Superkev: I'd have preferred to go to Boro

Kevin Phillips has admitted today that of the clubs he was seriously linked with this summer, he'd have preferred to go to Middlesbrough.

Rangers and Boro were linked with Phillips on-and-off throughout the closed season, and Southampton moving for him was something of a surprise.

Kev made it clear at the end of last season that he felt he needed to leave SAFC for a "fresh challenge" and said today "Being honest, I would have gone (to Boro) because my house that I bought in the north-east was nearer to Middlesbrough's training ground than it was Sunderland's.

"That would have been ideal but obviously it wasn't to be."

Phillips had always said that he'd have preferred to stay close to the north east, saying at the end of last season that "In an idea world I'd like to stay in the north east...but obviously it isn't an ideal world."

And he revealed one of the catalysts of his eventual decision to leave Sunderland: "In the pre-season after the second season we finished seventh, we never really went out and spent the money and bought the big names that I was promised and the supporters were promised. That was the time to go and get the big-hitters because I'm sure they would have come to the Stadium of Light.

"I felt then that maybe is was time to get out. I could just sense it then."

"The first four years were fantastic. The last two years weren't so memorable, but they were still enjoyable."

Cash turnstiles for Palace match on Saturday

Sunderland AFC are advising supporters that there will be cash turnstiles in operation when the Black Cats take on Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, but are urging fans to purchase in advance or early on the day to avoid the queues.

Fans that would like to purchase tickets on the day are advised there will be cash turnstiles in operation and details of these will be displayed on two new display boards, which are being erected at ground. A limited number of adult concession tickets priced at £17 will be available via the north west upper cash turnstiles.

Tickets are available to purchase now through the wide range of ticket-purchasing options offered to fans including the ticket hotline on 0191 551 5151, the 24-hour phone line on 08705 862 015, or from the Club's official website www.safc.com.

Supporters that would like to receive their tickets through the post are advised to purchase before 5pm on Thursday 11 September, as this is the last day tickets are being posted for the fixture.

The Stadium of Light ticket office is also open Monday - Friday 10:00 - 5:30pm and will remain open from 10.00am until kick-off at 3pm on Saturday.

Ticket prices range from £17 - £23 for adults and from £8 for juniors.