2007–08 Sunderland A.F.C. season

English football club season April 2014 January 2018 Sunderland 2007–08 Roy Keane Niall Quinn Premier League 15th FA Cup Third round League Cup Second round Kenwyne Jones (7) Kenwyne Jones (7) 47,802 (11 May vs Arsenal) 20,821 (5 January vs Wigan Athletic) 42,218 _red_stripes _whitestripes _red_stripes ffffff ff0000 ffffff 000000 000000 __redshoulders ffffff ffffff ffffff ffffff ffffff _redshoulders 0000cd 0000cd 0000cd 0000cd 0000cd 2006–07 2008–09 The 2007–08 season was the 113th full season in Sunderland A.F.C.'s history, their 107th in the league system of English football, their 7th in the Premier League, and their 78th in the top flight. After finishing 1st in the Championship during the 2006–07 season, Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League as champions. Sunderland had been relegated in the 2005–06 season with the record low points tally at the time of 15. The 2007–08 season was Roy Keane's first as a manager in the Premier League having won the Championship in his debut season. Keane introduced 12 new signings in pre-season and allowed seven players to leave the club. They won their first game of the season, but subsequently started to struggle for points, winning just two games in their first 16. Their longest winning streak came towards the end of the season as they won three consecutive games. This late run helped Sunderland finish 15th, though they only won two away games, of which the first came in late March. The team suffered first round exits in two of the cup competitions they entered: in the second round of the League Cup and the third round of the FA Cup. Kenwyne Jones was the club's top goalscorer, recording 7 goals in the league. Left-back Danny Collins was named as Sunderland's player of the season, while on loan centre-back Jonny Evans was named as the club's young player of the season for the second season running. The club's average attendance of 42,728 was the fifth highest in the division. Background 2006–07 Sunderland A.F.C. season History of Sunderland A.F.C. List of Sunderland A.F.C. seasons Discussions of takeover were held over the summer involving an Irish group, the Drumaville Consortium, led by Niall Quinn.8 June 2006 Sunderland takeover talks ongoing http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5059536.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport They completed the takeover in July for £10 million as Quinn's group took 72.59% of the club's shares.27 July 2007 Quinn takes control of Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5222096.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport During the 2006–07 season, Roy Keane took over as manager from chairman Niall Quinn, who served as manager for the first six games of the season.Niall Quinn's managerial careerv https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2038 live https://web.archive.org/web/20081007074832/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=2038 7 October 2008 8 October 2008 Soccerbase Keane had a successful start to his managerial career with a 2–1 win over Derby County on 11 September 2006.Shaw Phil 11 September 2006 Derby County 1 Sunderland 2: Keane casts an eye on messianic future https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/derby-county-1-sunderland-2-keane-casts-an-eye-on-messianic-future-415489.html subscription https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/derby-county-1-sunderland-2-keane-casts-an-eye-on-messianic-future-415489.html 1 May 2022 8 October 2008 The Independent On transfer window deadline day, Keane signed new players; Dwight Yorke,31 August 2006 Yorke completes Sunderland move http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5300876.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport Liam Miller,31 August 2008 Miller makes it five http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10360 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231354/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10360 5 October 2008 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead Ross Wallace, Stanislav Varga,31 August 2006 Keane signs Celtic pair http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10358 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231349/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10358 5 October 2008 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead Graham Kavanagh and David Connolly.31 August 2006 Irish trio make Sunderland switch http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5304006.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport A 2–0 win over Leicester City on 1 January 2007 sparked an 18-game unbeaten streak for Sunderland, which was eventually ended on 21 April 2007 after a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Colchester United.1 January 2007 Leicester 0–2 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6205647.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport21 April 2007 Colchester 3–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6555215.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland reached the top of the Football League Championship for the first time in the season with a 2–1 win over Southampton, which included an 87th-minute winner from Grant Leadbitter.9 April 2007 Southampton 1–2 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6513807.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport Their promotion was confirmed as third placed team Derby County lost 2–0 to Crystal Palace, as a result Birmingham City were also promoted.Mercer Nathan 29 April 2007 Crystal Palace 2–0 Derby http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6578817.