The Prophet: Signings, tactics, predictions and success, the Sunderland Prophet will answer all!

Last updated : 17 June 2004 By John Jenkin
Sunderland AFC
There will be literally thousands of supporters waiting until Sunderland's tranfer dealings are complete before purchasing their season ticket.

Many will not impressed with Mick's signings so far, but I can assure you, you'll see a complete different Sunderland side next season.

Sunderland have never been a team that poccessed great pace, ALLOT of goals and youth, but that's what I expect next seaon.

First of all lets start with signings already confirmed.


Stephen Elliott
Iam excited by Stephen Elliott joining Sunderland. We have some good strikers at Sunderland, but not an out and out goal scorer, a natural goal scorer. Elliott is all that, scoring 11 goals in his last 15 reserve Man City games and a 3 in his last Rep of Ireland U21 match.Stephen will be Sunderland's top scorer next season and by some way. His partnership with big Kyler will prove fruitful, but will at times partner Liam Lawrence in attack. Iam backing Stephen to become Sunderland's next big name and we're lucky to have the player on board at the Stadium of Light.




Carl Robinson
Don't expect wonders from from Carl next season. I think Carl has been brought in to do Jason McAteer's job next season. As far skill goes, Jason McAteer is a better player, but with Carl only being 27 and Jason becoming more injury prone, I can completely understand why McCarthy has made the choice he has. Carl wil get a couple of goals, but no more than 4 or 5. A good signing though on a free transfer.



Steve Caldwell
With Babb and Bjorklund both leaving the club, at least 2 new centre backs will be joining Sunderland. Although I would never admit it when he was with the mags, Steve is a very good centre back and with the player only being 23, is a very, very good signing at a cost of nothing. Steve will be Gary Breen's new partner next season and will make an improvment to the defensive department.



Dean Whitehead
People won't know too much about Dean Whitehead, but Dean is looked upon as being one of the hotest prospects in English football. Dean can play inside left or on the left wing. No less than 9 clubs we're chasing his signature, before deciding to joing The Mackems. He scored 7 goals last season for Oxford and is another youthful player to join the ranks. You may well see McCartney switch in at centre back, Julio drop back to his favoured left back role and Dean play on the wing. All in all, a very good signing by Mick.




Liam Lawrence
Now this guy Iam looking foward to seeing play in a red and white shirt. All media reports state that Liam is an attacking midfielder, which to a certain extent is true. Liam actually played up front for Mansfield last season and bagged an impressive 23 goals.

One thing Sunderland really needed last season, was an attacking central midfielder. We were far to defensive in the centre of the park and this is the spark we need.

Iam expecting big things from this lad next season and could join Stephen Elliot as one of the signings of the season.

Sunderland will have a very youthful team next season, a very large and strong squad and I fully expect Sunderland to finishing in the top two. When your a manager signing young quality players from divisions below you, their hunger and passion to prove their qualities is an unbeleivable plus. Expect pace, expect goals and expect a few tricks. The formation will remain 4-4-2 and McCarthy will continue with two wide men. You'll certainly see more goals, especially from the midfield. Iam also backing Sean Thornton to finally become all he can be!

THE SUNDERLAND PROPHET

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