Quinn predicts transfer market slowdown as clubs feel pinch

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn predicts limited big money deals on the transfer front this summer as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs feel the pinch of the global economic downturn.

The former Republic of Ireland international said the high-profile financial meltdown at Fratton Park in recent months has sent shockwaves through football boardrooms across England.

Quinn admitted: “Portsmouth was a huge wake-up call. I think that will alter the market significantly.

“The market won’t be as strong or as vibrant as it has been, both numerically and financially.”

Dubliner Quinn also believes that even cash rich outfits like Manchester City and Chelsea will be more frugal due to upcoming legislation set that will force constraints on spending in terms of transfer fees and wages.

Quinn continued: “We all have to keep an eye on the fair play financial initiative that’s coming into force, we believe, in three years. If you’re buying players for big money and you put them on a three or four-year contract now, it impacts on those needs, where you’ll only be allowed to pay a certain amount in comparison to your turnover.

“So you’re restricted anyway even if the money is there.

“The market had gone very quiet some years ago and Roman Abramovich came along and turned it upside down. The Man City guys have come in and done something similar. But I think people will still remember Portsmouth. With the banks unwilling to loan money to even football clubs at this stage, it might be a good thing in the long run.”

Sunderland have consolidated themselves in the Premier League now and though Boylesports ended their sponsorship deal with the club, a replacement has been found quickly in local online gaming company, Tombola.

Generally though, interest will always focus on what happens on the pitch. Quinn is intent on leaving that side of things entirely to manager Steve Bruce.

His approach, and that of owner Ellis Short, is completely at odds with that of David Sullivan at West Ham.

It was no surprise that Gianfranco Zola was sacked by the London club yesterday in spite of saving the Hammers from relegation, given Sullivan’s repeated lambasting of the team since his joint takeover of the club with David Gold.

Quinn would never dream of criticising the club’s players or manager in public.

“Having been in the dressing room and having seen that kind of thing from a player’s perspective – I’ve seen good managers being turned into bad ones overnight by interviews in the media that owners and chairmen did – one of my priorities was to support who we feel is the right man for the job.

“And the day that we don’t feel he’s the right man for the job we’ll say that but we say it to the man, we don’t say it to the press. We had 14 games without a win in the Premiership.

“Every other club in the land, the knives would be out, the pressure would be on the players, the stadium would have turned into a real negative place.

“But our fans stayed with us. They understand what we’re trying to do. It’s hard enough to beat teams in the Premiership but if you’re trying to deal with issues from within your own set-up it’s twice as hard.”

MEANWHILE Quinn has backed David Meyler to return from his cruciate knee ligament injury better than before, comparing the Cork youngster to Manchester United star Wayne Rooney in his approach.

Following a successful operation, the Cork man is scheduled to return in December and Quinn is confident that he will reestablish himself with Sunderland, and then push on towards Ireland international recognition.

“Everybody in the football club would know David is exceptional. The most important thing when players get injured is the mental approach and David is driven and he’ll be just as driven to get that chance with Ireland again.

“I think it’s a formality but we’ll go through it and support him every inch of the way. It’s a tough thing to have happen to him but it will stand to him in time. He will appreciate playing even more. He’ll be hungrier than ever.

“The best players in the Premier League are those hungry players, never-say-die, keep going; the Wayne Rooneys of this world. I think he’ll bounce back from this stronger and better than ever. I cannot fault any part of his game. Dedication, his ability on the ball, tackling, running, pace, desire levels, the way he trains.

“He’s a model pro.”

* Niall Quinn was in Limerick yesterday at the announcement that the Black Cats would be taking on a Munster XI selection at Thomond Pk on July 13 in aid of the Shane Geoghegan Trust.