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport On the last day of the season, the Championship title would be decided. Sunderland won their game 5–0 against Luton Town,6 May 2007 Luton 0–5 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602865.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport while Birmingham suffered a defeat against Preston North End thus crowning Sunderland as champions.6 May 2007 Preston 1–0 Birmingham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602867.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport Review Pre-season thumb|150px|right|Liam Miller playing against Cork City in Sunderland's pre-season tour of Ireland. Sunderland's pre-season was busy with transfer activity, seeing eight players come in, and five players leave. Kenny Cunningham retired, Tommy Miller, William Mocquet, Kevin Smith were released,Alexander Nick 17 May 2007 SAFC retained list 2007–08 http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12429 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001512/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12429 while Robbie Weir, Jamie Chandler and David Dowson were all promoted to the first team from the club's youth system. Their first signing of the season was of Greg Halford from Charlton Athletic,Alexander Nick 11 June 2007 Sunderland sign Halford http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12525 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001117/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12525 and their first transfer out of the club when Stephen Elliott moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers.19 July 2007 Wolves sign Elliott http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12693 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092317/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12693 On 13 July 2007, Sunderland signed the former Newcastle United player Michael Chopra from Cardiff City for £5 million and Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson on 16 July.Walker Martin 13 July 2007 Chopra seals £5m Cats move http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=1662 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 7 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062638/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=1662 dead Alexander Nick 13 July 2007 Keane signs Richardson http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12670 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 11 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111005059/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12670 Fellow north east team Darlington was Sunderland's first pre-season friendly, Sunderland won the game 2–0 with goals from Ross Wallace and Anthony Stokes at The Darlington Arena.Alexander Nick 18 July 2007 Darlington 0 Sunderland 2 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12691&page=0&t=1 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 23 January 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250123210932/https://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12691&page=0&t=1 dead This was followed up by a shock defeat to Scunthorpe United on 21 July where they were beaten 1–0.Alexander Nick 21 July 2007 Scunthorpe 1 Sunderland 0 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12714&fixture=892 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092440/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12714&fixture=892 Sunderland went on a tour of Ireland, where they would play Bohemians, Cork City and Galway United. They beat Bohemians 1–0 on 28 July thanks to a Stern John goal,Alexander Nick 28 July 2007 Bohemians 0 Sunderland 1 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12767&page=0&t=1 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 23 January 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250123230628/https://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12767&page=0&t=1 dead but were held to a 1–1 draw at Cork City as Liam Miller scored the Sunderland goal.Alexander Nick 30 July 2007 Cork City 1 Sunderland 1 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12780&fixture=886 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929091909/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12780&fixture=886 Their final game of the tour against Galway United ended as a 4–0 win for Sunderland, with goals from Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson, David Connolly and Stern John.Alexander Nick 1 August 2007 Galway Utd 0 Sunderland 4 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12816&fixture=887 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001540/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12816&fixture=887 Juventus travelled to the Stadium of Light to commemorate its ten-year anniversary. The game ended 1–1 as Daryl Murphy scored, but the Italian side scored with two minutes remaining to draw the game.Alexander Nick 4 August 2007 Sunderland 1 Juventus 1 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12839&fixture=931 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092238/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12839&fixture=931 Sunderland signed Dickson Etuhu from Norwich City for £1.5 million on 17 July,Alexander Nick 17 July 2007 Keane signs £1.5m Etuhu http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12673 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000931/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12673 and Paul McShane from West Bromwich Albion on 26 July for £2.5 million.26 