PETER Reid will continue to do the job his way after six years in charge at Sunderland.

Reid celebrated his anniversary yesterday by insisting that he wouldn't be held to ransom in the transfer market.

But he did confirm that he's on the lookout to strengthen the side in the summer while he waits for new talent to emerge when the club's £10m academy opens next year.

Fans have persistently badgered Reid to spend, and spend big. But the Sunderland boss has consistently looked for value and can point to Kevin Phillips and Gavin McCann as two major successes of his softly-softly approach.

Yesterday he emphasised that policy won't change and again cited Manchester United as his model.

"Manchester United never buy success," he said. "Sir Alex Ferguson has been there so long that now, when you look at the first team, you can see the kind of players they have brought through.

"You can't buy success, it's impossible. That's why I think our new academy will play such a massive part.

"I know I've got my critics and people who say I should spend more money. But I think that happens to manager anywhere.

"I do it my way and I think it's good for a club when you have a strong manager in charge. Everyone knows where they are, players know what they can get away with and what they can't, and people know what I expect of them.

"I know the fans sometimes say 'go and buy this player or that player. What they don't realise is that often they are not for sale. But I am always trying to improve the squad."

Reid can expect a bigger pot of transfer cash should the Black Cats clinch a Champions League place this season.

And in that respect tomorrow's mouthwatering meeting with rivals Leeds at the Stadium of Light is crucial.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is eager to round off the "biggest week" of his career with another clean sheet following his lockout for Denmark in Czechoslovakia.

Sorensen faces Leeds after recording his third clean sheet in four internationals.

He said: "I'm playing two massive games in a week but I have tried to separate them in my mind. It wasn't easy against the Czechs and now I face a crucial game against Leeds."

Sunderland and Leeds are both chasing a Champions league place and the Wearsiders want revenge for their 2-0 defeat at Elland Road in December.

They should be boosted by a fitness all-clear on midfielder McCann, who pulled out of the England squad this week with a knee injury.

* Stuart Pearce has promised to give West Ham a decision on his playing future before the end of the season.

The 38-year-old defender who has plans to go into management had previously said he would decide soon after the season ended.

But now he has revealed that he will make a decision after West Ham's final home game of the season, against Southampton on May 5 - just a week after his 39th birthday.

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