Niall Quinn plans for success and failure

Jun 30 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

NIALL Quinn has never planned to fail as Sunderland chairman, but he will also never fail to plan for the worst as the Black Cats look to finally establish themselves as a Premier League force.

Quinn is hoping the appointment of Steve Bruce as the Wearsiders go into their third successive season in the top flight will ensure they no longer have to spend the majority of the campaign fearing relegation.

However, despite Sunderland’s ambition, Quinn will not suddenly start to operate beyond his means as he refuses to put the club’s long-term future at risk pursuing unrealistic objectives.

And, while Bruce may be looking for a higher calibre of player at Sunderland, Quinn believes it is imperative those individuals are willing to show they are coming to the club for more than just money, by signing a clause in their contract which will slash their wages should relegation ever occur.

“We try very hard when it comes to relegation clauses,” said Quinn, who is relaxed about the club’s lack of signing so far this summer. “We’ve probably got to the stage where we’re 90% there. For new players now, we would insist (on the clause).

“That would tell you what their intentions are across the table, too. I was probably guilty

as a player – I didn’t understand the mechanics behind the scenes of a football club, you would go in looking for your deal and all the rest.

“I’m not trying to put them in a weakened position, but there should be some consideration given to ‘yes, I’m going to give you all this money, but if you fail, next year I can’t’.

“It’s as simple as that and even if it cost us a signing I would stick with that, definitely. In the modern world, at a club like ours, yes. A top four club needn’t have it. Man City maybe needn’t have it, but because of where we are in our journey, we have to be smart.”