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Survival would make Cats more attractive
NIALL QUINN feels that securing
a second successive season in
the Premier League would seriously
strengthen Sunderland's
arm in the transfer market this
summer.
The Black Cats remain very
much in a fight against relegation,
despite recording a first
away win of the campaign at
Aston Villa last weekend.
But if Sunderland can overcome
West Ham at the Stadium
of Light tomorrow, the four-point
advantage they have over the bottom
three could be extended to
seven with six matches remaining.
It is only when safety is assured
that Roy Keane will be able
to act on the list of transfer targets
he has been working on,
with the hope being that he can
attract a higher calibre of player
to Wearside next season.
There has already been a renewed
interest in his former
Manchester United team-mate
Diego Forlan, and it is international
stars that he would like to
bring to the club.
Chairman Quinn, who has
backed Keane to the tune of more
than £40m since promotion was
achieved last May, is more than
willing to keep backing the Sunderland
boss.
But he knows that top-flight
status is essential if the Irish pair
are not going to be knocked back
by their targets, in a similar fashion
to the way Forlan did eight
months ago.
"There will be twists and turns
in this relegation run-in, I have
no doubt. But the club is solid
throughout. The supporters have
been incredible," said Quinn.
"It's more difficult for the supporters
because they have to
watch it. It means so much to
them. But they've been so patient,
they understand how difficult
it's been for us.
"We came up a little ahead of
our target but you can't say no.
Survival now would be huge because
it would mean that we can
kick on. I have a plan in mind but
I wouldn't be doing my job if I
didn't have a Plan B.
"It's well known that last summer
we missed out on a few players.
Their agents were asking
questions of us, would we stay up
and all that.
"They were definitely wary of
us. But when the window opens
up again, we can show players
how serious we are. It's a huge
club and it needs to be up there
every season."
One of the players currently at
Keane's disposal is transfer-listed
Liam Miller and there remains
no sign of the situation improving.
Miller was made available last
month after turning up for training
late on three occasions in
quick succession, which enraged
his manager.
The Republic of Ireland international
has continued to impress
in training and Keane has
said in recent weeks that the midfielder
could play before May.
Quinn said: "The situation hasn't
progressed or regressed. Liam
is fighting hard to get his place
back in the team and he is coming
in, putting his head down and
working. He has a job to do, but
knowing Liam - he's a quiet lad,
unassuming and works hard - he
will make his way back into that
team.
"I haven't spoken to him, that's
Roy's department on the football
side of things. But I know the
characters that Roy brought into
the club and Liam is a spirited
player."
8:47am Friday 28th March 2008
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