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Topics - kev

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31
Football / Sunderland 2008 / 2009 Fixtures
« on: June 16, 2008, 04:47:29 AM »
I hope he buys some good players because its not an easy start.  Liverpool to start off with.

I have only put up a link, because I know sites get into trouble for posting fixture lists.

http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=2593

32
Football / Sunderland v Arsenal
« on: May 10, 2008, 10:38:51 AM »
Well looking forward to this like a hole in the head, if they play like last week, God only knows what the score is likely to be. 

2 Video interviews by Roy this week, both interesting Roy usual honest self if you care to watch them.  Goes on about last weeks perfomance, players and transfers.

First one is a media player link just paste the URL into the player

mms://asf.narrowstep.tv/mcp?psid=90537418&ref=0&chid=888&pid=3345&vid=70827011&br=1200&tid=1&void=186694&fab=0

Second one is BBC Football Focus interview

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/7392708.stm

Usual link page but as Arsenal would expect a decent link

http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=football


http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14839

Wallace could return
[/size][/color][/b]

Ross Wallace could return to Sunderland's squad for their game against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Scottish midfielder has not played in the Premier League since the start of the year when he damaged his knee ligaments.

Wallace has featured in two reserve-team games recently and Roy Keane, the manager, said: "Ross has trained very well this week and he was good in an eleven-versus-eleven game in training so he comes into contention."

Jonny Evans missed two days' training after the Bolton game last weekend but will be fit to play against the Gunners.

It will be the Manchester United defender's last game of a five-month loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

Keane has no new injury worries ahead of the sell-out game at the Stadium of Light (3pm).

Phil Bardsley (knee), Dickson Etuhu (knee) and David Connolly (hip) are ruled out.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, McShane, Whitehead, Nosworthy, Evans, Higginbotham, Collins, Edwards, Leadbitter, Reid, Yorke, Miller, Richardson, Wallace, Stokes, Murphy, Chopra, Jones, O'Donovan, Prica.

33
Football / Kenwyne Jones is Sunderland's player of the season.
« on: May 08, 2008, 09:15:58 AM »
Kenwyne Jones is Sunderland's player of the season.
By: Nick Alexander (Sunderland AFC).


Kenwyne Jones is Sunderland's 2007-08 Player of the Season. The 23-year-old striker has won the award in his first season at the Stadium of Light after an outstanding campaign. Jones has scored seven goals this term - and provided 10 assists.

"I feel very happy, it's a great moment, it's an honour," said Jones. "I feel good but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped a lot this season.

"When you work all season to play well, to do something good for the team, and then at the end the supporters give you this award, it is a great motivation to carry on, to work more and to get better."

Jonny Evans, the centre-back on-loan from Manchester United, picked up the Young Player of the Year award for a second season running. He said: "I'm very honoured, the fans have taken to me and it's great."

Jones beat off competition from Danny Collins, named 2007-08 player of the season by the Supporters' Association, and Nyron Nosworthy to become Player of the Season.

Jones and Evans will receive their awards from Carl Blenkinsop and Kirsty Coates - two Sunderland supporters - before Sunday's game against Arsenal. Carl and Kirsty were picked at random from everyone who voted in the Player of the Season poll on safc.com. There were nearly 10,000 voters.

The results are as follows:

Player of the Year[/b]
1) Kenwyne Jones 96,810 (points)
2) Danny Collins 69,690
3) Nyron Nosworthy 22,160
4) Craig Gordon 13,060
5) Andy Reid 11,030

Young Player of the Year
1) Jonny Evans 129,180
2) Grant Leadbitter 16,920

The points were allocated as follows:
First choice Player of the Season - 20 points; second choice - 10 points.
First choice Young Player of the Season - 10 points.
Jones is players' choice.
By: Nick Alexander (Sunderland AFC).


Kenwyne Jones has completed a double by being named the Sunderland players' player of the season. The Trinidad and Tobago striker, who won the official player of the year award this season after topping a poll on safc.com, has also been endorsed by his team-mates. Jones led the poll as voted for by his colleagues ahead of two other leading candidates - Danny Collins and Nyron Nosworthy.

Defender Collins was named this season's player of the season by the SAFC Supporters' Association. The majority of Sunderland's first-team squad were asked to pick out their player of the season in a ballot at the training ground.

34
Football / Too BIg for Their Boots
« on: May 01, 2008, 01:38:15 PM »
It must be a hard life as a footballer, Fae has definately been wronged badly here. ::)

What does these guys expect the club to do.
FAE TO LEAVE READING
[/b][/color][/size]

Emerse Fae has told setantasports.com in an exclusive interview that his Reading career is over, following his two-week suspension for refusing to play a reserve game.

Ivory Coast international Fae and Ibrahima Sonko have been suspended by their employers and will not play for The Royals again this season.

The African duo were told to play for the club’s reserve team against Tottenham on Monday but they refused and have since received a letter to tell them they are suspended until May 12.

Fae has exclusively told us how disappointed he is, and the former Nantes star believes Reading did not treat him well.

He regrets his lack of first-team opportunities and his club’s lack of communication and ‘courage’.

The midfielder, highly rated in France, has told us he will leave the Premier League outfit when the season ends.

“This season I played more for the reserves than for the first team,” Fae told setantasports.com.

“I played to stay fit and accepted it because you never know; the team is not having good results so the reserves were a good opportunity to win my place in the team.

