Vital Sunderland Summer Interview: Andrew Dipper

Q: When did you become a Sunderland fan and why?
A: Well, my first match was the very last at Roker (the 2-0 win over Liverpool), and I`ve had a season ticket since, sitting alongside my dad. I blame him for this disgusting addiction.

Q: The season just gone, good bad or ugly? What did you think of it?
A: Can I choose all three? The 14 game run without a win was most definitely ugly, and some of the performances bad, but overall it was a good season. Mid-table mediocrity was achieved.

Q: Best and worst moment of last season?
A: The best, for me, was beating Arsenal at the SOL 1-0. They`re probably everyone`s second favourite side to watch in the Premiership for their brilliant, pacey football, so it was great to see Sunderland defeat a side like that. The worst moment was probably the 1-0 defeat to Wigan, both pre-match as one man`s stupidly branded all of our support as racists, and the game itself, which appeared to cement the club`s position as relegation candidates.

Q: Kenwyne Jones ... is he off do you think? If so, what price (realistically) should Sunderland hold out for?
A: I hope not. Unlike a few clueless supporters, I feel that Jones is an integral part of the side, both attacking and defending. Without him, I doubt Bent would`ve scored as many last season. If he goes, I`d hope we`d get at least £15m for him. Fingers crossed Bruce sees it my way.

Q: What signings (type of player or specific name/s if you wish) would you like to see Sunderland buy this summer?
A: In the likely event that Mensah doesn`t resign, a new centre half is essential to compliment Turner. Also, a left back, a creative midfielder, and a back-up striker to replace the awful Benjani would be nice.

Q: Where do you stand on Steve Bruce(I don't mean literally, that would be assault) ?
A: I think he`s done a good job. My faith wavered over the winter, but I`m sure even Niall Quinn`s did at some point. From the look of his transfer activity, he`s building a canny side.

Q: Your opinion of Quinny and Ellis Short?
A: Spot on. I don`t think any supporter could really complain about the level of commitment and desire they show towards Sunderland AFC. 10/10.

Q: Favourite current player and favourite all time player/s
A: My favourite current player is probably Steed Malbranque. He displays such creativity and skill that he seems almost out of place in a Sunderland side. My favourite all time player is definitely Niall Quinn; I don`t have to tell you why, do I?

Q: Do you expect progress next season, difficult to answer before the transfer window closes I know?
A: Every supporter expects progress, otherwise what would be the point? I`d happy with 10th place.

Q: Right, lets lower the tone... which celebrity would you most like to bang and which (male I would think) celeb would you most like to thump!?!
A: Bang and thump are very similar in the world of comics, I`ll have you know! But as we`re living in the real world, I`ll play along: Cheryl Cole for both.

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