The state of North-East football

Andy Richardson: Welcome to second of The Northern Echo's Live Debates with the Sports Desk

[Comment From Paul] Hi Andy, it's been a disappointing season so what have us North-East football fans got to look forward to next season?

Andy Richardson: When Saturday Comes magazine pretty much summed up the state of North East football with their cover this month showing Sunderland players celebrating a narrow escape from relegation - which team do you follow Paul?

Paul Fraser: Good afternoon. I think there could be quite a lot to look forward to. There will be doubts, most of which will centre on transfers this summer, but from a North-East point of view we all have to hope there will be pushes for promotion.

Andy Richardson: There are reasons to be optimistic. Darlington look to have saved their skins which has got to good news.

[Comment From Paul] I'm a Middlesbrough fan if anything but I like to see all five teams succeeding. I reckon next season will give us, particularly Boro and Newcastle, a different outlook for the first time in a decade.

Paul Fraser: And what do you think is required for Middlesbrough to push for promotion then Paul?

Paul Fraser: Personally I think that the chances of Middlesbrough succeeding will be purely down to Southgate's ability to attract leading Championship players to the Riverside. Otherwise it is difficult to see Boro climbing back into the Premier League.

[Comment From Paul] I'd like to see Southgate admit he was wrong to blood too many youngsters all at once and reinstate a backbone of the team. Losing Schwarzer, Boateng and two strikers who can score was a horrendous mistake.

Andy Richardson: Southgate is a pretty honest guy and has already admitted he made mistakes. But I know a lot of Boro fans were very worried about the lack of experience in the side. It was always a risk to get rid of expensive, older players and it proved to be a mistake but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Who should he bring in over the summer?

[Comment From Terry] I think next year we will finally push on and become a recognised premier club - Sunderland that is

Andy Richardson: Where would you be happy to see Sunderland finish next season Terry?

[Comment From Terry] Would be happy to be safe with about 6 games to go, but am expecting a top 10 finish

Andy Richardson: The optimism at the SOL has gone sky high since Steve Bruce was appointed, Niall Quinn was buzzing at the press conference last week and I think anything less than a top half finish would be poor for Sunderland next year.

[Comment From DJ] I agree with Terry. Do you think we have any exciting signings to look forward to at Sunderland? Is it true Bruce is going to spend big?

Paul Fraser: Bruce has got the cash available to spend. Ellis Short will back him quite substantially but there will be a drive from Quinn and Short to ensure that money is not wasted quite like it was under Roy Keane.

[Comment From Toonie] Hi Lads - If I gave you a free £10 bet, who would you back to be Newcastle's captian next season?

Paul Fraser: Toonie, it is difficult to imagine any other player than Steven Taylor being handed the captaincy at St James' Park. Nicky Butt and Steve Harper are decent shouts, but if Shearer was to get the job he wants then installing a local hero like Taylor as the captain would be his choice.

Andy Richardson: My £10 would go on Nicky Butt being Newcastle skipper next season, what about you Ronnie?

[Comment From Terry] Sunderland need a Captain as a number 1 priority, a leader on the pitch. I never again want to see our captain trudging back with his shoulders slumped after we concede a goal.

[Comment From Terry] Don't think money was wasted on Ferdinand, Malbranque, Tainio, Richardson, Jones - even Cisse

Paul Fraser: I don't think there is any doubt that Roy Keane was a little trigger happy with his spending. He would probably be the first to admit that if you asked him now. But from those players you listed I would disagree on a couple. I would argue that the £2.5m loan fee "wasted" on Cisse actually helped to keep Sunderland up. He got ten goals in the Premier League. And Ferdinand is also a player that has all the ingredients to come good, particularly if he eradicates the lapses in concentration.

Andy Richardson: I think Tainio - when he was fit - was one of Sunderland's best players last season but he's had injury problems since his Spurs days. Cisse was great until January and then seemed to lose interest. Anton makes some daft errors and Malbranque looked good but can't last more than 60 mins of a game.

[Comment From toto] hello there

Paul Fraser: hello toto, who are you a fan of?

[Comment From alan] i just hope someone holds steve bruces hand and gives him some help in the transfer market. and wont make the same mistakes as keane, i.e. spending on quantity not quality.

Andy Richardson: Bruce had a good record in sourcing inexpensive talent at Wigan, I think he'll bring in a couple of established players over the summer and use his scouting network to unearth a gem.

