Often perceived as the unfashionable kid brother to their North-East counterparts Newcastle United, despite their arch-rivals lack of silverware lifting in recent decades, Sunderland supporters have grown weary at the lack of recognition. Mocked and derided for collecting the tag of 'worst Premier League side in history' with a pathetic total of 19 points in 2003, they would go on to outdo themselves with four points less upon their return in 2005. So when Roy Keane assumed the reigns of control in 2006, he wasn't just stepping into a relegated club down on its' luck - he was entering a mess. A club devoid of any self-confidence or belief, they were only heading one way before his arrival, with four successive losses opening the curtain on what would prove to be a rejuvenating season for the club. Once in the Premier League, Keane would go about using his myriad of contacts within the game to try and revamp the squad. After all, Keane would only demand the best. However, the period where the Irishman went about ringing up every footballer he has every greeted, smiled at or quarrelled with in a desperate plea to acquire them for the Drumaville-backed 'project', was just one example of where Sunderland narrowly missed out on some top talents. While their perceived 'fat cat' neighbours have been known to splash the cash on overpaid mercenaries, there have been a couple of examples where Sunderland have dared to dream big as well. There have been near misses with a player who has gone on to win ten league titles in multiple countries, a player who has scored over 100 goals in English football and a certain ball-bending England captain. Take a look at the ten players who the Black Cats will rue having failed to nudge over the line.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