“Recently I appeared for some minutes, played 20 minutes at Arsenal so I thought I would continue to have my chance, but then without any explanation I was axed from the squad.

“I cannot accept that. There are no reasons for that. The team need all their players for the last two games.

“There is obviously a communication problem at the club. I suggested it to them before the African Cup of Nations but it has not changed.

“I feel like the same players always suffer the consequences of defeats.

“I am banned for two weeks, until one day after the last game (with Derby), on May 12.

“That is not clever at all to suspend your own players, that is stupid, the sanction is heavy, two weeks!

“The club do not need that because axing two players from your own struggling team is not coherent at all.

“I cannot understand their attitude. Those people do not speak and do things behind your back.

“I refused to play with the reserves on Sunday, they said okay let’s meet on Thursday and in the meantime I received a letter saying I am axed.

“They are not courageous enough to tell me things in the eyes, man to man, in five minutes.

“I am a father, an adult, I am able to recognize when I make mistakes, I can also admit to people when I am wrong.

“It never happened between Reading and me.

“They do not need to suspend me to show everybody that it has not worked.

“I am not a kid, if you make a mistake you admit it, but it is just a pretext.

“They did not treat me well during the season. I never caused any controversy, I have been a professional, but they are showing that I do not have my place at the club.

“There is no need to fight or to persevere for me, for sure my future is not with Reading.”

Fae would like to remain in The Premier League, but is also open to the German and French leagues.

“I have no contacts for the moment because the clubs are waiting for the end of the season, there are two games to go, some clubs are still fighting to stay up,” he added.

“I will see in May what the opportunities are.

“I will not give up after a failure abroad and I am not focused on returning to France.

“A challenge in England, Germany or wherever would attract me but this time I will not make the mistake not to speak with the coach before I sign.”

Fae tends to think that Reading are not respecting his team-mate Sonko despite the fact the centre back has proved his commitment to the cause in the last four seasons.

“They have been acting strange towards Sonko for a while,” he continued.

“They lack recognition towards him. It is not his first year at the club, he has been here for four years, experienced everything with them, the promotion, the good first season in The Premier League, and has started many times.

“But he was sent off against Tottenham and after the African Cup of Nations, and I do not know for which reasons, they had a bizarre attitude with Sonko.”


35
Football / Sunderland v Boro
« on: April 25, 2008, 12:35:07 PM »
Could really do with a win but with Bardsley (definately) and Evans (probably) out not going to be easy.  Close my eyes and hope time has arrived.

Roy Keanes press conference can be seen here, its a mediapalyer url just paste it in

http://ir1-c200.narrowstep.tv/mcp?psid=88360214&ref=0&chid=888&pid=3345&vid=70039499&br=1200&tid=1&void=181304&fab=0


You can also watch gareth Southgates if you want to it is here same again mediaplayer

mms://ir1-c200.narrowstep.tv/mcp?psid=88360214&ref=0&chid=888&pid=3345&vid=70039499&br=1200&tid=1&void=181306&fab=0

Team News
http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14743

Phil Bardsley misses the game with a knee injury while Jonny Evans is described by Roy Keane, the manager, as having a "50-50" chance to play.

Evans, who has a hamstring injury, hoped to return to training today.

Roy Keane said: "Jonny and Bardo are important defenders and we miss them but I don't want to make too much of the injured lads.

"The likes of Hartey, Danny Higginbotham, Paul McShane, they will have a chance of being involved because of the injuries and hopefully they won't let anyone down, we've great confidence in them."

Dwight Yorke is back in training and could feature while Danny Higginbotham, Paul McShane, Ian Harte, Grant Leadbitter and Anthony Stokes all hoped to be in the squad.

Ross Wallace trained with the first team today after scoring a hat-trick in a comeback game for the reserves in midweek. He has an outside chance of being involved.

Dickson Etuhu, Rade Prica, Darren Ward and David Connolly are injured.

For Boro,  Mark Schwarzer could return after recovering from a back problem, but fellow goalkeeper Ross Turnbull (back) is a fresh doubt.

Robert Huth's foot problem remains a concern, while Gary O'Neil (knee) and Mido (hernia) are long term absentees.

Boro have won their last three visits to the Stadium of Light.


possible link for the match

can be found on here tomorrow

http://www3.myp2p.eu/

36
Football / Newcastle v Sunderland
« on: April 20, 2008, 02:43:37 AM »


Possible link for the match

http://www3.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=football

No real team news as yet Dwight still injured. Expect a tense game could go either way.

After yesterdays results could really do with a win to put survival to bed, as another game against BOro next week.

Given Keith Hacketts apology this week we might for a change get a ref decision go for us.

Here's hoping.

37
Football / The Bairns at Sunderland some reactions
« on: April 18, 2008, 08:24:33 AM »


Sorry if this has been posted but I haven't seen anything, thought it was a decent read.

http://www.haitiwebs.com/forums/sports_section/49381-digicel_u20_footballers_describe_their_journey_champions.html

Digicel U20 Footballers Describe Their Journey Of Champions
Posted Thursday, April 17, 2008

- Six of the eight boys selected by Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes, describe their experiences during their week's training at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light.

