King Quinn

The rumours that Niall Quinn is organising a takeover bid for Sunderland refuse to go away and indeed the lack of any comments from the big man himself would tend to add weight to them.

The latest reports from the Express today indicate that the bid could be worth up to £80 million.

As the market value of the club is currently less than £3 million, presumably the rest of the money would be used to pay off some of the debts and invest in players which should create a formidable team for next season in the Championship. Unless of course the current Directors are holding out for more than the market worth which they can do now that the club is delisted from the Stock Market.

Of course Niall's credentials as a manager are a complete unknown.

Without a doubt he was one of the most intelligent and elloquent players we ever had. Its also clear that despite suggesting he was going to take a break from football he has quietly attained his coaching badges and been training youngsters back home in Ireland - we must presume there has been a reason for this.

If the takeover does go ahead it potentially leaves us in the interesting position where Quinn would be both a member of the Board and the Manager - does that mean he would sack himself if it didn't work out? Well lets hope we don't need to find out.

Niall more than most will appreciate the passion for football in the North East and will know just how much potential the club has in the right hands, good luck to him.

Meanwhile one of our other Irish hopefulls, Stephen Elliott is again ruled out through injury. This time reportedly with knee and hamstring problems. Arca and Caldwell are also ruled out with hamstring problems (what is Bally doing in training) so Breen is set to return to the captains role in defence. Doesn't it just fill you with confidence?