Source: Team_Talk
Quinn vows to back Cats spree
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has promised to help manager Steve Bruce build an exciting squad for the new Premier League campaign.[LNB] The fixture list announced on Friday morning will see Bruce's side pitched into battle with Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the season, a date which could see former Black Cats midfielder Jordan Henderson make his league debut for the Reds against his hometown club.[LNB]They then welcome arch-rivals Newcastle to the Stadium of Light a week later for their first home game with revenge for last season's disappointments firmly in mind.[LNB]Henderson's departure on top of that of Darren Bent in January has left Bruce with a major rebuilding job to do as he attempts to both replace key players and strengthen the squad they have left behind, and Quinn is confident he will do just that.[LNB]The Irishman told the club's official website: "The journey begins again and it promises to be an interesting one.[LNB]"We have got a tough start to the season, but you have to play everyone twice during the course of the season, so it all evens itself out.[LNB]"We are looking to build an exciting squad to meet the challenges to come, and I'm confident we will be able to do that.[LNB]"As a club, we are exploring a number of potential signings and have been speaking to a number of players and agents.[LNB]"There's a real sense of excitement now and I hope the fans will get behind us and back us through the turnstiles.[LNB]"We are all moving ahead in the same direction and there's plenty to look forward to."[LNB]Much of the groundwork for deals to sign strikers Ji Dong-won and David Ngog has been completed, while free transfer moves for Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson are at an advanced stage.[LNB]Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has indicated his willingness to consider a switch to Wearside, although team-mates Wes Brown and John O'Shea seem less enamoured after the Red Devils accepted a joint bid totalling in excess of £12million.[LNB]Sunderland have also registered their interest in Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner while Bruce is a long-term admirer of Charles N'Zogbia, although Wigan's valuation, which is understood to top £10million, has not wavered.