Thursday, 17 April - Kingston, Jamaica: The Digicel Kick Start Clinic's Journey of Champions ended on Saturday, 12 April, when the eight Caribbean boys, selected by International footballer John Barnes, completed their one week's training in the UK at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light. Six of the eight Digicel footballers, Leston Paul (Trinidad), Emilio Limon (Suriname), Gerard Williams (St. Kitts), Andrew Murray (Guyana), Devaughn Elliot (St. Kitts), and Akeem Brown (Jamaica), describe their week's experience:

Monday April 7

Leston Paul: "When we got to Sunderland's Academy of Light, I was pleasantly surprised. The facilities there are world class, much better than I had expected. The staff were welcoming and made us feel comfortable. We were freezing so I was happy we didn't have to train outside. Ged McNamee, the Academy's Manager, went over the rules and gave us all new Umbro training kits. Dwight York came to meet us and gave us a lot of encouragement."

Tuesday April 8

Emilio Limon: "They split us up today, Brisley (Haiti), Williams (St. Kitts) and myself went to train with the reserves and the other five boys went to train with the youth team. I think we can actually play better than these players, but because they have everything at their convenience. If we had the same facilities in the Caribbean we would be so much better. We have to work twice as hard."

Akeem Brown: "I was so nervous until I started playing with the youth team. It was easy. I thought they would be much better than us considering the facilities they get to use every day. John Barnes was right, just because we come from the Caribbean doesn't mean we are not as good. We also met Kenwyn Jones who seemed really cool."

Wednesday April 9

Gerard Williams: "Today they split us up again. Everyone except the youngest, 16-year-old Elliot (St. Kitts) went to train with the reserves. We all watched the first team train in the morning. Watching them was good for me, I see these players on TV and I always wondered how they train. Seeing them in action made me realise that I can be just like them, yes its hard work but it can be done. We played a match with the reserves in the afternoon and I did very well, I created a goal in the dying moments to give my team a 2-1 victory. Later we all had dinner with Carlos Edwards and Kenwyn Jones. That was great. Sitting with these big stars and they were just normal guys like us. Carlos told me that I need to work hard to achieve what I want. He said that we will get home sick but we have to know what is important to us, liming or football. He said we must stay dedicated and also warned us about being smart and making sure we read all our contracts and to make sure to sign with a FIFA licensed agent. Having dinner with Carlos and Kenwyn made me feel that if I applied myself I could be just like them very soon."

Thursday April 10

Andrew Murray: "Today Roy Keane watched us train. I kept looking at him to see if I could tell what he was thinking. I really wanted to make an impression on him. But he had a screw face the whole time. He later explained that no matter what his face was always screw, even after winning a match. He turned out to be really cool and gave us a lot of tips on being a professional footballer. He said consistency was key and that you have to have a good first touch. He said he had it hard when he was young, and never thought he had that much skill but he knew he was smart, always made sure he knew who to pass the ball to, to make his team win. He was humble and very funny, gave us a lot of jokes. He promised to take us in to the players changing room before the match on Saturday to meet the players."

Friday April 11

Devaughn Elliot: "Today we got more Umbro training kits. Carlos and Kenwyn gave us all new boots. I got two pairs, some got more. This week has taught me just how much discipline is needed to be a great footballer. What I love about the footballers here is that they are always happy to come to training; everyone works hard but has a good time. Back home people always complaining, they don't want to work. I don't know if it is because these guys get paid well why they are so happy to work so hard, but I will apply that same work ethic back home, because I know it will make me a better footballer."

Saturday April 12

Akeem Brown: "Today was match day, Sunderland vs, Manchester City. We got to meet the players before the match and also met the big man himself, Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn. We were featured in the programme so all these kids were coming up to us for autographs, we felt like superstars. I will always remember this week as the best week of my life. I never thought I would be here. Digicel and Sunderland AFC did a good thing when they gave eight Caribbean footballers this opportunity."

According to Head of Sponsorship at Digicel Group, Kieran Foley, formerly a player in the League of Ireland himself; "Sunderland AFC has been a magnificent partner in this initiative and we are confident that their relationship will allow us to progress our developments for Caribbean football, which is growing from strength to strength."

Digicel is a long time supporter of Caribbean football, partnering with a number of Football Associations where it operates such as the Jamaica Football Federation, the Haiti Football Federation as well as the football associations of Guyana and Suriname, among nine others. The company is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup which involves up to 30 Caribbean countries and is the Caribbean qualification tournament towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

38
Football / SAFC TV "Free Weekend"
« on: April 18, 2008, 05:37:49 AM »


There is a free weekend on SAFC TV if anybody is interested.

You still need to register and provide Credit Card details then cancel it down.  No doubt in the hope some just wont bother.

But it gives you access to interviews archive and commentary on the match on Sunday.  Thought I would post it incase anybody is interested.

http://www.safc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/loginOrBuy/0,,10281,00.html?target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.safc.premiumtv.co.uk%2Fpage%2Fsub%2FnewWorld%2FNews%2F0%2C%2C10281%2C00.html%3F

39
Football / Sunderland V Man City
« on: April 11, 2008, 04:19:24 AM »
Thought I would put this under here to save the mod moving it later.  It would be nice to see Carlos put in a couple of good performances before the season ends, he deserves a change of liuck.

Dwight looks like he is out again.

Expecting 45,000 / 46,000 for the game and the bairns from the carribean are there, so I hope its a win, should give them a good idea of the atmosphere. City seem to be just seeing the season out.


http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Carlos-Let39s-slay-Man-City.3972854.jp

Carlos: Let's slay Man City and move on
[/color][/size]

E-mail Ian Laws

Carlos Edwards hopes Sunderland can guarantee their Premier League survival this weekend – so he can begin plotting a serious assault on the top flight next season.

