Sunderland In Stead

Jon Stead has opted for the Stadium of Light as opposed to The Valley and, in my opinion, a season of struggle and eventual relegation instead of a cosy spot somewhere between seventh and twelvth and a fourth round FA Cup knockout. I believe that he has also opted for guaranteed first team football over fighting for a place in the team. Can't blame him for that and at the end of the day I don't think any of us are particularly disappointed that this move didn't materialise except for Messrs Curbishley and Murray who obviously know which other targets we are chasing and where Stead would have fitted into the general scheme of things. Maybe he was a big piece in the jigsaw but I'd doubt it. Another striker is on the agenda though so I suppose our attention will now be turned to our old friend Mr Kezman although if we are looking for someone in the target-man mould there is always Dean Ashton to consider, a done deal according to Dave Collis's Mum's Mate who happens to know a Daily Express journo.

I expect our next signing to be from Gonzalo Sorondo, Darren Ambrose, Lee Bowyer or Mateja Kezman with my money on Ambrose next in although I wouldn't rule out any of the others following soon after.

Bent Signs On

A big welcome to Charlton Athletic to striker Darren Bent, signed from Ipswich Town on Wednesday for an initial £2.5m, in what must have been one of the worst kept transfer 'secrets' in history. As most fans know we tried to sign him both last summer and in the January window, as confirmed here, but eventually Curbs has got his man. Good luck Darren and hopefully you can score the goals we so desperately need.

Richard Murray has told us to expect at least four more arrivals at The Valley this summer and one a week for the next few weeks. Don't know if this was a wise move as if we have not signed anyone by next Friday everyone will be very disappointed. I expect the next signing to be either Jagielka, Stead, Bowyer or Sidwell and if we ended up signing those four plus Bent I'd be really happy.

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