July 2007 Sunderland sign McShane http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12754 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927002733/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12754 With the start of the Premier League season looming, Sunderland broke their transfer record to buy Scottish international goalkeeper Craig Gordon from Heart of Midlothian for £9 million.Walker Martin 7 August 2007 Cats land £9m Gordon http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12855 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000852/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12855 The club's last signing before the start of the season was Roy O'Donovan from Cork City for an undisclosed fee.Alexander Nick 9 August 2007 Keane signs O'Donovan http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12874 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001039/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12874 August 175px|thumb|left|Sunderland playing against Birmingham City on 15 August 2007 at St. Andrews Sunderland's season started against Tottenham Hotspur on 11 August 2007. Sunderland won the game through a last minute goal from Michael Chopra in front of an attendance of 43,967.McKenzie Andrew 11 August 2007 Sunderland 1–0 Tottenham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931064.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Their second game of the season was an away fixture to Birmingham City, a Paul McShane own goal had put Sunderland behind in the 28th minute, but Michael Chopra scored his second goal of the season to equalise. Birmingham took the lead again through Garry O'Connor but Sunderland scored another last minute goal, this time from Stern John to save a point.15 August 2007 Birmingham 2–2 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941801.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport On 24 August ex Manchester United and Newcastle United striker Andy Cole joined the club on a free transfer from Portsmouth.Alexander Nick 24 August 2007 Cole signs for Sunderland http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13014 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092249/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13014 Sunderland travelled to the JJB Stadium unbeaten on 18 August but lost 3–0 to Wigan Athletic.Fletcher Paul 18 August 2007 Wigan 3–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941868.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport On 25 September Liverpool beat Sunderland 2–0 to give them their second consecutive defeat.McKenzie Andrew 25 August 2007 Sunderland 0–2 Liverpool http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952883.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport On the same day, Tobias Hysén returned to his native Sweden with IFK Göteborg after he and his wife were suffering from home sickness.Alexander Nick 25 August 2007 Hysen moves to Gothenburg http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=13016 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092417/http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=13016 Luton Town produced a league cup shock as they beat Sunderland 3–0 at Kenilworth Road.27 August 2007 Luton 3–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963496.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland signed three more players before the transfer deadline; Ian Harte from Levante on a free transfer,29 August 2007 Sunderland sign Harte http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13049 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000951/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13049 Danny Higginbotham from Stoke City for £3 million,Alexander Nick 29 August 2007 Black Cats swoop for Higginbotham http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13051 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092106/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13051 and Kenwyne Jones from Southampton for £6 million with Stern John going in the opposite direction.Alexander Nick 29 August 2007 Keane pays £6m for Jones http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13052 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 9 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080309055105/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13052 September thumb|200px|right|Sunderland paying tribute to 1973 FA Cup Final winning goalscorer Ian Porterfield Sunderland opened the month with a 1–0 defeat away to Manchester United on 1 September, Louis Saha scored the winner 18 minutes from full-time. Roy Keane said "I'm delighted with the overall performance. It would have been nice to test their goalkeeper a bit more but overall I'm delighted with the players' efforts." about the team's display.McKenzie Andrew 1 September 2007 Man Utd 1–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963704.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Jack Pelter signed for Sunderland on 8 September, from New Zealand team Canterbury United, on a free transfer in an original one-month deal.Alexander Nick 8 September 2007 Keane confirms Pelter deal http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13116 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 26 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080226195437/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13116 Two weeks after the defeat to Manchester United, Sunderland beat Reading 2–1 on 15 September. Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace scored the Sunderland goals in a game which was overshadowed by the tribute paid to 1973 FA Cup Final scorer Ian Porterfield who died on 11 September 2007.Stevenson Jonathan 15 September 2008 Sunderland 2–1 Reading http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984883.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland met Middlesbrough on 22 September in their first north east derby of the season. Grant Leadbitter scored in the 2nd minute to put Sunderland in front, but two ex-Sunderland players; Julio Arca and Stewart Downing put Middlesbrough into the lead. Liam Miller scored an 89th minute volley to save a point for Sunderland.McKenzie Andrew 22 September 2007 Middlesbrough 2–2 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20081005002113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm 5 October 2008 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Grant Leadbitter scored his second goal in as many games on 29 September as Blackburn Rovers beat Sunderland 2–1.Scrivener Peter 29 September 2007 Sunderland 1–2 Blackburn http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008201.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport October October started with an away fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 7 October. Sunderland went 2–0 down within the first 14 minutes. However, Sunderland levelled the score at 2–2 with goals from Ross Wallace on the 25th minute and Kenwyne Jones on the 48 minute. Arsenal won the game 3–2 after a late Robin van Persie goal.McNulty Phil 7 October 2007 Arsenal 3–2 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7019622.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland suffered back-to-back defeats when they lost 3–1 away to West Ham United on 21 October. Kenwyne Jones got the goal for Sunderland.Lillywhite Jamie 21 October 2007 West Ham 3–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7043009.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Fulham came to the Stadium of Light on 27 October, Fulham took the lead in the 32nd minute with a 30-yard free kick from Simon Davies. Sunderland snatched a point when Kenywyne Jones scored an 86th-minute equaliser. The wearsiders had gone down to ten men in the 67th minute when Greg Halford was sent off.Lillywhite Jamie 27 October 2007 Sunderland 1–1 Fulham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7054068.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport November Sunderland lost 1–0 away to Manchester City on 5 November after a goal from Stephen Ireland. Manager, Roy Keane, expressed his frustration in a post match interview saying "We didn't deserve anything. I don't feel we did enough to get anything out of the game. I don't think their keeper had too many saves to make, did he?".Henderson Charlie 5 November 2007 Man City 1–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065173.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport 10 November was the first Tyne–Wear derby of the season. Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland into the lead shortly after half time, but James Milner drew Newcastle level on the 68th minute after his cross beat goalkeeper Craig Gordon into the far post. Sunderland had a chance to win the game when ex-Newcastle forward Michael Chopra headed against the bar minutes from full-time.McNulty Phil 10 November 2007 Sunderland 1–1 Newcastle http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7076643.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland ended the month on a low as they were beaten 7–1 away to Everton on 24 November. Dwight Yorke scored Sunderland's only goal just before half time. Roy Keane said "It's hard to take, but we lose as a team and I picked the team and sorted the tactics so I have no problem taking responsibility for what happened."McNulty Phil 24 November 2007 Everton 7–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7099691.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport December On 1 December Sunderland beat Derby County 1–0. The defeat against Everton led to Craig Gordon being dropped from the side. He was replaced by Darren Ward who made a save to push Kenny Miller's strike onto the post. With the game looking to be heading towards a draw, Anthony Stokes scrambled to ball in to win the game.Magowan Alastair 1 December 2007 Sunderland 1–0 Derby http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110964.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport On 8 December Sunderland travelled to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea. Sunderland went behind in the 23rd minute through an Andriy Shevchenko goal. Chelsea won the game 2–0 after Liam Miller was sent off whilst giving a penalty away, which Frank Lampard scored.Mercer Nathan 8 December 2007 Chelsea 2–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7122773.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland played Aston Villa on 15 December, Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland ahead with a 10th-minute header. Villa midfielder Shaun Maloney equalised when he scored from a 71st minute free kick. Sunderland could have won the game late on, but Danny Collins' header was ruled out by referee Steve Bennett for a foul. Roy Keane displayed his annoyance at Bennett saying "It sums up (the referee's) day. He was giving everything against us and to say we're disappointed would be an unbelievable understatement. You could sense he was waiting to blow his whistle. It would be nice to see him later."Harlow Phil 15 December 2007 Sunderland 1–1 Aston Villa http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134148.