The winger's debut campaign in the elite has been ravaged by injury, first tearing a hamstring in the opening week of the season and then suffering a broken leg.

It has been a big disappointment for a player who worked his way up the leagues with Wrexham and Luton before finally realising his dream of reaching the Premier League.

But Edwards refuses to be bitter and is driven by the desire to make sure he and Sunderland stay among the big boys.

"As soon as this season is finished I want to put it behind me and forget it," he said. "After working so hard down the years to get this chance in the Premiership, I do feel a bit sad that so much of it was taken away.

"I'm not saying I would have been playing every week – that would have been up to the gaffer – but I've not been able to help the club in the way I hoped.

"We're getting close to making sure we'll stay in the Premiership and I'm grateful for that. Once the season is over, I'll be looking at having a really good summer and getting as fit as possible for next season.

"Things happen for a reason. I'm not the kind of person who can be bitter and perhaps the things I've missed out on this season will be paid back with good times next season. I hope so."

Victory over Manchester City at the Stadium of Light would leave second-from-bottom Fulham and third-bottom Bolton also needing victory this weekend to be able to overhaul Sunderland's points total.

"It's great to come back into a team that's winning," said Edwards. "I would have loved to be in the side earlier in the season trying to help out when things weren't going so well.

"But winning three in a row has been great and we would love to make it four.

"To be honest, we've always felt we had the players to get away from trouble and we've proved that.

"I don't want to be playing back in the Championship again until I'm maybe 38! If we can win this weekend I think we will be planning for the Premiership again and look to finish in a position in the table we can be proud of."


The full article contains 420 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.
Last Updated: 11 April 2008 9:21 AM


http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14623


I'm never relaxed in football, Keane
[/color][/size]


By Nick Alexander

Roy Keane wants Sunderland to finish the season well - so he can enjoy his summer.

The Black Cats are close to reaching their target of Premier League safety, which could be secured if they beat Manchester City tomorrow.

Sunderland enjoy a 10-point cushion over Bolton in the last relegation spot but Keane has told his players not to let up until after the final game of the season.

He said: "There's still a lot of hard work to do, we need to finish off the job.

"You can't relax in football and we won't. If you relax, you go backwards. We've found it hard to win football matches this season, we've managed three on the trot, let's make it four.

"We're in no position to chill out and enjoy a holiday before we're entitled to it. If we don't finish the season well, it will spoil my summer."

A fourth straight Premier League win at the Stadium of Light will all but see Sunderland safe. Keane, however, is refusing to get ahead of himself.

"We're not safe - it's straightforward," he said. "If we lose our games and the other teams win some of theirs, we're in trouble. We've got to go to Bolton yet and they will see that as a chance.

"I've never relaxed in football, you need to keep pushing yourself. If you do relax, you're in the big trouble.

"We've trained intensively this week and we're looking forward to the game. We want to carry on this little mini-run.

"We have to try to finish the season as strong as we can and that's why I've never had a target. What if we get to 38 or 40 points? Do we do then drop tools? I don't think so, the target is always to win the next game.

"Let's try to win tomorrow and see where that takes us. Every victory is vital."

40
Football / Whats this White Stuff?
« on: April 07, 2008, 07:49:16 AM »
http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=14598

Caribbean players arrive on Wearside
[/color][/size]
Eight of the Caribbean's best young footballers arrived for work at the Academy of Light this morning.

The players, aged between 16 and 19, were chosen from the Digicel Kick Start clinics, held in eight countries in the Caribbean earlier this year.

They will spend the week training with Sunderland's reserves and under-18s before watching the Manchester City game at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

It was a typical North-East greeting for the youngsters - with temperatures plummeting and snow falling as they arrived on Wearside.

One of the players, Gerard Williams, a 19-year-old midfielder from St. Kitts & Nevis, said: "It's the first time I've seen snow in real life. Before this, it was only in movies. I had to get my camera out!"

This morning's planned training session at the AoL was snowed off so it was arranged for them to train indoors in Durham in the afternoon.

end



Good luck to the lads this week, hope they enjoy it and do themselves justice

41
Football / RK looks to build next Season
« on: April 03, 2008, 04:29:16 AM »
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Keane-wants-50m-kitty.3943124.jp


Keane wants £50m kitty
[/color][/size]

Sunderland boss Roy Keane will ask for £50m to turn the Black Cats into a major force next season.
Keane said: "We know we need more in the summer and that's what I'll be asking for. I would only be looking for another £40m or £50m.

"I don't know why everyone is laughing. That is the least we need if we want to compete and go to the next level.

"This year, especially with the injuries we had at the start, it was about making sure we were in the Premiership next year. "We knew this year was about survival. We'll just try to get through it.

"To compete in the future, I would be looking at buying five or six players for £40m or £50m. I spent about £40m last year but that was on about 14 or 15 players.

"This year our squad is slightly stronger but we need more quality.

"That's what I'll be asking for and hopefully the investors will come up with it. We'll wait and see.

"We need the money to compete with the likes of Aston Villa, Blackburn and Spurs of this world.

"You can forget about the big four. They're in a different league altogether."

The full article contains 207 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.
Last Updated: 03 April 2008 9:10 AM

Lets hope he is not talking too soon, but its nearly there.

