The Roker Roundup: May 7th 2012 - European Football? Not Any Time Soon Says O'Neill

It's the Bank Holiday, but there's still been news happening. Admittedly a lot of this news and that is form the weekend, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good story. Just like some of the papers we're grabbing the news from, chortle, chortle etc.

Anyway, you know what this feature is, so here we are with today's bit of trivia. It's May the 7th, and on this day in SAFC history, in 1988, Sunderland wrapped up the Third Division title-winning season with a 4-1 win over Rotherham United. Goals came from current Reserve Team manager, Keith Bertschin, John MacPhail and Marco Gabbiadini grabbed two. We even scored their goal as Paul Lemon chipped in with an OG.

Now though, today's news...

Martin O'Neill has warned fans that any advancement up the league into the European places could take time. He's not saying it will never happen, just don't be looking for us to "do a Newcastle" next season, more maybe in a year or two's time - CLICK HERE

Meanwhile the gaffer has some sympathy with Connor Wickham, who has been unfortunately absent recently through injury or lack of selection. With players in his position getting games recently (see Gordon and Ji) perhaps Wickham will be involved against Manchester United this coming week - CLICK HERE

Looking back at the Fulham game, Phil Bardsley has announced to the world that missed chances are costing us in games like that. I tell you what else is, getting bummed by Damien Duff all day. Just saying, people in glasshouses and all that - CLICK HERE

Billy Knott has been making a very good impression at AFC Wimbledon, scooping up their Young Player Of The Year award. As far as his future with Sunderland goes though, he's said he'll have a chat with Martin O'Neill and see what's what, because if he's in the reserves, he says he'd rather be away on loan - CLICK HERE

Another youngster currently away on loan is highly touted defender Louis Laing, and wit his spell at Wycombe Wanderers coming to an end, their boss Gary Waddock is tipping him for a big future - CLICK HERE

In a column in this weeks Echo, Chris Young looks at what's needed at the club this summer. Young shares the opinion of many, including ourselves, that quality, not quantity is needed - CLICK HERE

Marco Gabbiadini in the same paper also thinks that there'll only be a few players arrive on Wearside this summer, with wholescale changes not necessary - CLICK HERE

Congratulations are in order once again for the all-conquering Sunderland Ladies team, who added the League Cup to the League title after they beat Leeds United 2-1 - CLICK HERE