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Reading reversed their defeat to Sunderland previously in the season by winning 2–1 on 22 December. Reading had led 1–0 after a 69th-minute goal from Ívar Ingimarsson. Michael Chopra levelled the match by scoring an 82nd-minute penalty. A goal by Stephen Hunt in the 90th minute sparked controversy as it appeared not to have crossed the line.Barder Russell 22 December 2007 Reading 2–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145749.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland met Manchester United on Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light, they were beaten 4–0 in a game were Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn made the step up from the club's Youth system to the first team.Hughes Ian 26 December 2007 Sunderland 0–4 Man Utd http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157355.stm 5 October 2008 BBC Sport Martyn Waghorn promoted to first team from Youth system. Sunderland ended 2007 with a 3–1 home win to Bolton Wanderers on 29 December, Kieran Richardson, Kenwyne Jones and Daryl Murphy were the scorers.Ornstein David 29 December 2007 Sunderland 3–1 Bolton http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157418.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport January Sunderland began the new year with a 1–0 away loss to Blackburn Rovers on 1 January. Dean Whitehead had the chance to put Sunderland in the lead, but missed his penalty kick. Minutes later, Blackburn won a penalty of their own; Benni McCarthy converted the penalty before Dwight Yorke was sent off late on.Chowdhury Saj 2 January 2008 Blackburn 1–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163895.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Jonny Evans returned to Sunderland on loan for the second time for the remainder of season from Manchester United.Walker Martin 4 January 2008 Evans joins Cats on loan http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13913 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005232623/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13913 5 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead Sunderland met Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round as they lost 3–0 on 5 January.5 January 2008 Sunderland 0–3 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163974.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport On 12 January Kieran Richardson scored a double to beat Portsmouth 2–0 at the Stadium of Light.Hughes Ian 12 January 2008 Sunderland 2–0 Portsmouth http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7172835.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland made their first permanent signing of the January transfer window when Frenchman Jean-Yves Mvoto signed from Paris Saint-Germain on 15 January for an undisclosed fee. Mvoto said "This is a big opportunity for me, I'm pleased to be at Sunderland."Alexander Nick 15 January 2008 Sunderland sign French defender http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13980 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005225259/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13980 5 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead On 19 January Sunderland played Tottenham Hotspur. An early Aaron Lennon goal saw Spurs take the lead, and Robbie Keane's 100th goal for the club in the 90th minute won the game for Tottenham at White Hart Lane.Lyon Sam 19 January 2008 Tottenham 2–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7184825.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Phil Bardsley signed for the club on 22 January from Manchester United for £2 million,Alexander Nick 22 January 2008 Sunderland complete Bardsley signing http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14043 https://web.archive.org/web/20080124045034/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14043 24 January 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead dmy the next day Rade Prica also signed for the club, from AaB Aalborg for £2 million.Alexander Nick 23 January 2008 Sunderland sign Swedish striker http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14050 https://web.archive.org/web/20081006044121/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14050 6 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead New signing Rade Prica scored a goal on his debut for Sunderland to wrap up a 2–0 win at home to Birmingham City on 29 January. Daryl Murphy scored the first goal in the 15th minute.Lyon Sam 29 January 2008 Sunderland 2–0 Birmingham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210578.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Andy Reid signed for the club on the last day of the January transfer window deadline from Charlton Athletic for £4 million.Alexander Nick 31 January 2008 Sunderland sign Reid http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14105 https://web.archive.org/web/20081006044131/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14105 6 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead February thumb|right|Sunderland playing against Liverpool at Anfield Sunderland had a poor start to the month, as they lost 3–0 away to Liverpool on 2 February. They had two penalty appeals turned down, prompting Roy Keane to comment, "We felt they were penalties. But I didn't feel we were going to get those decisions today."Ornstein David 2 February 2008 Liverpool 3–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210604.