Source: SKY_Sports
Quinn - Exciting times ahead
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is excited after his side's Premier League fixtures were announced on Wednesday.
The Black Cats will open their campaign with a trip to Bolton on 15th August, before entertaining both Chelsea and Blackburn at the Stadium of Light on 18th August and 22nd August respectively.
Quinn says last season's battle against the drop is now 'dead and gone' and he cannot wait for the new action to get underway.
He told the club's official website: "The holidays are coming to an end now the fixtures are out.
"This is the time when everyone gets giddy about what's going to happen. Last year is dead and gone and it's all about bringing it on now.
"We are all very excited and, with three games in eight days, the start of the season will be hectic, but we will relish it.
"This is what staying in the Barclays Premier League was all about and it's great to be involved."
The Black Cats have got four games against teams promoted in the last two years - Stoke away, Hull at home, Burnley away and Wolves at home - following the Blackburn clash on the opening day.
And the club's chief executive Steve Walton believes Steve Bruce's men can get off to a good start, although they must also play Liverpool and Arsenal in their first seven home games.
Walton said: "We've a good chance of getting off to a cracking start.
"Playing Chelsea just a couple of days into the season gives us the opportunity to catch them cold and we shouldn't underestimate that we've got three of the top teams to play in our first seven home fixtures but that's what the Barclays Premier League is all about and we're looking forward to it."