[Comment From DJ] Are we set to see a lot of players leaving Sunderland? The speculation over Kenwyne's future seems to be continuing

Paul Fraser: what i would say alan is that bruce has at least a decent record for spending money wisely.
even at birmingham he operated quite soundly. Niall Quinn and Ellis Short will go for Bruce's targets but I'm sure they will be reluctant to pay cash for players that just increase the quantity rather than quality of the squad.

POLL
Should Sunderland sell Kenwyne Jones in the summer?
Yes ( 35% )
No ( 65% )

Andy Richardson: I think several players will be leaving the SOL this summer but Bruce wants to have a good look at them all before he lets anyone go.

Paul Fraser: Had Steve Bruce not arrived during the summer then I would have suggested that Kenwyne would have left this summer. But now that Bruce has arrived then he should make it a priority to keep him. Sunderland could be backed into a corner if Tottenham, say, come in with another offer worth in the region of £20m. Surely that would be money that Short would have to seriously consider.

[Comment From Big Simo] £20m for Jones? Can I have a pint of what your on please, I watch him every week & he'll NEVER get 15 in a season

Paul Fraser: A pint of what I am on? According to Quinn last month Sunderland knocked back an offer from Tottenham worth £20m for Jones. It sounds like Big Simo would have taken the cash!

[Comment From alan] i think the 20 mill offer included darren bent

Paul Fraser: From what I understand, the £20m offer was just for Jones. It was a £16m initial figure, rising to £20m depedning on his success down at the Lane. Thoughts?

[Comment From Big Simo] Thoughts? Loads but none as mad as that

Paul Fraser: Like I said, you can only go on what you're told! If that is what Niall Quinn says, who am I to doubt him!

[Comment From Big Simo] Aye & they offered £20m for Whitehead, had lunch with Elvis & rode off into the sunset on Shergar while Quinn chased them on his magic carpet

Andy Richardson: Jones had a great first season but I'd be amazed if Sunderland would turn down a £20m bid for him this summer.

[Comment From Terry] I am sure Wolves will be in for Whitehead, Murphy at least. Probably Ipswich will come for Edwards

[Comment From alan] it will be interesting to see sunderlands retained list............after bruces cull

Paul Fraser: I like the Whitehead to Wolves one. I think I might use that one tomorrow! Mick McCarthy remains massive fans of both Whitehead and Murphy, so he could look their way. McCarthy also wants to sign Matthew Bates from Middlesbrough. It is likely to be a busy summer at Molineux.

Andy Richardson: Paul Fraser will take his 'exclusives' from anywhere!

[Comment From Ronnie] Newcastle need to buy a captain for next season. No-one in the current squad has the character required, as their performances last season showed.

Paul Fraser: I would agree with Ronnie on the captaincy problem at Newcastle. Given what has gone on at St James' Park over the last ten months there is a need for change. Whoever is in charge at Newcastle next season should come in and make signing a dressing room leader his priority. If Shearer does take charge I think he is more likely to go for Taylor or Butt. Who would you like to come in and be captain at Newcastle?

[Comment From Deane] Will Boro and Mags fans enjoy the championship?

Andy Richardson: If they are both involved in a promotion campaign then the second half of the season could be a thriller for both sets of fans. But it will be a downer for Boro and Newcastle fans to see the fixtures when they are published next week.

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] A thriller Andy? Do me a favour the fact NUFC are in the championship is a joke!

Andy Richardson: Terry, I understand what you mean but winning every week next season would make life a bit more bearable.

[Comment From Andy W] I can reveal Chris Lumsdon has signed for Darlo - any jobs??

Andy Richardson: Andy W is after your job Fras!

Paul Fraser: We had in the Echo this morning about Chris Lumsdon. I'm also hearing that Jeff Smith has agreed to sign for Darlington too. Colin Todd just needs the future of the club to be sorted out now!

[Comment From Terry] Maybe Wheater and Downing would be good buys for Bruce? Can't think of any Newcastle players he would want

Andy Richardson: Bassong would do well at Sunderland.

[Comment From Darlo Spike] If Shearer turns it down, who's likely to be new manager? King Kev? Ant and Dec? Or has Mike Ashley got someone else up his sleeve?

Paul Fraser: If Shearer turns Newcastle down then I fear for Newcastle. He is the only man the fans want now and it's difficult to imagine anyone coming in and getting the support of the Geordie faithful - particularly if Ashley has not sold up. Joe Kinnear perhaps?!