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Following a recent heart attack in a League Cup game between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, Clive Clarke had his Sunderland contract terminated on 5 February due to the event while on loan at Leicester.5 February 2008 Clarke leaves Sunderland http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14133 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231336/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14133 5 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead Sunderland bounced back from the defeat to Liverpool with a 2–0 win against Wigan Athletic on 9 February. Dickson Etuhu put them in the lead before Daryl Murphy scored a 25-yard strike in off the bar.Ornstein David 9 February 2008 Sunderland 2–0 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7223968.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland, however, lost their next game 1–0 to Portsmouth on 23 February at Fratton Park.Lyon Sam 23 February 2008 Portsmouth 1–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7248364.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport March On 1 March Sunderland drew 0–0 away to Derby County. Michael Chopra could have put the team in the lead, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Sunderland's manager said, "He [Chopra] was clearly onside and we are always told that the advantage goes with the attacking player."Whyatt Chris 1 March 2008 Derby 0–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7260381.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport An Andrew Johnson goal on the verge of half time helped Everton to a 1–0 win at the Stadium of Light on 8 March.Braithwaite Matt 9 March 2008 Sunderland 0–1 Everton http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7272604.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland lost consecutive games when Chelsea beat them 1–0 on 15 March due to a Didier Drogba goal. Andy Reid came close to putting Sunderland in front as his free kick was plucked from the top corner by Carlo Cudicini.Phillips Owen 15 March 2008 Sunderland 0–1 Chelsea http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284965.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland's first away win of the season came on 22 March when they won 1–0 at Villa Park against Aston Villa. An 83rd minute Michael Chopra scored the winning goal for Sunderland.McNulty Phil 22 March 2008 Aston Villa 0–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7298167.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport A 2–1 win at home to West Ham United on 29 March helped Sunderland to their first consecutive wins of the season. Kenwyne Jones' first goal since late December levelled the score at 1–1 and a 95th minute Andy Reid goal won the game.Holt Sarah 29 March 2008 Sunderland 2–1 West Ham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7309366.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport April thumb|right|Sunderland taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage, where they won 3–1 A 3–1 away win to Fulham on 5 April helped Sunderland to nine points in three games, as goals came from Danny Collins, Michael Chopra and Kenwyne Jones.Whyatt Chris 5 April 2008 Fulham 1–3 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7320183.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport They lost 2–1 at home to Manchester City on 12 April. Manchester City were awarded a dubious penalty given by Mike Riley, and Elano converted it in the 79 minute. Dean Whitehead equalised with a near post volley after Andy Reid crossed the ball. Manchester City, however, still had time to win the game and Darius Vassell scored an 89th minute scuffed shot to beat Craig Gordon.Bevan Chris 12 April 2008 Sunderland 1–2 Man City http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7332041.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport On the return fixture of the Tyne and Wear derby on 19 April Sunderland were defeated 2–0 away to Newcastle United.McKenzie Andrew 20 April 2008 Newcastle 2–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7344159.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport The next game was another derby for Sunderland, this time the Tees–Wear derby on 26 April. Sunderland won the game 3–2 at home to Middlesbrough, with goals from Danny Higginbotham, Michael Chopra and an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal, thus securing their safety and staying in the Premier League.Taylor Julian 26 April 2008 Sunderland 3–2 Middlesbrough http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7356054.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport May After ensuring their own safety, Sunderland travelled to Bolton Wanderers on 3 May, who were not yet safe from relegation. Sunderland lost the game 2–0 at the Reebok Stadium.McKenzie Andrew 3 May 2008 Bolton 2–0 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7368642.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport On 11 May, the last game of the Premier League season, Sunderland played Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal won the game 1–0 through a Theo Walcott goal. Sunderland also recorded their highest home attendance of the season, when the match was watched by 47,802 people.Orlovac Mark 11 May 2008 Sunderland 0–1 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381801.stm 6 October 2008 BBC Sport Sunderland finished the season with 39 points in 15th place,League table http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=2609&team=39&season=2007-2008 10 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 18 September 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160918184527/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=2609&team=39&season=2007-2008 dead with Kenwyne Jones as top