Will have to wait and see how much he is given, I suspect it will be the above figure.

42
Football / Sunderland v West Ham.
« on: March 28, 2008, 12:16:54 PM »
Is here if anybody wishes to see it

RK's West ham Press Conference

mms://asf.narrowstep.tv/mcp?psid=84095512&ref=0&chid=888&pid=3345&vid=68314506&br=1200&tid=8&voids=170077&fab=0

its a media link so just paste the url into Real / WMP

43
Football / Carlos Keeping Stum
« on: March 17, 2008, 06:46:33 AM »
Doesn't want to get drawn into it and can't blame the lad.

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Carlos-staying-clear-of-club.3884868.jp

Carlos staying clear of club v country row
[/color][/size]

Carlos Edwards is content to let others squabble over him in the club-versus-country row surrounding his call-up by Trinidad & Tobago.
Edwards – who returned from a broken leg by starting Saturday's loss to Chelsea – was named along with clubmate Kenwyne Jones in the T&T squad for a friendly with Jamaica on March 26.


If they go, the Sunderland pair would probably not return to Wearside until the eve of their club's Premier League home game against West Ham United on March 29.

Black Cats' boss Roy Keane does not want them to go, but T&T seem determined the duo should travel.

Edwards, who had been out since December 1, said: "There's not much I can do, to be honest, except sit tight and wait and see what happens.

"It's out of my hands.

"I'm employed by Sunderland, but the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation want me to go there.

"To be fair to Sunderland, they are looking out for their well-being and my well-being because I haven't played competitive football for a while.

"I hope the T&T FF understand that.


"But I'm just going to sit tight and hopefully Sunderland and T&T will come to an agreement and we can all smile about it."

New T&T coach Francisco Maturana says it's important the Sunderland stars go to the Jamaican capital Kingston because the game is part of their country's preparations for 2010
World Cup qualifiers.

After Jones played in a midweek friendly against Guadeloupe last month, Keane floated the idea of hiring a private jet to bring his players back to England quicker.

And he said last week: "We'll have to speak to the T&T people because it is a friendly match and we have a very important match against West Ham a couple of days later.

"I can appreciate that the T&T manager wants to do well, but it's a friendly.

"And, as far as Carlos is concerned, he has hardly played this season so I think it's a bit unfair on him to pick him just yet.

"But if they have to go then arranging a jet is something we will definitely look at because that will make a big difference in terms of getting them back early.

"It'll be expensive but there are a few other British-based players who might be playing in the game and we might look to split the cost with other clubs."


44
Football / Roys Weekly Rant
« on: March 14, 2008, 05:20:29 PM »
To be fair, I don't think it does any favours to just take the decisions and not say anything, as the club obviously had a policy of at the start of the season.  I don't want to see him whinge every week but he needs to shout when they are plain wrong.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=534131&in_page_id=1779&ct=5


[size=14pt]Keane lets rip: We don't seem to get decisions with any referees[/size]
Last updated at 21:58pm on 14th March 2008



Sunderland manager Roy Keane was in his usual fine form at his club's training ground this morning, venting his spleen on his chosen topic of the week in his pre-match press conference.

This week, it was Barclays Premier League referees on the receiving end of Keane's verbal attack, following previous rants on WAGs, the FAI, high-earning modern day stars and, just occasionally, his own players.

Keane is convinced that his team have been denied six points in their fight for survival and there is no doubt poor decisions from officials have gone against his side - who have not always played that well. They face Chelsea tomorrow and have yet to win a point against any of the top five.

But Sunderland drew at Derby and Aston Villa, where they were denied winning goals. They conceded a controversial penalty at Blackburn, after missing one themselves and that followed a last minute winner for Reading which failed to go over the line. Senior referees Rob Styles, Mike Riley, Steve Bennett and Steve Tanner were in charge.

Here is the full transcript of Keane's interview

"We are not getting the rub of the green against any club, not just the big four. Blackburn, Villa, Derby, Reading. I cannot sit here and say the big four have a monopoly over referees. We don't seem to get decisions with any referees.

"This week even the youth team had a good goal ruled out in the last minute (of the FA Youth Cup semi-final).


"I may ring Keith Hackett myself. I'll get his number off Gareth. (Southgate Boro manager)

"What is going on I haven't got a clue. I have not got a clue if it is revenge. I am not that paranoid yet but it worries me.

"Don't fall for this nonsense that things will even themselves out. There is no way anything can even themselves out for us. If you are talking about Liverpool it was the same referee who gives the same decision against Danny Higginbotham.

"I would love to say the big four get all the decisions but we have it against any club. I do get consolation when I saw the penalty against Boro the other night,. I thought 'thank God it doesn't just happen to us.' It was the same referee (as Villa v Sunderland). Mr Bennett., Work that one out.

"They went against us at Manchester United as well. I am not sure if they find it difficult to referee against the bigger clubs, but I look at the decisions we have had and the decisions have been honestly amazing, even ones where you go where has that come from?

"I can get my head round ones where it was 50-50, a bit close, but we have had decisions go against us that aren't even close and I am left going where has that come from?

"Villa last minute, we score Bennett disallows it. It was clearly a goal and no one was even appealing. Reading when it was over the line, surely you give the benefit of the doubt, but the guy gave it who was 50 yards away, other side of the keeper. These are vital incidents. Chopra's goal against Derby, we were told the benefit goes to the striker. He was onside anyway it was not even close and they disallowed it.

