Ste

He is not a fascist, he is a very happy man with a lovely tone to his voice. Loves a bit of a dance too.

I think if he had proven to be a good manager over a number of years, then you could look past his personality and political views and make a strong argument for him being the right man to take a football club forward. The very most I would have given him would have been a deal until the summer, but that would only have been after chasing a load of other targets. Certainly wouldn't have been my first choice as he has been Short's. Serious doubts over him long-term, and clearly he isn't seen as just a quick fix as he does have a 2 year deal. Interesting 7 games ahead for them, it's quite a bold gamble but a necessary one after the awful timing of O'Neill's sacking. Very few, real options available to them.

Wouldn't be my choice as a manager as I think there will be a fair few players who just wouldn't be keen on signing for Sunderland to play for him. As well as the numerous other reasons to turn down a move to them.

Very brave and bizarre appointment if he takes the job. Very interested in how it will pan out.

Or perhaps he just performed above himself.

There doesn't seem to be any willingness to change his thinking or the tactics a great deal. He still appears very confident in his own style of play despite what the results show. The team we have are more than capable of being able to play a decent game of football. He just needs to be braver, the fear of losing and the tactics he sends the team out with contribute greatly to the results we get.

Nice strike. How was the rest of his game yesterday?

Still, could have been massively worse. Says a lot to be disappointed by him missing our next game, given the bleak outlook shared by many after the assault by McManaman.

Let's switch it around, if that tackle is Tiote on Figueroa, is Martinez so forgiving then? Made himself look like a right fool defending McManaman.

From his point of view, unless he's really homesick, a move back to France would be a huge backwards step for his career. It's our job as a club, if we want to keep the quality players, to progress to a position where we can compete and be a force. The future is looking good after the January window, but another poor summer and I think a few will be thinking about moving on. You only get so many years at the top level in your prime.

Doesn't matter how confident I am in the weeks leading up to a derby, come derby day I'm all nerves. Would miss derby day if they went down, like I did when they spent a few years in the Championship. Nothing else like it.

Touring the US in the pre-season according to Llambias.

Saw someone had posted the video on Facebook yesterday but honestly thought it must be an old incident. I like that one of the related articles on the BBC is from the 8th March, Rodgers saying Suarez is a changed man.

"The challenge was one that had no real intent. It is unfortunate that that happens on a football pitch. And I think we have had too much talk about it. It is a bit unfair on a young man (McManaman) has had to suffer that. Anything that has been seen by the officials can't be re-refereed. That is not down to us. It is down to FIFA, they are the laws of the game. It's nothing new and that has been said from the beginning." We have always had good contact with Newcastle's medical department, not just because of that game. Every game we play when somebody gets injured we have a relationship. The two medical departments were in contact from the day of the game until Massadio would be avoiding big injury and he'd be fully fit."

He has been told he can have one if he wishes.

The stat just shows how important he is to them as he is their main goalscorer and they don't have many others capable of finding the back of the net. Without him for the rest of the season, they are going to seriously struggle as the transfer window is closed and the other players available look absolutely toothless.

Sold out in just under 5 hours apparently.

I won't laugh or a celebrate a footballers injury, except in very special circumstances. Certainly puts Sunderland in a very interesting position. Wigan have a game in hand. Win that and Sunderland are only a point above the drop zone. Sunderland have Man United, Chelsea, us and Everton in their next 4 games. Going to be very close for them.

Without Steven Fletcher's goals this season Sunderland would be bottom of the Premier League & nine points from safety. Not convinced Graham can step in. Someone has to, or they will be an easy club to catch for the chasing pack.

Fantastic news!

That potential team should still beat Sunderland, but my word what a hypocrite Ferguson is. Time and time again.

When is it ever a benefit for a club though? Many players are a lot better for the experience they gain on international duty. A chance to play with different players, the matches have a different pace and the tactics vary from the league you're used to. Altogether different challenge. Of course, the injuries gained on international duty and the extra workload are a pain for any club manager, there are benefits to players playing for their country from a club's perspective. And not just from a money perspective.

You will always have Neighbours.

Wish it was more clear just what was going on here. I hope the club are handling it in the correct manner, whatever is going on with Coloccini. He is certainly getting plenty of space and time to himself.

I don't think Ameobi should be used as a comparative when signing another striker. Would like to see us try and improve on Cisse as this season has been a disappointment for him. His place in the team shouldn't be as certain next season.