ANTON Ferdinand believes that Sunderland can follow Fulham’s lead and transform themselves from relegation strugglers to Europa League qualifiers in the space of 12 months.
The Black Cats only avoided relegation from the Premier League by two points last month but it has done nothing to dampen confidence at the Stadium of Light. And with Steve Bruce installed as manager and billionaire Ellis Short as owner since then, defender Ferdinand is starting to dream of Europe.
On the face of it, a top-seven finish might seem fanciful but the teams outside an increasingly isolated six-team elite are so much of a muchness that it can not be discounted if they trade well this summer. Roy Hodgson’s Fulham escaped the drop by only three goals’ difference in 2008, but rebuilt to finish seventh last term.
Asked if there was any reason why the Wearsiders could not do likewise, Ferdinand’s response was extremely positive. “Not at all,” he replied. “It depends what players the manager buys. That’s going to be a key factor. If we buy right, there’s every chance of fighting for Europe.
“If Fulham can do it, we can. It’s not unrealistic to do it next season. We’ve got this season
out of the way, now it’s time to chillax and prepare for next year.”
The former West Ham United defender believes Sunderland must make the most of the fact local rivals Newcastle United and Middlesbrough will both be playing in next season’s Championship, something which will be underlined this morning when the Premier League’s 2009-10 fixture list is printed and Sunderland’s is the only North East name on it.
“There is great potential here, it’s a massive club and it’s even bigger now we’re the only North East club in the big time,” he argued. “But we’ve got to make sure we’re not in the situation we were in this year next year.
“Hopefully that won’t happen.”