KIERAN Richardson feels he is home from home after likening Sunderland's support to that of Premiership champions Manchester United.

The 22-year-old joined the Black Cats for a fee believed to be in the region of £5.5m on Monday, signing a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

And Richardson revealed that Sunderland's fanatical support was a major factor behind his decision to move to Wearside after six years at Old Trafford.

"It's a massive club with a great fan base," he said. "The Mackems really get behind their team and I want to be part of that.

"I am used to massive crowds from my time at Manchester United. There's not really that much difference coming here.

"The fans love their football, they're passionate about it, as I am. When you're a footballer you want people around you who love football as well.

"The stadium is massive, we will have 48,000 watching us. The aim now is to show how big a club we are.

"This is definitely the start of something special. The gaffer said to me he thinks Sunderland can go on to achieve really big things. When you hear that, when he speaks like that, you want to be part of something new."

Roy Keane is considering handing Richardson his Black Cats debut at Scunthorpe tomorrow, along with fellow new signings Michael Chopra and Dickson Etuhu.

Keane, meanwhile, feels that if Sunderland are to hold their own in the Premiership next season then they will have to show the same defensive solidity that earned them their place in the top flight.

After shipping nine goals in their first four Championship outings last season, the Black Cats went on to boast one of the best defensive records on their march towards the title.

And as the Wearsiders prepare for life back in the Premiership, Keane, with seven top-flight titles to his name, knows just how important it is to build on any success from the back.

"You always want to score goals, but the defenders and goalkeepers always take great pride in keeping clean sheets," said the Black Cats boss.

"That played a massive part last season in helping get us promoted.

"We need to be very solid at the back if are going to have a good season in the Premiership."

Antony Stokes took a knock late on at the Darlington Arena, but the striker will be fit to take his place in the Black Cats squad tomorrow.

Following Raymond van der Gouw's arrival as goalkeeper coach, Keane has confirmed that Tim Carter will be coaching the Academy keepers next season.

Le Havre's protracted battle to win compensation from Newcastle United has finally drawn to a conclusion.

The French club have been seeking damages ever since Charles N'Zogbia left the La Ligue Nationale outfit for St James' Park three years ago.

Le Havre took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and have been rewarded.

CAS demand that N'Zogbia must pay Le Havre £440,000, while Newcastle have to pay £200,000.