Vital Sunderland Summer Interview: Michael_Briggs7

Q: When did you become a Sunderland fan and why?
I became a Sunderland fan in 1998 and I was 8 years old and I didn`t really have a team at that age, kind of just floated with the best teams, my dad managed to get tickets for the Chelsea game in the Premier Concourse, brilliant view and I made it that little bit more better because I witnesses Kevin Phillips 25-yard volley and romp home to a 4-1 victory

Q: The season just gone, good bad or ugly? What did you think of it?
I have talked about this with a number of fans, and I have to say its been an okay season, not the best by certainly by far not the worst, 1 season under Bruce was always going to be about progression, not getting into Europe or pushing for fourth place. And we have done that im my opinion, ok so we had that blip in mid-season but that can be part of football, Bruce got us out of it, which shows enough that he is a good, solid manager. Next season should be about finishing in the top half of the table.

Q: Best and worst moment of last season?
The best moment for me was drawing against Man Utd, they have won countless Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup titles and a few European trophies, and at a full capacity of 76,000 I think, we almost beat them, with 10 men, unfortunate we ended up 2-2 but what a feeling it was before that goal went in.

the worst moment had to be against Chelsea, to go away and lose 7-1 is a disaster but the manor in which we lost it in was just pathetic, to concede 4 goals in 30mins is a shocking.

Q: Kenwyne Jones... is he off do you think? If so, what price (realistically) should Sunderland hold out for?
No I don`t think he will, he's a vital cog in the team system. He's strong, quick and hell of a jumper and header of the ball, we need him to stay if we are to progress!

Q: What signings (type of player or specific name/s if you wish) would you like to see Sunderland buy this summer?
Well if Bruce is going to release or get rid of 8 players that have been mentioned in the media then we need antiquate cover for those that will be gone.

Bruce has harped on about it that he wants quality not quantity and I agree, we defiantly need to sort the full back positions out. The Hutton deal looks to be over which is a shame and McCartney needs to go and his position needs to be filled as well

midfield we look ok, we have Riveros and I think we need 1 more in there, mainly a winger.

Up front we could do with one quality signing, but if im going to be completely honest I think we should use the likes of Waghorn and Noble a chance if Bent, Jones or Campbell are unable to play.

Q: Where do you stand on Steve Bruce (I don't mean literally, that would be assault)?
He`s a good manager, it`s his first time round at a big club and he has adapted brilliantly, yeah he maybe a Geordie but from what I have heard from sources he's starting to dig his routes in Sunderland.

Q: Your opinion of Quinn and Ellis Short?
These two are the best men that any football club could have, Quinn has really turned this club around and because of the financial backing of Short the club will not have to worry about going into debt or any other money trouble.

With out Ellis Short I think Sunderland could have been in a position were Pompy are and be in real trouble, the man is a saint and really loves this club which is even better because it makes the relationship with Quinn easier.

Q: Favourite current player and favourite all time player/s
currently im a huge fan of Steed Malbranque.
All time favourite.... Kevin Ball I think

Q: Do you expect progress next season, difficult to answer before the transfer window closes I know?
Yes we should be aiming for top half finish, with a couple of decent, quality signings and with the team of Bruce, Short and Quinn we can certainly achieve that for next season.

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