JUBILANT Niall Quinn hailed the contribution of two of his former teammates after they sealed Sunderland's return to the top flight.

Quinn's ex Republic of Ireland international colleagues Clinton Morrison and Mark Kennedy both netted in Crystal Palace's 2-0 home victory over promotion rivals Derby County.

The win at Selhurst Park sunk any hopes the Rams had of claiming an automatic place and instead handed the Black cats an immediate return to the top flight.

"There have been different twists and ironies throughout the season and two great old friends of mine scored the Palace goals," said the Sunderland chairman. "It's terrific. I'm just incredibly pleased that the uncertainty that surrounded the club, the negativity that was in the air has gone. It has been turned into something positive.

"I'm happy about the character we have at our football club. I'm happy about that as I am about promotion. We have very special people throughout the club."

Sunderland have announced that season tickets for next term's Premiership season go on sale this morning at 10am.

Supporters who purchase a seat by June 5 can take advantage of an interest-free scheme, which allows fans to pay via two direct debit payments in July and October 2007.

Quinn added: "This is very much just the beginning. I asked the people of Sunderland to respond and believe in us and all credit to them for doing just that."

For further details call 0845 671 1973 or log on to www.safc.com

6:03am Tuesday 1st May 2007

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