"The theory of things even themselves out. Sparky said it but I have abandoned that theory now at this stage of the season. I cannot remember one decision where we have thought we are a bit lucky with that one, none.

"I was watching the kids the other night in the Youth Cup and they had one disallowed in the last minute; nothing wrong with it and they disallow it. Everyone is left scratching their heads. It was not even a decision where you could look at it and get your head round it. Everyone is scratching their heads.

"Managers are under unbelievable pressure and I am not one to go and see referees every week, far from it, but like Gareth said the other night after the penalty went against them., that was unbelievable and these are vital vital massive decisions which have cost us six points.

"We had four thousand fans on the motorway that day. I went to see them because we knew at half-time the goal was fine.

"I said 'listen the goal was onside' and the referee said 'well Smartie told me at half-time that I got the call right'. I said 'excuse me, who is Smartie?' and he said 'oh it's John Smart from Sky'. I said 'he is dictating your decisions?' and he said 'he told me I got it right'.

"Then the assistant who gave it offside, said ;a Derby official said I got it right at half-time and why would he lie to me?' and I said 'may be so that when you went out in the second half you wouldn't even things up.'

"Trust me lads, the fourth official had the cheek to say 'I will watch it tonight on television and if I feel I have got it wrong, I will be upset'. I said well you won't be as upset as our supporters. There is no way he would be upset.

"On top of that the assessor is standing there listening to this and he rings me on the Tuesday night and says 'yeah, actually it was a goal. It wasn't even a close call'. What do we do? Say 'great. Crack open the champagne?'

"If the referee is being influenced by Smarties and the assistant by Derby officials, what chance have you got? I haven't got a clue if they have it in for me or the club. Ask Smartie.'

"Here is talk about this goal line technology, but I don't know I suppose it could help but having said that it is a great game the way it is. We were just hoping the referees would improve. You can't keep blaming referees for football results all the time but all we are asking for is fairness and this football club is not getting it.

"We are not getting the benefit of any sort of decision, trust me I have enough evidence to show that. I am very tempted to register an official complaint. I was watching Italian football the other week and found Juventus had written to their federation saying a lot of decisions had gone against them but what would happen if I did that do you think? If the FA ask me to go down there I could sit down with Keith Hackett and show him the evidence there has not even been a doubt about the decisions. That is nothing to do with bad luck that is about officials getting the decisions right.

"What would an official complaint be seen as? Sour grapes? What would change? If these referees are getting marked by the assessors, surely these are wrong decisions.

"Mr Bennett is apparently next in line to Keith Hackett. What is going to happen to him? Are they going to mark him down? Make him referee Altrincham next week? He did Middlesbrough the other night and made the same mistake, so Gareth is following up our conversation we had a couple of months ago. Will it make a difference? No chance.

"These young referees are coming through and basically they need to get experience, participate in big games, just like players but if the Bennetts of this world and others are getting it wrong, while top referees are speaking to Smarties at half-time. . .

"Gareth had his whinge the other night and rightly so. I had mine a few months ago but what has changed? Bennett is still refereeing in the Premier League and is still giving decisions. It is unbelievable. It is costing clubs dear.

"I referee games in training all the time, I have sent off loads and it's not easy, it's a hard job.

"A lot of people ask why don't they come and get interviewed after a game and I don't think that would be too bad. Even if they said 'yeah I got it wrong' that would be fine. But they don't. 'It is a natural reaction for supporters to say 'yeah he did get it wrong' instead of people venting their fury all week. As a manager we get it wrong, of course we do, players get it wrong, officials get it wrong.

"I am not here to crucify them or try and hang them but you are on about our situation and my situation at Sunderland and we have had so many decisions go against us it is unnatural.

"Some referees might enjoy television interviews too much, it could go the other way.

"What's his name? Jeff Winter from this area. Jesus. Can you imagine? You would not get me off the telly would you? It could go so much the other way they could believe they are celebrities. One or two have agents already, I think Rennie has. They've got agents, the lot."

45
Football / RK's Chelsea Press Conference
« on: March 14, 2008, 08:50:57 AM »
The link is

mms://asf.narrowstep.tv/mcp?psid=81598264&ref=0&chid=888&pid=3345&vid=66904384&br=1200&tid=1&void=164613&fab=0

for anybody who wants to watch it, its a media link so just copy it into (Open File) Real / Media player

He does get asked about Carlos Kenwyn and the friendly if anyone is interested.


46
Football / Carlos Returns Tonight
« on: March 12, 2008, 10:51:53 AM »
http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14409

Edwards gets reserves go-ahead
[/color][/size]


By Nick Alexander

Carlos Edwards will make his long-awaited return from injury for Sunderland's reserves tonight.

The winger has not played a Premier League game since December 1 having been sidelined with a broken leg.

But after proving his fitness in training in the last week, the Trinidad and Tobago international is ready to make a comeback.

It has been a nightmare season for the 29-year-old who played a massive part in helping the Black Cats win promotion last season.

Hamstring and leg injuries have restricted him to just five appearances for Roy Keane's side this season.

If Edwards comes through tonight's game without any problems, he could enter into Keane's thought for Saturday's visit of Chelsea.

Marton Fulop, Liam Miller Stephen Wright, Jean-Yves M'voto, Ian Harte and Roy O'Donovan are also due to feature against Manchester United in Hetton (kick-off 7pm). O'Donovan himself is on his way back from injury.

