After much curiosity and speculation on Oster's future at Sunderland, he has secured a 2 year contract. Oster expressed his delight after securing the deal. He also claimed that last season was the best of his career and that he hopes to improve on his performance as he approaches his 'peak' years in football.

 

 

The former Newcastle defender has now officially confirmed that he has signed a three year deal at the Stadium of Light on a bosman. The 23 year-old has set his sights on  bonding with the team in the friendlies as for preparation for next season. Steve Caldwell has been chased by Sunderland since January, but now that his contract has run out, he has now been able to confirm the move. The Scottish defender is now Mick McCarthy's 5th signing of the summer so far.

 

 

Tommy Smith has left Sunderland after not being successful in getting a new contract. Derby County have now signed him on a 3 year deal at Pride Park. Tommy Smith was one of Sunderland's "hereos" in the F.A.Cup last season, well, at least until the semis....

 

 

Sunderland have now confirmed the signing of Liam Lawrence from Mansfield Town. The 22 year old scored 22 goals last season, and has been a target for Mick McCarthy for a while. His fire power and confidence will hopefully boost the squad. Liam Lawrence is the next signing behind Stephen Elliot, Carl Robinson and Dean Whitehead. "Im absolutely over the moon to join Sunderland." " Its a great chance for me to move up two divisions and show people what I can do." (Quotes from Lawrence)

 

 

Liam Lawrence is set to sign next week when he returns from holiday. He has been linked with Sunderland for some time now and there are rumours that he has already 'secretly' signed. Another player that SAFC have been linked with for a long time is Stephen Caldwell. He is expected to sign within the next 72hours. Thomas Myhre who initially announced that he wished to leave for first team football, has now let on that he will probably stay at Sunderland in the near future.

 

 

Dean Whitehead has eventually completed the move from Oxford to Wearside. The 22 year old midfielder has signed a 3 year contract and has announced he is looking forward to the challenges under Mick McCarthy. He has also claimed that he has seen Sunderland and thinks we are a good team including international players. Dean Whitehead follows the signings of Carl Robbo and Stephen Elliot so far.

 

 

Sunderland are supposedly on the verge of confirming the signings of Dean Whitehead and Liam Lawrence. Liam Lawrence is to choose his destination once he returns from holiday. The rumours of Sunderland signing Portugese youngster, Eliseu are still in the chatter around the SOL. There have also been rumours that Sunderland are interested in PSV Eindhoven's Edson Silva, but he is more likely to move to Portugal.

 

 

Neil Teggert secured a one year deal alongside Richie Ryan who signed a one year contract in May. Neil Teggert is a young striker who Mick McCarthy rates and could possibly allow Teggert to feature next season. Neil Teggert has been with Sunderland for several years.

 

 

.....a new contract!!!. The left-sided argentinian (who is a world class player, not a first division player, or whatever they call it..) could be pledging his loyalty in signing a new contract. Julio Arca's contract does not run out until the end of next season, but the club have 'let on' that they intend to have contract talks with the 'fan-favourite' later this month.

 

 

There are rumours suggesting that Mick McCarthy is linked to signing former leicester right-back Frank Sinclair. Frank Sinclair has recently been released by Leicester after their relegation. Unsure of how truthful this speculation is.

 

 

The new sunderland home kit is now available to pre-order and is gauranteed delivery on the 7th August which is the day it is launched.

 

I'm certainly getting it are you? Pics can be seen on the SAFC official website.....

 

 

Former Pompey midfielder Carl Robinson has signed a 2 year deal at the Stadium of Light. He is a central midfielder that spent the later stages of last season on loan to Sunderland from Portsmouth. The Wales midfielder, 27, who spent three months on loan at the Stadium of Light last season, said: "I'm pleased to have signed. The chance to play for this club is a dream come true."

"I think Mick McCarthy is one of the best managers in the game. I'm really looking forward to working with him, he's got masses of experience and I'm sure I can improve as a player under his coaching."

"From a personal point of view this is a fantastic move for me and my family and we're looking forward to settling in the North East."

Robinson, who has won 16 caps for Wales, had loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Walsall, Rotherham, Sheffield United and Sunderland during his two-year stay at Fratton Park.

 

Sunderland, through reports, are apparantly interested in signing Mansfield's Liam Lawrence and Oxford City's Dean Whitehead. Unsure of price level, but these 3rd division players are rated highly by several teams. Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Reading and Watford are all interested in grabbing Dean Whitehead's signature. They are both midfielders.

 

 

Sunderland have secured two friendlies with Scunthorpe United and Barnsley. The Scunny friendly will take place on the 29th of July whilst the Barnsley friendly will take place on the 26th of July. Sunderland are also to play Doncaster Rovers in a pre-season friendly.

The Black Cats will travel to North and South Carolina in July as they prepare for next season's Division One campaign, which is only 10 weeks away. 

Mick McCarthy's men are scheduled to play a Carolina United Soccer Leagues X1, A-League team Charleston Battery and Wilmington Hammerheads, from the Pro Soccer League.

 

 

Mick McCarthy has made his first summer signing after signing Stephen Elliot from Manchester City. His contract has run out at Man City and he has now signed a 3 year contract at Sunderland. Stephen Elliot is only 20 years old but has appeared for ManC against Bolton in the premiership. He has also been very immpressive in the reserves with 11 goals in 15 games. Sunderland have managed to beat off other competition such as premiership sides to sign him.

 

 

Sunderland AFC have secured a six year sponsorship deal with Diadora. The Italian sportswear manufacturer will supply the Black Cats with new home and away kits, and training gear, from next season.

They currently design kits for Roma, Rangers, Leeds, Palmeiras of Brazil, Dynamo Moscow and Scotland.

They also have a number of high-profile player-sponsorship deals, including: Christian Vieri, Fillipo Inzaghi, Dejan Stankovic and Robberto Baggio, who recently retired.

The new home kit will be on sale from August 7th!