Peter Reid is 57, Niall Quinn 47. Perhaps too late to return to Man City as midfield dynamo and target man. But both would receive huge warm welcomes if they could find time to get along to one of the functions run by the City Disabled Supporters’ Association. The invitation is extended via Salut! Sunderland […]
The art of managing Sunderland: Quinn to PDC minus one

So who’s next? Will Ellis Short stick with Bally or go for one of the candidates we’ve seen mentioned – for example Gus Poyet, Rene Meulensteen, Gianfranco Zola and Stuart Pearce – or someone else entirely? Whoever it is, we should expect it to mean work for the Sunderland-born, Sunderland-supporting artist Owen Lennox, who now […]
SAFC v Republic of Ireland: an unforgettable night with Niall, minus Keane

In the latest edition of Gambles’ Rambles, our regular contributor Ken Gambles pondered the worthy title ‘a reflective narrative on the role of altruism in a capitalist hegemony’ before deciding: ‘Nah, just a memory of Quinny’s testimonial.’ Monsieur Salut remembers it, too, as the game for which he bought a ticket knowing he had no […]
Ellis Short’s targets: well within top 10, respect from ‘big boys’

Back in May 2009, looking back on an alarmingly close brush with relegation, in the season Roy Keane’s tempestuous reign ended and Ricky Sbragia managed to keep us up without ever seeming manager material, Ellis Short gave the Sunderland owner’s view in an interview for the club site. (more…)
Martin O’Neill on rediscovering Roker Park: Niall on moving on

Two great pieces in today’s newspapers retrace Martin O’Neill’s steps as he follows a boyhood dream and goes in search of the Roker Park of the club he supported from the other side of the Irish Sea. Both are riveting reads. (more…)
Salut!’s week: cup fever, Niall’s farewell, map to Newcastle, McClean/Campbell glory

This has been a week of great happiness – beating Arsenal to reach the FA Cup quarterfinals, welcoming Fraizer Campbell’s inclusion in the England squad and James McClean’s Irish call-up – and much sadness, Niall Quinn’s decision to end his links with SAFC. Oh, one more happy bit: Salut! Sunderland reached ninth, its highest ever […]
Ten things that make Niall Quinn a hero

The clamour for a stand to be named after Niall Quinn grows. The plaudits roll in. And amid much speculation, in our comments field as elsewhere, on the thought process leading to yesterday’s announcement that our saviour’s link to SAFC was over, the gratitude lingers. Pete Sixsmith lists his own favourite memories … (more…)
Ireland and Sunderland: the link that brings sadness and joy on the same day

Niall Quinn ended his Republic of Ireland career on 92 full caps, having scored 21 goals in international appearances. James McClean is about to start his. (more…)
Soapbox: was Niall crowded out? Plus, a tough tie at Everton

Pete Sixsmith adds some more thoughts on Niall Quinn’s departure and wonders whether Saturday’s pitiful turnout for the Arsenal game, while not the direct cause of a decision almost certainly made some time ago, was part of a process that had made the great man wonder about the supporters’ response to the transformation he engineered […]
A year in Sunderland’s life: things we may never know
Something I had no reason to expect plopped on the doormat during my fleeting visit to London to visit my brother Phil (much, much better; even out of hospital since the weekend). It was a copy of that lesser spotted creature Wear Down South, newsletter of the London and SE branch of the SAFC Supporters’ […]