed and its just a loan deal thank God. So apart from his wages
its going to be 'cheap'

[VaVaVoom]

Cisse is confirmed and its just a loan deal thank God. So apart from his wages
its going to be 'cheap'
really.... im tipping sunderland for top ten finish:rolleyes:
get in one or two more now, Rios young bro and he should have a nice 10 ten squad there. look what he did last year with bad players

[Ritesh MU]

well if they get over loserpool i send a bottle of wine to keane lol

[Red Warrior]

that's great to see cisse in the EPL again...

[TafaMANUTD]

Keane is doing weLL..

[thekeanefella]

cisse and possibly 2 more, keane is getting a nice team together, lots of pace and aggression, this season i feel they can really cement a top ten finish.

[marty davidson]

Marseille striker Djibril Cisse is on the verge of completing his switch to Sunderland.

The Ligue 1 club confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached an 'agreement in principle' for Cisse to join the Black Cats on a season-long loan deal.

The France international is now undergoing a medical in the North East and looks poised to seal his return to the Premier League after previously spending three years at Liverpool.

"They might be foreign but it's important to bring in players who know the Premier League," manager Roy Keane said in the Daily Star.

"We didn't use the loan deal too much last year but this time we have been looking at that."
Healy

Meanwhile, Sky Sports News understands Fulham striker David Healy has arrived on Wearside to undergo a medical and hold talks with the club.

Keane is eager to further bolster his front line after he confirmed teenager Martyn Waghorn has been ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.

"I had three players on the shopping list, it's gone up to four after the weekend," Keane said on the club's official website.

"It (the injury to Waghorn) has made my mind up to bring in another attacking player to the club. I would expect to hear something in the next 24-48 hours."

[Jazz 16]

8th signing of the summer.
Cisse AND David Healy. Decent buys as well.
Think he is still looking for a defender (Anton) but he is building a very capable squad. Go Keano!

[Keano!]

I'm not convinced by Cisse...Healy's a great signing for him.

He's showing a bit of knowledge here this summer....signing players tht don't
show up on most radars....


United Manager in the making? ;)........Sunderland will finish between 7th and 12th this season IMO....

[eoininho]

he has too many strikers now,

healy would have been a good signing had it been a loan deal, 3 year contract for yet another striker who isnt good enough at this level is bad business...

Cisse is a good signing on the basis that its a loan, if it doesnt work out hes gone, does work out sign him up...

Chopra, Healy, Prica, Connelly, Stokes, Murphy, Diouf, Cisse, O'Donovan, Jones

Thats a hell of a wage bill for realistically 3 decent strikers at this level!

He's got to clear out Chopra, Prica and Connelly for starts!!

otherwise its shaping up well, a centre half is imperative if they want to finish top 10.. Silvestre would have been ideal, i wouldnt be too keen on Anton but he may have to do!

[Jazz 16]

he has too many strikers now,

Chopra, Healy, Prica, Connelly, Stokes, Murphy, Diouf, Cisse, O'Donovan, Jones
!

Connelly is gone I think :confused: or leaving shortly. Prica and Chopra are on
the way out as well. Jones is injured for a few months.
Murphy and Diouf can play winger as well. O'Donovan doesnt look good enough
and the others will fight for their place on the team. More competition is
always good for any team. It will keep them on their toes and make them
take their chances when they do get in.

They still badly need some more cover at the back though.

[thekeanefella]

Originally Posted by eoininho
he has too many strikers now,

Chopra, Healy, Prica, Connelly, Stokes, Murphy, Diouf, Cisse, O'Donovan, Jones
!




o donovan went on loan to dundee utd. stokes could also go on loan, connelly and prica will be sold imo.

job well done by keano so far in the transfer market all he needs is a decent centre half and a left back. top ten finish.

[Red Warrior]

Keane To Keep On Spending

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has revealed he is still hoping to sign more players despite already having brought numerous players over the summer.

The Black Cats announced the signings of David Healy and Djibril Cisse yesterday, both of whom may make their Sunderland debuts against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, and Keane admitted they may not be the last players to arrive at the Stadium of Light this summer.

“I spoke to one player (on Thursday night), and in principle he has agreed to come,” admitted Keane before adding, “But we have one or two details to iron out, as you would expect, with agents' fees and what have you.”

Sunderland have already signed Nick Colgan, David Meyler and El-Hadji Diouf in the transfer window as well as the former Tottenham trio of Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque.

Despite the new arrivals, the Wearsiders lost their opening fixture of the Premier League season to Liverpool and Keane is well aware of the need to have a strong squad in order to remain in the top flight. He said: “This is why I keep telling people we need a big, strong squad, because we're being challenged already just a week into the season.”

Djibril Cisse, the former Liverpool man, who has joined on loan may his debut today and Keane admitted that although the transfer had been a lengthy process he had been determined to get his man.

“Cisse was a drawn out one, but we got there in the end,” explained the Sunderland manager, “There is an option to buy him, but I think the loan deal ended up being good for both of us. It gives us the chance to look at him, and him the chance to show what he is all about.”

One name that has been repeatedly linked with a move to Sunderland is West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand, and Keane confirmed he was still chasing one player and he hoped a deal could be concluded soon. He confirmed: “There is one more position I would like to get filled in the next week, and that will be me then for hopefully a long time, because they (transfers) are hard going, trust me.”

[VaVaVoom]

As much as i like Roy Keane and think he will do well this season.
But i can see Spurs kicking off there season here today.
Bent and Berba will start and i reckon there could be a few goals here today

[cjl_safcfan]

i have a bet on with a spurs fan over this game :p
ha'way the lads

[Jazz 16]

GET IN SUNDERLAND!!!! :)
Great victory away from home. Their first away win last season came in March
so to get one in their first away game is amazing. THey will be a tougher
prospect this season. And Cisse of all people got the winner lol :p

[piazza]

He's getting good prices on his buys too. Looks like he knows what he's doing for sure. Fergie's heir maybe?

[CaptainRoyKeane]

Keane managing atrracts a range of players and getting Cisse, i think he's done well, and will definetly not get relagated!

[Zense_United]

cisse is a great player, he played well against spurs

[marty davidson]

Ciise is a average player at a average team

[RichardsReds]

Add Cisse to that list. Sunderland are now looking like a tough team!

[cjl_safcfan]

woop woop