Another 'target' slips through

Tommy Miller: Sunderland bound

The player I am talking about is midfielder Tommy Miller of Ipswich. The 26 yr old has been linked with the mighty blues for quite some time but it seems nailed on he is going to join the mackems. Personally, I would have liked to have seen him at the JJberneabau as despite what some people say, he is different to what we have. He scored 15 league goals last term and was a key member of Joe Royles squad that finished third in the championship, sadly losing out to the 'mighty' West Ham United. What we missed badly last season was a central midfielder who chucked in a few goals, and I think this is something we must look to try and change if we want to stay up next year.

Tommy Miller isn't the only player we have been linked with that has moved on. Darren Bent, again of Ipswich, chose Charlton ahead of us. Paul Jewell had a bid rejected for this player and again another transfer target slipped through our fingers. However, the least said about Scott Parkers money move the better.

On the subject of transfers, it seems Sunderland will make Miller their fifth summer signing. Whilst many would see this as quick buying on Mick Mcarthys part, I am not too convinced with his signings. Jonathan Stead left Blackburn for £1.8 million to join the mackems, something that must have seen the Blackburn board more than happy with. 2 goals in 20 appearances does not sound too good from were im standing. Daryl Murphy (who?) was Sunderlands first signing. The 22 yr old striker was a signing from Waterford (who?) again doesn't fill me with confidence neither does the signing of 24 yr old right back Nyron Nosworthy from Gillingham. In fact, out of the five Sunderland singings, only Kelvin Davies the goalkeeper from Ipswich is the one I would have bought. Rated as the best goalkeeper previously outside the premiership, he would have been excellent cover or replacement for John Filan.

Instead we are odds on to sign Mike Pollit from relegated Rotheram. A fee of around £200,000 has been agreed and all that is needed is for Pollit to agree a contract, something that shouldn't take long. I am not too fussy about who we bring in as goalkeeper as for me whoever comes in will most probably not play next season whilst Filan is at the club, however I would have liked Paul Jewell to have signed a younger keeper.

Shefki Kuqi: Blackburn bound?

Looking ahead, Jewell has said he is seeing light at the end of the tunnel regarding signings. I personally believe we need another central midfielder if Jarrett leaves for Norwich, two fast wingers, a right back, at east one new fast cetral defender and another striker.However according to reports we have pulled the plug on a possible transfer for Welsh international and West brom midfielder Jason KOumas, as we won't give into the demands of a £1.5 million transfer fee, a good move by the club I think Someone I would like to see signed up if we fail to sign Dean Ashton (come on PJ you know it makes sense) is Shefki Kuqi, one of the only remaining good Ipswich players.

He has recently turned down a new contract at Ipswich and I feel he would provide ample cover for the deadly duo of Roberts and Ellington. Any move for Kuqi will most probably be rivaled by Blackburn who have also be linked with a possible move. Whoever we bring in, if we bring anyone in, im sure will fit the bill perfectly, but please Paul, sign Dean Ashton.

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