Sunderland v Aston Villa - Pre Match Thread

[UK Redsox]

Maybe there needs to be a 'working day' in between the window opening and players being eligible.

I'm just guessing here. Does anyone have the definitive answer ?

[Lastfootstamper]

I was up at 6 this morning to get from Sussex to Sunderland and am now on the first of several trains. I won't say what the fare is, but it's well into 3 figures. I just hope against hope that Villa will make it worth the travelling. A win would be nice, but at least let's have some heart and commitment.

Jammy git. I've got to go to bloody ikea.

[Legion]

He is taking nine separate train journeys. I don't think I've been on that many trains in my entire life.

[Dave]

Really what have we got to lose

                              Bunn

Richards     okore         lescott    sissoko

           Bacuna      Gana       veretout   Bennett

                      Gestede     Traore           

There's nothing to lose, so we should therefore play with six defenders?

[saunders_heroes]

Joe Bennett? I didn't realise he was still on our books. How on earth did that happen?
One of, if not, the, worse footballers I've ever seen in the claret and blue.

[Dave]

Joe Bennett? I didn't realise he was still on our books. How on earth did that happen?
One of, if not, the, worse footballers I've ever seen in the claret and blue.

Apparently recalled from his loan at Bournemouth.

[saunders_heroes]

So both Bennett and Cissoko back at the club? I take it we won't be signing a left back then.
Feck sake I thought we'd seen the back of that pair of jokers.

[Dave]

So both Bennett and Cissoko back at the club? I take it we won't be signing a left back then.

Cissokho makes sense. Amavi is still likely to be our left back next season (and hopefully beyond), so there are bigger priorities to spend money on than getting in another long-term left-back.

[saunders_heroes]

So both Bennett and Cissoko back at the club? I take it we won't be signing a left back then.

Cissokho makes sense. Amavi is still likely to be our left back next season (and hopefully beyond), so there are bigger priorities to spend money on than getting in another long-term left-back.

I'm open minded to Cissokho, but Bennett is an absolute car crash of a footballer. God help us if he gets into this team. Off the top of my head I can't think of a player more out of his depth in the PL who has ever kicked a ball for us. I include Bernie Gallagher in that as well.

[Clampy]

I'm not a massive fan of Bennett, he's not good enough but i'm fine with Cissokho coming back. He's played under Garde before and we do need an actual left back in there.

[Goldie.7]

Isn't it just a recall from a loan?

Apparently you can't change around your 25 man squad until Monday. That's just what I've been reading since he was recalled, don't take it as gospel though, I'm not totally sure myself.

[ozzjim]

The football association probably can't process the faxed in paperwork until Monday. They are a million years behind the rest of the world in almost every aspect, so basic admin to re-register a player on new years day is beyond them. Makes an even bigger mockery of the transfer window.

[Goldie.7]

So both Bennett and Cissoko back at the club? I take it we won't be signing a left back then.
Feck sake I thought we'd seen the back of that pair of jokers.

This is the club who gave Bacuna a 5 year contract, anything unexpected is possible.

[saunders_heroes]

So both Bennett and Cissoko back at the club? I take it we won't be signing a left back then.
Feck sake I thought we'd seen the back of that pair of jokers.

This is the club who gave Bacuna a 5 year contract, anything unexpected is possible.

Yep. Absolute madness.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Can't cross for shit Cissokho is not allowed to feature until Monday.

Can't cross for shit Sinclair is unfortunately allowed to feature. We really could do ourselves a favour and get rid of the passenger.*


*Sinclair hattrick today.