Questions from Sunderland forum

[LCBblue]

Have you noticed a change in the support you receive at home games since the club came into money? Have you noticed that fans from wider areas have began to support the club?

Not particularly, we've always had a relatively large fan base, some from all around the country but the majority of our support is still from the North West.

What is the first game you remember seeing Manchester City play in?

The last ever Manchester derby at Maine Road. 2002. I'm younger than the majority on the forum, btw.

If there was one player you could take from the current Sunderland side to play for Manchester City, who would it be?

The goalie, but only as a back up for Hart, seeing as though Given seems to be on his way. Sorry for sounding an arrogant sod.

Ex-Sunderland manager Peter Reid is thought of fondly by Sunderland fans after he took the club to their most successful Premier league finishes ever. What is your opinion on the former City player and manager?

Don't remember much about Peter Reid, remember only that he was player manager and that some perceive him as a legend.

Niall Quinn is a Sunderland and Man City legend also and is regarded probably more highly than any ever former Sunderland player. What is your opinion on the big man?

Always a fan favourite, with the famous song about his infamous disco pants, legend.

Do you really think that you can challenge for the league title eventually, or do you perhaps feel that, like Real Madrid did years ago, just spending loads of money doesn't necessarily determine that the team will work well together?

The team is evidently gelling currently, 4 games into the season (including Europa League ties), and we are yet to concede a goal. I can see us lifting the title within the next couple of years, this year we need to win a trophy otherwise I would deem the season to be a failure, in essence.

What are your hopes for your club this season, what is the minimum achievement you expect from Mancini?

Minimum achievement: Top 4. I expect a trophy to be delivered to Eastlands aswell as indefinitely, champions league qualification.

What are your thoughts on Sunderland AFC?

Decent club, decent fans, nice stadium.

What is your prediction for the game?

Knowing that your home record was good last season and not a lot of teams went and won at your place...I think City are different now, we're a changed side and because of this I can only see a win for City.

What are your memories of past Sunderland Vs Manchester City games?

The return of SWP, the 1-1 draw last season with Adam Johnson's wonder goal in the last minute.

Manchester City player Nedum Onuoha recently joined Sunderland on a season long loan, what can we expect from him?

Nice, intelligent bloke and a solid performer. I wish him all the best.

 

[Mr Ed (The Stables)]

Have you noticed a change in the support you receive at home games since the club came into money? Have you noticed that fans from wider areas have began to support the club?

No not really. As has been said by others the majority I feel come from the North west, but for me it's not important where they come from, just that they are a true loyal fans.

What is the first game you remember seeing Manchester City play in?

My first ever game was away to Bury at Gigg Lane in 1966. Colin bell played for the Shakers and typically we lost 2-1.

If there was one player you could take from the current Sunderland side to play for Manchester City, who would it be?

The Centre half you have on loan, John Mensah looks a very good player, however he always seems to be injured.

Ex-Sunderland manager Peter Reid is thought of fondly by Sunderland fans after he took the club to their most successful Premier league finishes ever. What is your opinion on the former City player and manager?

Well he took over from Howard Kendal in the 90's, and in the three years they/he were in charge we finished 5th, 5th and 9th. If English clubs hadn't been banned from Europe after Hysel, who knows what we may have acheived way back then. He also scored an away goal at Villa we effectively kept us up one season. I have very fond memories of him, and I think he was treated poorly by then chairman Peter Swales (rip)

Niall Quinn is a Sunderland and Man City legend also and is regarded probably more highly than any ever former Sunderland player. What is your opinion on the big man?

He was class in a glass, and I think the only reason we let him go was because I think he had serious injuries to both knees.

Do you really think that you can challenge for the league title eventually, or do you perhaps feel that, like Real Madrid did years ago, just spending loads of money doesn't necessarily determine that the team will work well together?

I think our owners have stated their intent this summer, but the important thing is most of our players are aged between 24 and 26 with some really good prospects coming through. If we keep the core of this squad together and get them to gell, in two or three seasons time, the world will be their oyster as the saying goes.

What are your hopes for your club this season, what is the minimum achievement you expect from Mancini?

My hopes are for us to try and play good entertaining football, qualify for the Champions League, and who knows with City, a trophy would be nice.

What are your thoughts on Sunderland AFC?

I like Sunderland and have watched you loads of times in recent years as my mate is an ex player of yours, as are his two sons. Great night out in the town afterwards as well and I've also been privilidged to be invited into the Legends lounge post match for a drink, it's great to see the goal frame from Roker Park in there.

What is your prediction for the game?

We normally do quite well against you. Last season was a draw after Gordon produced heroics in goal, and was well deserved of his man of the match award. I hope we win but I think it will only be by the odd goal. 2-1 say

What are your memories of past Sunderland Vs Manchester City games?

Gary Rowell always scoring against us, and Nigel Gleghorn scoring in a 4-2 win by us in the late 80's sometime at Roker Park!

Manchester City player Nedum Onuoha recently joined Sunderland on a season long loan, what can we expect from him?

He's a sensible lad and a good player with half a yard of pace. Unfortunately again he's one of those players that just seems to always pick up injuries.