[Comment From Pedro] I think Newcastle have to sort out the boardroom shambles before anything else. Will shearer take the job while ownership is still in limbo?

[Comment From Darlo Spike] Do you see Newcastle going back up then Paul? Or will they do a Leeds?

[Comment From Andy W] I was just wondering where journalists get their 'scoops from?' I was really excited to hear of Pools signing a Norwegian INternational on your web page yesterday only for Turner to reject it out of hand!!

Andy Richardson: That Pools story came from Nick Loughlin, our Sports Editor so it must be true!

[Comment From Big Simo] Here here Andy the sane voice of Echo sport

Paul Fraser: What I would say on the Norwegian is that sometimes clubs deny any interest in a player once they have realised they can't sign him!

Andy Richardson: That's right Fras, you stick up for the Sports Editor even when he's publishing dodgy rumours as fact.

[Comment From Andy W] Probably a fair point Paul! Just we have been prom,ised 3 or 4 signings for so long that when you get a 'scoop' it is quite disappointing to find out its not true!! We' ll probably end up signing uncapped Norwegians as good as Sperrevik and Vindheim - god help us!!

POLL
Who will finish higher next season?
Middlesbrough ( 65% )
Newcastle ( 35% )

[Comment From Deane] Who do you think will be the challengers in the Championship next season?

Paul Fraser: Deane, in the Championship next season you have got to look at the regulars in the top ten. Sheffield United and Reading are sure to be in contention, along with West Brom. But while they might sound a bit wild, I fancy Leicester's chances of at least a play-off place. They won League One and I think that with Milan Mandaric at the Walkers Stadium there will be money available to get the Foxes in the PL. This summer's transfer dealings will decide whether Newcastle and Middlesbrough can compete.

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] I think WBA will be up there & if QPR stick with a manager long enough they'll have a shout as an outside shout why not Peterbrough under Ferguson?

Paul Fraser: I don't think Jim Magilton will last until Christmas. He did Ok at Ipswich but I dont think he will impress at Loftus Road - famous last words! When I listed Championship contenders earlier I missed one out .... Ipswich under Roy Keane will be a force, certainly.

[Comment From Big Simo] Ipswich? Na Keane will have either blew up or bought & sold his entire squad come october!!

Paul Fraser: I do think that Ipswich will be a Championship force under Keane. No matter what people think of his work at Sunderland, his initial impact was stunning. Took them from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League and put bums on seats again, raising the club's profile in the process.

[Comment From bob] what happens if newcastle have no new owner before pre-season starts? There are no friendlies lined up, no manager, apparently no money available for new signings and they are trying to get rid of most of the players. I can see them dropping like a stone

Paul Fraser: Bob, you speak sense! I fear for Newcastle if Ashley doesn't find a buyer quickly. Time is already running out, so for a new owner to come in and appoint a new manager, find new players and appoint a run of fixtures to warm the team up in a short space of time will be difficult. The only thing Newcastle do have going for them at the moment is that they will be able to sign players on emergency loan deals after the August transfer deadline.

[Comment From Darlo Spike] Have any of you emailed a bid for Newcastle?

[Comment From Deane] Seriously, who do you think will leave Newcastle - and how much would they get for them?

Andy Richardson: I think potentially any of the Newcastle squad could be sold. Shearer wants to keep a core of players he thinks will be right for the Championship e.g. S Taylor, Butt. The wages paid to the likes Smith,Barton etc. will make then tough to sell. Who should the club try to keep?

[Comment From DJ] You can tell Terry Tibbs is a Toon fan, he's already been studying the Championship form!

[Comment From Ant] Emergency loan deals? Who the hell have we become Darlo or sumit?

[Comment From Dave] darlo? dont be so harsh on them

Paul Fraser: Unfortunately emergency loan deals after the deadline are something Championship clubs have to get used to!

[Comment From Dave] there could be at max 17 in contention to be promoted. on paper that is.

[Comment From Dec] I think we need emergency surgery not loan deals or we'll go bump

[Comment From Big Simo] What chance Bruce getting rid of the tut Keane left behind such as Murphy & Ried? I'm sure they'd do a job for NUFC or Boro at a lower level

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] Toon should keep Krull, Taylor, Bassong, Caroll & eh that's it I think

[Comment From Dave] hopefully mcshame goes with him

Paul Fraser: I don't even see Roy Keane taking McShane with him. He had a really bad year, even if he is still a big part of the ireland squad.

[Comment From Big Simo] But bums in the team as well mate!!

