There are so many Rumors floating around SAFC at the moment I thought that it might be nice to put three of the ones that are big enough to have crossed the pond and reached my ears in New York all in one place and see if any of them actually come to fruition by next season.
THE RUMOR: Murray to Sell Sunderland AFC?
Probably the biggest rumor currently flying around is that there are possible buyers out there who are interested to take over SAFC. Although the numbers vary there apparently could be up to four individuals, almost certainly Sunderland supporters, possibly in some sort of conglomerate…although one is more likely. Possible names range from the probable and include Reg Vardy , David Bannertyne (not of hulk fame) and the Cowie family to the less then likely McCartneys of Beatle fame.
BELIEVABILITY: 8/10
SUBSTANCE?
Timing is everything in this game and Murray’s recent acquisition of the majority of club shares, together with SAFC’s current cash-in promotion push give this rumor real substance. Although it could conceivably be profit taking you must remember that SAFC was taken off the stock-market and currently SAFC’s shares are self-valued, so political rather then financial gain are the most likely reasons.
THE BIG BANANA:
Because Sunderland are currently in line to be promoted there’s still a big chance Bob is profit taking. Also, even if this rumor is true, a deal has to be brokered and that means that it might not happen any time soon.
THE RUMOR: Diadora going bust?
Sunderland home shirt prices reached an all time low recently thanks to one or two sports chain stores in the UK, further fueling rumors that Diadora was selling its UK business and that sunderland would have a new home shirt to go with its smart new black away shirt next season. Possible buyers include Patrick shirts and Lonsdale of Blackburn fame (I hope not Lonsdale doesn’t look a particularaly appetizing choice).
BELIEVABILITY: 4/10
SUBSTANCE?
Current shirts have never been so cheap, workers in several sports stores across the UK have reported that the reason for the sale is because Diadora are indeed pulling out of the English market.
THE BIG BANANA:
Don’t forget the recent ruling regarding the maximum of one home shirt every two years. More likely then Diadora pulling out of england, or alternatively us getting a new home shirt, are the possibilities that we’re changing the kit somehow (possibly to satisfy the current suggestion by the FA that teams with white stripes in the premiership have white spaces over where the numbers are, my understanding that this rule is voluntary however).
The most likely reason is that SAFC is unhappy with Diadora for letting the shirts go so cheap outside of the club shops and is threatening to pull out of the deal, not the other way around.
THE RUMOR: Kevin Phillips to come back.
Kevin Phillips was spotted attending more then one home game recently giving fans reason to believe that he’s on his way back.
BELIVEABILITY: 4/10
SUBSTANCE?
Recent family problems could mean that the striker is unsettled in Southampton. Plus he was definitely at the Stadium of Light more then once recently.
THE BIG BANANA:
Probably wishful thinking on the fans part. Even Peter Reid still attends some home games sometimes and after reading a recent poll thread on the SMB Phillips would probably rather be on the next bus to Mexico rather then sunderland. More likely is the possibility that we’re going to sign an ex-sunderland Birmingham player who has expressed an interest in returning to the north east.