Source: SKY_Sports
Quinn seeks stability
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn hopes the club have seen the back of their yo-yo existence.
The Black Cats have experienced the highs of four promotions and the lows of three relegations over the last 13 years, but do appear to have found some stability at last.
While relegation fears have threatened their last two Premier League campaigns, they have been able to stave off the dreaded drop and remain a top flight outfit.
They are now preparing for the 2009/10 season as the only North East representative in the top tier of English football, following Newcastle and Middlesbrough's relegation last term.
Sunderland also have a new manager in place, in the form of Steve Bruce, and Quinn is optimistic that a bright future lies ahead for the Wearside outfit.
"It would be great if Sunderland fans could get used to Premier League fixtures coming out and them always seeing their team among the leading clubs again," Quinn told the Sunderland Echo.
"I've learned quickly that when you mention stability in football it can come back and bite you on the backside but hopefully stability is what we can have from now on.
"We have built almost three different teams in three years and it has been a very busy time on and off the pitch.
"You can't continue on that basis and continuity and stability are both things you strive for.
"I have looked back at the history books and I would love this club to have a proper long run in the Premier League now.
"Since the period before the mid-1950s, when Sunderland looked like being a permanent fixture in the top division, the club's longest run in what is now the Premier League has been six years.
"That's not a lot for a club this size and with this potential.
"During my watch as chairman, I would love us to get to seven years and beyond. That is when you say you are a proper Premier League club - when you are in the top league year after year.
"I feel that would be a real achievement.
"There have been a heck of a lot of changes at this club in a short space of time but hopefully we're through all that and we've now reached a point where we have the boardroom and the manager we want and we go about the task of building the successful team that Sunderland fans deserve."
Meanwhile, Sunderland have confirmed that goalkeeper coach Raimond van der Gouw has left the club to return to his native Holland and a post at Vitesse Arnhem.
