Carrying on with the pre-season chats, next up is Colin from Salut Sunderland.
TheChelseaBlog: So, a new season awaits – what are you hoping to get from it?
SalutSunderland: More consistency – ie no mid-season slump – and an improvement on 10th top
TCB: What do you realistically expect?
SS: Not to win 3-0 at Chelsea again ! Ninth, maybe eighth.
TCB: Do you think the transfer window has been kind to you?
SS: Yessish. Once it became clear we’d lose Henderson but be paid a lot for him, I think Bruce spent fairly well
TCB: Is there anyone you’d give your right arm to bring in?
SS: It is more a case of what than who: left-sided creativity and a proven striker, We have not properly replaced Bent
TCB: Who are your most important players?
SS: O’Shea, Brown, Gyan, Bardsley and, for the future we hope, Wickham .
TCB: What about opposition players? Which PL player worries you most?
SS: Rooney still.
TCB: How do you think your manager stands up against the rest?
SS: I like him and he’s good but he is also some way short of greatness. This is the season he really has to prove himself as it will be his squad, with no ifs and buts.
TCB: And your supporters – can they give the opposition a run for their money?
SS: Should count for extra points at home and always give a great account of themselves away
TCB: Where do you think you’ll finish this season?
SS: As mentioned, one or two places higher than last season’s 10th
TCB: Any predictions for the top four?
SS: A bit obvious – and could easily be wrong – but 1) United 2) Chelsea ) City 4) Arsenal
TCB: Cheers Colin