Gary Neville, Tomasz Kuszczak and Danny Simpson are in United's squad for the game.

Simpson played 14 games for Sunderland during a loan period at the club last season - and never finished on the losing side.

Sunderland (from): Fulop, Carson, Brown, Wright, Pelter, M'voto, McShane, Harte, Edwards, Weir, J. Richardson, Miller, O'Donovan, Chandler, Dennehy, Cook.

47
Football / RK's Pre Match Press Conference
« on: February 29, 2008, 10:35:53 AM »
Can be seen here if you wish to view it.

http://www.itvlocal.com/tynetees/sport


48
Football / Carlos Close to Comeback
« on: February 27, 2008, 11:31:24 AM »
Looks like he will start comeback next week


He has been doing no contact training this week

Lets keep our fingers crossed, he deserves a change of luck

http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14287

By Nick Alexander

Danny Higginbotham will get a run-out in Sunderland's reserve team tonight as he comes back from a broken toe.

Higginbotham, a centre-back, has not played in the Premier League since the 1-0 defeat at Blackburn in early January.

Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller will also feature but there is no place for Kieran Richardson or Carlos Edwards.

Roy Keane is hoping to have Richardson available for Saturday's trip to bottom club Derby but has decided against risking the midfielder at Leyland tonight (7pm).

Richardson has not featured in the first team since February 2 because of a hamstring strain.

Edwards is also close to a return after breaking his leg three months ago. He will now target next week's reserve game against Wigan.

Bolton's squad is set to include Stelios, Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Hunt.

Sunderland (from): Carson, Wright, Higginbotham, M'voto, Harte, Donoghue, Pelter, Weir, J. Richardson, Miller, Dennehy, Chandler, Stokes.

Visit safc.com after 9pm tonight for a report on Bolton Reserves v Sunderland Reserves.

49
Football / Sunderland's Miller Transfer Listed
« on: February 27, 2008, 07:37:32 AM »

Bit of a shock as he has been one of the better players.

Something must of went off either he has said something or done something, as most will know there would be a few others on the list before him if it was for football reason.  It maybe he doesn't want to sign a new contract and only has a year or so left, but the timing is odd if that was the reason.


http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14288

Sunderland AFC have announced that Liam Miller has been put on the club's transfer list.

The Irish midfielder has been told he can look for a new club.

Transfer regulations mean the player is only available for an 'emergency' loan move to a Football League club during this season.

A permanent transfer is not permitted until after the season, in May when the transfer window reopens.

Miller joins Ross Wallace, David Connolly, Ian Harte, Stephen Wright, Graham Kavanagh (currently on loan to Sheffield Wednesday), Greg Halford (currently on loan to Charlton) and Stanislav Varga (currently on loan to Burnley) on the Sunderland transfer list.

50
Football / Carlos 2nd Only to Ronaldo - Agent
« on: February 18, 2008, 05:36:56 AM »
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/Only-Ronaldo-is-better-then.3787411.jp

Only Ronaldo is better then Sunderland winger
[/size]


CHRISTIANO Ronaldo is the only winger better than Sunderland's Carlos Edwards, it was claimed today.
And that shows how big a blow it has been for the Black Cats to be without the Trinidad & Tobago international for all but five games this season.

Edwards has not played since breaking his leg in a 1-0 home win over Derby on December 1 – one of only five appearances in an injury-ravaged campaign.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane sent the former Luton and Wrexham flanker for treatment in an oxygen chamber in a bid to accelerate progress.

His agent Mike Berry says the 29-year-old's recovery is going well, but refused to put a date on Edwards's comeback.

"Carlos is desperate to get back, but he has to be fully recovered if Sunderland are to get the best out of him," said Berry.

"It's not for me to say when he might play again; that's a matter for Roy Keane.

"But Carlos is feeling very positive, and that's good new for Sunderland because, in my opinion, he's the best wide player in the Premier League other than Ronaldo."

A hamstring injury hindered Edwards at the start of
the season – keeping him out of action three months.

He broke his leg only three games into his comeback, but Berry says the winger is drawing on past experiences as he looks to get back onto the pitch.

"Carlos is a military man," said the agent. "He signed up for the army back home and that made him a strong character.

"He's worked damn hard in the last 10 years to achieve his ambition of playing in the Premier League and having got there it's been a season of disappointment.

"A lesser person might not have handled it as well as he has and I'm sure that once he gets back into full training, which is hopefully imminent, we'll see the best of Carlos in the best league."

Keane said last week that Edwards, Kieran Richardson (hamstring) and Danny Higginbotham (broken toe) were all making progress, but he did not expect them to be ready for this weekend's trip to Portsmouth.

end quote


Well there you go, not bad for a lad that has not has a chance to settle in the prem, or indeed prove he is up to it (I don't have any doubts)

But same guy was very quick to say 4 weeks out with a broken leg when it first happened, he may have been told not to comment on "club" matters now.  I think Carlos could do with telling him to keep his mouth shut.

This is the same guy who was at the recent clinics.

51
Football / No Carlos next weekend
« on: February 15, 2008, 07:21:47 AM »
It doesn't look like to be back next weekend, I would hope he makes the Derby game.

