Cats will spend big – if they stay up

May 11 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ELLIS Short has told Sunderland’s players he will sanction another summer of big spending if they complete the job of staying in the Premier League.

The news was delivered by chairman Niall Quinn before Saturday’s match against Bolton Wanderers and seemed to inspire a much-improved performance. It earned a 0-0 draw and Sunderland’s first away point since February’s identical scoreline at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Nevertheless, they will still have a nervous week, waiting to hear how their rivals perform before they next take to the field at Portsmouth. Ricky Sbragia’s side could travel to Fratton Park mathematically safe, or in the relegation zone. The key game remains tonight’s between Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, and the Scot will be doing everything he can to avoid it.

“I will go to my local, which doesn’t have a TV,” he announced. “I was there last time for Newcastle v Portsmouth, having a few beers with my friends. I got a text telling me the last Newcastle game was 0-0, so I had another pint then went home.

“It is not a case of not bearing to watch it, I just won’t watch it. I have got other things to do, other than thinking about football.

“We can only do what we do, I am not that concerned about Newcastle or Boro. It is up to them to worry now.”

Even after tonight’s Tyne-Tees derby, the bottom four all play again before Sunderland. Hull City are Bolton’s next visitors, Newcastle entertain Fulham, Middlesbrough host Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion welcome Liverpool on Sunday.