Ambitious Black Cats chief refuses to rest on his laurels

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is a man on a mission, writes Clive Hetherington

ROY KEANE insists he has been too busy drawing up a summer shopping list that “excites’ him to find time to relax and savour Sunderland’s return to the Premiership.

Keane is booked for talks with chairman Niall Quinn in the next two weeks to discuss transfer targets and as he sets about scouring Europe for new players, Black Cats boss Keane says enjoying himself isn’t on the agenda.

“Relax a bit? You’re joking, aren’t you?’ chuckled Keane. “This has been the busiest few days I have had for a while, identifying players to target and making arrangements for pre-season.

“I’ve meetings planned over the next couple of weeks with Niall and the chief executive, Peter Walker, about how much money I have to spend, and I’ve had a meeting with my chief scout, Mick Brown, this week.

“Obviously, there are players we’ve looked at over the last few months and we’ve drawn up a list of people we’d like to bring to the club. We had a meeting on Tuesday to identify targets, and, let me tell you, the list excites me! I wouldn’t say I’m enjoying myself, though, because I’ve been too busy — I might get a week off at some point, but it’s going to be a busy summer.’’

Keane, already linked with former Manchester United teammate Diego Forlan and Preston and England striker David Nugent, warned he won’t be starting his spending spree yet.

He said: “You have to remember these things take time. Half the players we are looking at, their seasons are still going on.

“We are looking all over Europe — four games to go in the French league, I think, about six in the Spanish league, then some international matches in the next month or two.

“It’s very hard to get these top players in, but the fact we’re promoted now is a good thing as it puts us in a stronger position to sign people who would be reluctant to come into the Championship.

“So we’re getting the ball rolling, and things will pick up once I know exactly what kind of money we are talking about for transfer fees and wages.

“You need someone to score goals, of course, which is why strikers get all the top money, but you also need a bloody good defence, a top goalkeeper and plenty of players with pace and physical strength.

“Our players have done fantastically this season — but the Premiership is a completely different animal for us, and we know we need to improve the squad, but that’s part of my job.’’

Keane admitted one of the first calls he will make will be to Sir Alex Ferguson concerning the immediate futures of Manchester United loan defenders Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson.

“Jonny and Danny have been a credit to themselves, and I will obviously be speaking to Sir Alex about them when their season is over,’ said Keane.

“With the loan players, I don’t want worries about people being called back to wherever.

“As grateful as we are to have had these lads, ultimately, we want our own players. It has been a scenario which has benefited everybody, a fantastic deal for both clubs and both players.

“It would be fantastic if we could get them next year, but we want players who are our own, too.

“Everybody has to raise the bar now we’re in the Premiership — anyone who doesn’t will not be here, it’s as simple as that.’’

It is understood Keane has put the block on a proposed promotion celebration.

Sunderland yesterday confirmed they have declined the offer of a civic reception and open-top bus parade from the City Council.

In a club statement, Quinn said: “Naturally we are delighted that the club will be playing in the Premiership next season. Roy, the staff and players have done a tremendous job taking the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking and, of course, our fans have played a huge part in the season’s success.

“We are immensely grateful to the City Council for their very kind offer of a civic reception and parade. However, we feel that this is only the beginning of our journey. Everyone is rightly proud of the team, but we feel that we have simply got the club back to where we should be — among football’s elite.

“We recognise there is still a long way to go and it has therefore been decided, with the agreement of Roy, to graciously decline the City Council’s kind offer of a civic reception.

“We hope fans will understand our reasons for this and don’t think we’re spoiling the party. This is a statement of our intent — we’re not content with what has been achieved so far and this is when the hard work really starts.’’