I think the reported training knock a couple of weeks ago must have been more serious than the club let on.  He needs a change of luck.

no Richardson or Miller either for Portsmouth so any points is just looking like a bonus

http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14202


Carlos and Kieran unlikely for Pompey


By Nick Alexander

Roy Keane does not expect Carlos Edwards or Kieran Richardson to be available for Sunderland's game at Portsmouth next weekend.

Edwards and Richardson, who have hardly featured this season because of injury, may not be ready until next month.

Edwards was in London last week, for some sessions in an oxygen chamber, as he tries to come back from a broken leg.

Keane, the manager, said: "I wouldn't have thought we'll have any of the injured players back for Portsmouth - unless Kieran trains really well next week, but as I've said before, we have to be careful with him."

Liam Miller (calf), Roy O'Donovan (abdomen) and Danny Higginbotham (toe) are also in the treatment room. Higginbotham, who has not played since early January after breaking his toe, is set to return to training next week.

Dwight Yorke will be available for the trip to Fratton Park after playing in the reserves on Tuesday and Andy Reid and Grant Leadbitter, both recently back from injury, will push for a place in Keane's side.

The boss added: "The lads coming back from injury - Grant, Reidy and Danny Higginbotham next week - will do extra training. But in terms of the lads who have played every week, it's just keeping them simmering nicely."

Sunderland are without a game this weekend as the attention switches to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"I'd probably say that it's a decent time for us to have this break," said Keane. "We'd love to be still in the FA Cup, but we're not and it does give us a chance to recharge out batteries.

"It's short, sharp training sessions at this stage. There are 12 games to go and their fitness levels should not be a problem.

"It's important that you get the balance right because we've had injuries. We had an eleven-v-eleven game on the training pitch yesterday which was quite hard.

"The games in this league can take a lot out of you, both physically and mentally, especially for a lot of our players who are new to the Premier League, they have put a lot in.

"They will have the weekend off and than it is back to normal on Monday."

Sunderland face two successive away games after the break - they go to Derby after playing Portsmouth. "We're gearing towards the Portsmouth game and trying to get that first away win," said Keane.



52
Football / Want to watch Arsenal Game
« on: February 11, 2008, 02:41:32 PM »
link for free arsenal game on Setanta

Just open Windows Media Player and paste link

mms://72.21.90.97/200179/Sky

53
Football / Hi & Carlos still injured.
« on: February 08, 2008, 06:19:42 AM »
Hi all,

Been reading the board for quite a while sunderland fan and joined so I could add my two penneth worth to any safc related threads.

Still no good news on Carlos

http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14154

Carlos gets special treatment

By Nick Alexander.

Injured Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards is being put in an oxygen tent to boost his fitness.

Edwards, who is recovering from a broken leg, is in the middle of a five-day course in London.

The special tent helps speed up injury recovery time and has been used by players such as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.

Edwards is also scheduled to get treatment in Paris as Sunderland look to get their midfielder back in action.

Roy Keane, the manager, explained: "Carlos' recovery is slower than we would have hoped for but remember he has a broken leg. He is some weeks away [from a comeback] at the moment.

"He has been been out [training] but he's still feeling it. He's a fairly tough lad and his straight running is fine, but he's not 100 per cent happy with it.

"Carlos will go in the oxygen tent for five days - mind he does get out! You are only allowed in it for three hours a day."

Edwards has been limited to just five appearances this season.

"We're trying to think outside the box in terms of his recovery," said Keane. We're hoping to send him to see someone in Paris next week, a lad I know. It's been frustrating and we want him to get back up to speed.

"Remember he did break his leg, it's not as if he broke his toe-nail. It's still a fracture and sometimes they take longer to heal."

Also thought this was quite ammusing off SAFC.
Keane demands top show from Jones
By Nick Alexander.

Roy Keane will demand a top performance from Kenwyne Jones against Wigan tomorrow.

Jones is not due back on Wearside until this afternoon after playing for Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday night.

Keane reluctantly agreed to let his top striker make the 10,000-mile round trip to the Caribbean for the midweek friendly against Guaduloupe.

And the Sunderland boss will not listen to any excuses about fatigue when Jones lines up against the Latics in a vital game at the Stadium of Light..

"Of course you worry that the travel will affect him but Kenwyne knows he's got to perform," said Keane.

"He was selected for his country and you have to be fair to these players ... but they have to be fair to the club as well.

"He's played the full 90 minutes [against Guaduloupe] and then he's getting on a flight. Put it this way, he needs to put in a good shift tomorrow.

"We have to help with the travel arrangements. If we left it to them [the T&T FA], I think he'd be on a ferry. Him and Stern [John] are paddling at the moment. We make sure Kenwyne is upgraded and that he's got a bed to sleep on."

Jones, Sunderland's top scorer, played for 90 minutes in a 0-0 friendly draw in Port of Spain.

Keane added: "It was only a friendly and I know he's got another one in March - in the middle of a busy period for us. He might miss that one!

"They [the players] argue that we shouldn't treat Trinidad any different to the lads going to play for England or Ireland and that's fair enough. When we sign them, we are aware of that. The discussion with Kenwyne was amicable, you can't have it both ways."

Keane added: "I'm hoping the week will have refreshed him, he'll have got a bit of sun on his back. Yorkie used to go back [to the Caribbean] and return like a new man, sometimes it does you good.

"Kenwyne's not back until this afternoon, it's not ideal. We'll consider getting a private jet sorted out for some of these lads, so they come back straight after a game. Maybe lads from different clubs could come back on the same flight."

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