[Comment From Terry] Spot on Paul about Keane. It is easy to find negatives. Keane was excellent for Sunderland

Paul Fraser: Keane had his problems in the dressing room towards the end, but there's no disguising the work he did. He might have spent a lot of money and built an over-sized squad but he still brought plenty cash in.

[Comment From DJ] Do you think Shearer will stay?

Andy Richardson: Shearer loves Newcastle otherwise he'd have walked away already and he feels partly culpable for the relegation so will want to be the man who brings them back up. But, unless the finances are right - and they're clearly not at the moment - then I think NUFC fans would understand if he doesn't take the job. What do you all think?

[Comment From Guest]
Shearer shouldn't touch the job it'll ruin a great man. Those players who took the club down aren't fit to lace the great man's boots. Forget it Al the clubs a joke

[Comment From Terry] Sheare should feel culpable for relegation. He chopped and changed, played people out of position and never got team motivated. Don't see why next year he would do differently

Andy Richardson: Was that Shearer? Dowie was the man responsible for tactics.

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] Al is a true legend, always will be unlike the jokers he has to work with

[Comment From Robo Cop] We'll go down again as long as Mr Lamb is running the Boro. Up the Boro!!

Paul Fraser: I spoke with Keith Lamb last week for an hour and he did give the impression that there is a decent plan in place for Middlesbrough to bounce back. Whether you believe it or not is another question. But what I would say is that if Steve Gibson, the chairman, is willing to write off around £60m of the club's debts, there must be a determination from within to get them back to where the money is - the Premier League.

[Comment From SeanH] Which striker should Boro target this Summer

Paul Fraser: I'm here to be shot down and I probably will be with this wild statement. But with £12.7m spent on Alves, Boro will have wasted millions if they let him go in the summer. I think he should be given a chance to turn all of those chances he missed into goals next season! And once Aliadiere, Tuncay and Mido have gone, I suggest that Southgate looks at players like Jason Scotland at Swansea and Jermaine Beckford at Leeds. The problem, though, is that neither are likely to go to Boro.

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] Sounds a bit like Kean, your favorite Terry

[Comment From Robo Cop] £60m come on, that'll just be in the form of a loan to the club it hasn't gone they just owe it to Gibson not the banks. The clubs skint & has been for a few years now just look at the players we've bought & sold. Boro played to go down this year & showed no fight

Paul Fraser: Boro played like a team wanting to go down but I really don't think they always had relegation in mind. The financial loss of relegation is too drastic to want, surely?!

[Comment From Deane] Why wouldn't Beckford go to Boro? He was linked with Sheff United so why not Boro?

Paul Fraser: Beckford could go to Boro, but if other clubs come in for him them I really don't think that he would go to Boro. He would be ideal for Middlesbrough. Goals galore, not bad for a £50,000 buy from Wealdstone. Alves, for £12.7m, should look at himself!

[Comment From Bert] Pools for promotion next season, unbelievable!!!

Paul Fraser: pools for promotion? They'll have to hope Peter Hartley is a capable replacement for Micky Nelson, otherwise Pools could struggle.

[Comment From bob] micky nelson was awful for the most part last season

POLL
Which team do you support?
Sunderland ( 27% )
Middlesbrough ( 9% )
Newcastle ( 9% )
Hartlepool ( 18% )
Darlington ( 36% )

Andy Richardson: We're going to wrap this up in a minute. Thanks to everyone for your comments and questions. We'll post the date of our next Live Sports Debate at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport join us again soon. Cheers.

[Comment From bob] i think middlesbrough have a really poor fan base in terms of numbers and atmosphere at games, I think this is where there problems start, not steve gibsons money. Discuss?

[Comment From Terry] Thanks lads that was good fun. Gotta do some work now

[Comment From Robo Cop] Any player they now sign will be on reduced wages, the big earners will be shipped out or loaned so the wage bill will be drastically reduced, they can start from scratch having over streatched in the past. Did they look like a club trying to stay up? Nothing was done to address the slide over the last 6 months & Southgates team against NUFC was a joke!

Paul Fraser: We seem to be getting quite a few Hartlepool United comments coming in now, so we will have a Pools debate in the coming weeks with sports editor Nick Loughlin. Then you can ask him where he gets his Norwegian stories from!?

[Comment From Terry Tibbs] Thank you & good night, much love!!!!!

Andy Richardson: That is the end of this Live Sports Debate. Thanks again for your interest, see you all again very soon.