Source: Northern_Echo
Quinn's plan is in place
THREE years after successfully completing the takeover of Sunderland and Niall Quinn has earmarked the fourth season of his chairmanship as a key stage in the clubs development.[LNB] The Drumaville consortium has moved aside to allow American owner Ellis Short to take the reins and Quinn genuinely feels the only direction Sunderland are heading in is up.[LNB] With Steve Bruce lured to Wearside, the next phase of Quinns masterplan is firmly within his sights. Now a top ten finish is the target of the Sunderland hierarchy.[LNB] At this point, however, they should proceed with caution.[LNB] Yes, there has been money available and there is cash to spend. Neither, though, guarantees success just look at Roy Keanes tenure.[LNB] Bruces performance at Wigan, where he operated on a tighter budget, has contributed to a rise in expectation levels, with supporters hoping for a top half finish.[LNB] For that to happen, however, the problems Keane and Ricky Sbragia encountered need to be addressed and the type of on-field leadership that brings a winning mentality needs to be evident.[LNB] It is for that reason that Bruce has been courting Lee Cattermole; a combative midfielder with a desire that has been lacking.[LNB] The £5m capture of Albanian Lorik Cana from Marseille could offer a degree of that, but a lack of experience in the English game may mean he takes time to develop.[LNB] And while Bruce will be working hard on investing more of Shorts wealth, there is a sense that he hasnt really made the sort of transfer noises he had hoped.[LNB] Paulo Da Silva may show why he has earned many caps for Paraguay as a commanding centre-back, but Bruce wants Richard Dunne.[LNB] With the temperamental Djibril Cisse not retained, Bruce has attempted to replace his goals with Fraizer Campbell and Darren Bent.[LNB] Fans should resist predictions of a top ten place for now, and accept it will take time before Bruce can really call his team his own.[LNB]
