Despite every man and his dog in Sunderland wanting Jonny Evans to be at our club next season everything is still uncertain with the future of the youngster. Jonny wants more Premier League experience but isn’t in a rush to leave Manchester United. He said: "I'm not in control at all of what happens now. I will just go back to Man United and keep my head down. I've got used to that last season. I wasn't involved much in the first-half of the season there and I just tried to do the best I could. You are not really in control of anything that goes on when you are under contract. If any club wants to make a bid for me, it is down to them and Man United to decide what happens. I don't know what is going to happen and I won't be knocking on Sir Alex Ferguson's door asking questions because he's in charge and I'm sure he'll let me know what's happening. Because I play on the left side of the defence I think those fans in the South West Corner get to see a lot of me! But it's nice of them to sing my name. I think I will start pre-season at United, but you can never tell what's going to happen. I'll just go away on holiday and relax for a while. Any kid will tell you he wants to play in the Premier League. It has been great being back at Sunderland testing myself against the top players. We have lost a lot of games, but the experience of playing in this league can only make you better and of course I want a lot more of it."

Click here to book pre season travel...

Although ticket details are yet to be announced, the club have confirmed another pre-season friendly, this time against our gaffer’s former employers Nottingham Forest. Roy will be taking us to the City Ground to play the newly-promoted Championship club at 7.45pm on July 30. Keano said: "I'm delighted for Forest. The fact that clubs like Forest, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday have been down there shows you how tough the leagues are. The pre-season game should be a good workout for us and I'm pleased to see my old club on the up."

ALS will be running coaches to the Forest game, they will leave from outside our offices across from the Stadium of Light at 1pm and cost £18 per seat click here to book.

Sunderland will also play four-time European Cup winners Ajax at the SOL on Sunday August 3, the first game to be announced as part of our pre-season programme. The match will kick off at 3pm and will commemorate the thirty fifth anniversary of the 73 cup final. Quinny said: "The 1973 team gave our club one of its finest moments so we're delighted to mark the anniversary with what is a showpiece game at the Stadium of Light. The match will also play a vital part in the manager's pre-season preparations. Ajax is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Their domestic and European record is there to be admired and they also boast one of the best reputations for producing top young players. They last played here to open the Stadium of Light 11 years ago and we're delighted to welcome them back."

Roy had something to say about it as well. He said: "It's great to have top opposition lined up. It'll be an important part of our preparations and it should be a top game for what is an important anniversary for this football club."

Although, except Ajax and Nottingham Forest, pre season tours and venues are yet to be announced by SAFC, we’ve been flooded with calls and emails regarding travel to the away games. Therefore we are now taking names and email addresses of folk who are interested in travelling to pre season with us. That way as soon as we know where it’s going to be, we can get back to you with details and prices... email us

Click here to book pre season travel...

It has recently been reported in the media that Drumaville member and friend of ALS, Charlie Chawke, has promised Keano the money he needs this summer. This is true, but a fact that appeared in ALS (Issue 168) six weeks ago in an interview we conducted with the Irish millionaire. If you didn’t read that edition of our fantastic publication he said: "Well if that is what he needs (£50m) that’s it, you know. He can’t do it without the money. If that is the money that he needs well one way or another he must get it. It is just a matter of getting it for him and going about it in a businesslike manner. We cannot expect Roy to work wonders all the time, he needs the players and he needs the support. But the key thing here is as I was saying is if everyone in Sunderland puts their shoulders to the wheel and supports their club."

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Keano has been praising Ryan Giggs, a player who has been recently linked with our beloved club, although then again who hasn’t? Roy said: "If you want to show any young, up-and-coming player an example of looking after yourself and being hungry for success, then you would certainly have Giggs up there. He deserves a lot of credit for that. He's a great pro and a top player."

Meanwhile, SAFC scouts have been spotted across Europe as speculation continues to mount concerning the players that will be joining us this summer. The latest candidates to be touted for a move to Wearside are Mag’s winger Damien Duff, Reading and England left back Nicky Shorey, Sheffield United’s Michael Tonge and former Liverpool midfielder Bruno Cheyrou.

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Our summer trading hours are as follows: Monday-Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. We also open some Saturdays 10am till 2pm depending on hangovers, holidays and if we can be arsed, call us and check to see if we’re in first. Please feel free to call 0191 565 4422, pop into our shop, or click here to go straight to our on-line shop and peruse our wares.

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