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On this day in 2001, a strong Sunderland side beat Exeter City 5-0, with goals from Stefan Schwarz, Jody Craddock, George McCartney and two from Danny Dichio.
New signings Lillian Laslandes and David Bellion both started on the bench, while Julio’s mate, Nicolas Medina started in the centre of midfield.
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Having finished 7th in the Premier League the season before, optimism was high, the new signings would give us what we needed to crack into Europe.
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The loss of Don Hutchison after only three games of the new season set the tone, however, and we struggled all year - finishing 17th after a final day draw at home to relegated Derby County.
None of Reid’s signings that summer worked – Bernt Haas being the major one to arrive after the game at Exeter. Expectation was high of Medina in particular, given the impact former teammate Arca had made the year before.
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It was not to be, however. Medina didn’t make an appearance under Peter Reid, and had to wait until January 2003 to make his debut, Howard Wilkinson selecting him for an FA Cup replay at home to Bolton Wanderers. Despite having an impressive game, it was to be Medina’s only appearance for the club. £3.5m well spent.