goal scorer with seven goals.2007–08 Appearances http://www.catstattery.co.uk/Iseasonapps/ISA130.asp dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090207163337/http://catstattery.co.uk/Iseasonapps/ISA130.asp 7 February 2009 10 October 2008 The Stat Cat dmy-all Left-back Danny Collins was named as Sunderland's player of the season, while on-loan centre-back Jonny Evans was named as the club's young player of the season for the second season running.1 May 2008 Danny Collins named top Cat http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Danny-Collins-named-top-Cat.4039785.jp dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080502143917/http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Danny-Collins-named-top-Cat.4039785.jp 2 May 2008 10 October 2008 Sunderland Echo They finished with an average home attendance of 42,728 which was the fifth highest in the league.Average League Attendances 2007–2008 http://www.emfootball.co.uk/attend2008.html 10 October 2008 East Midlands Football Match results Legend WinDrawLoss Pre-season +GameDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes118 July 2007DarlingtonAway2–09,500Wallace, Stokes221 July 2007Scunthorpe UnitedAway0–15,388328 July 2007BohemianAway1–05,033John430 July 2007Cork CityAway1–19,000Miller51 August 2007Galway UnitedAway4–05,000Chopra, Richardson, Connolly, John64 August 2007JuventusHome1–125,852Murphy Premier League 2007–08 Premier League right|thumb|Sunderland recorded the fifth highest average attendance during the 2007–08 Premier League season. League table SUN Results summary 9 3 7 23 21 2 3 14 13 38 4 December 2018 11v11 May 2008 Results per matchday table b Matchday Ground H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H Result W/D/L/L/L/W/D/L/L/L/D/L/D/L/W/L/D/L/L/W/L/W/L/W/L/W/L/D/L/L/W/W/W/L/L/W/L/L Position 6/4/8/14/17/14/13/15/16/16/15/15/15/18/14/15/17/18/19/17/18/18/18/14/16/14/15/15/16/16/16/13/13/14/15/13/15/15 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd green1 blue1 lavender red1 complete Statto.com May 2013 GameDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes111 August 2007Tottenham HotspurHome1–043,967Chopra215 August 2007Birmingham CityAway2–224,898Chopra, John318 August 2007Wigan AthleticAway0–318,639425 August 2007LiverpoolHome0–245,64551 September 2007Manchester UnitedAway0–175,648615 September 2007ReadingHome2–139,272Jones, Wallace722 September 2007MiddlesbroughAway2–230,675Leadbitter, Miller829 September 2007Blackburn RoversHome1–241,252Leadbitter97 October 2007ArsenalAway2–360,098Jones, Wallace1021 October 2007West Ham UnitedAway1–334,913Jones1127 October 2007FulhamHome1–139,392Jones125 November 2007Manchester CityAway0–140,0381310 November 2007Newcastle UnitedHome1–147,701Higginbotham1424 November 2007EvertonAway1–738,594Yorke151 December 2007Derby CountyHome1–042,380Stokes168 December 2007ChelseaAway0–241,7071715 December 2007Aston VillaHome1–143,248Higginbotham1822 December 2007ReadingAway1–224,082Chopra (pen)1926 December 2007Manchester UnitedHome0–4 47,3602029 December 2007Bolton WanderersHome3–1 42,058Richardson, Jones, Murphy212 January 2008Blackburn RoversAway0–123,2122212 January 2008PortsmouthHome2–037,369Richardson (2)2319 January 2008Tottenham HotspurAway0–236,0702429 January 2008Birmingham CityHome2–037,674Murphy, Prica252 February 2008LiverpoolAway0–343,244269 February 2008Wigan AthleticHome2–043,600Etuhu, Murphy2723 February 2008PortsmouthAway0–120,139281 March 2008Derby CountyAway0–033,058299 March 2008EvertonHome0–142,5953015 March 2008ChelseaHome0–144,6793122 March 2008Aston VillaAway1–042,640Chopra3229 March 2008West Ham UnitedHome2–145,690Jones, Reid335 April 2008FulhamAway3–125,053Collins, Chopra, Jones3412 April 2008Manchester CityHome1–246,797Whitehead3520 April 2008Newcastle UnitedAway0–252,3053626 April 2008MiddlesbroughHome3–245,059Higginbotham, Chopra, Pogatetz (o.g.)373 May 2008Bolton WanderersAway0–225,0533811 May 2008ArsenalHome0–147,802 FA Cup 2007–08 FA Cup +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes35 January 2008Wigan AthleticHome0–320,821 League Cup 2007–08 Football League Cup +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes227 August 2007Luton TownAway0–34,401 Player details Sources2007/08 http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2493&teamTabs=stats&season_id=142&season_id=137 21 December 2012 SoccerbaseSunderland http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2007-2008/faprem/sunder.htm 21 December 2012 Football Squads No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px13px1GKCraig Gordon3401000350102DFGreg Halford80001090123DFIan Harte3 (5)000003 (5)0004MFDickson Etuhu18 (2)1001019 (2)1505DFNyron Nosworthy2901010310306DFPaul McShane20 (1)0100021 (1)0417MFCarlos Edwards11 (2)0000011 (2)0008MFDean Whitehead2711000281709FWAnthony Stokes 8 (12)100109 (12)11010MFKieran Richardson 15 (2)3100016 (2)33011FWDaryl Murphy 20 (8)3101022 (8)32012MFLiam Miller 16 (8)1001017 (8)14113GKDarren Ward 300010400014FWStern John 0 (1)100000 (1)10014DFDanny Higginbotham 21300002131015DFDanny Collins 32 (4)1100033 (4)16016FWMichael Chopra 21 (12)6001022 (12)67017FWKenwyne Jones 33700003372018MFGrant Leadbitter 17 (14)20 (1)01018 (15)25019FWDwight Yorke 17 (3)1000 (1)017 (4)14120FWAndy Cole 3 (4)00 (1)0003 (5)00020MFAndy Reid 11 (2)1000011 (2)10021DFRussell Anderson 0 (1)000101 (1)00022DFClive Clarke 000000000023FWRoy O'Donovan 4 (13)0100 (1)05 (14)02024GKTrevor Carson 000000000025DFJean-Yves Mvoto 000000000026DFJack Pelter 000000000026DFPhil Bardsley 11000001103027DFStanislav Varga 000000000028MFGraham Kavanagh 001000100029DFPeter Hartley 000000000030MFJake Richardson000000000031FWDavid Connolly 1 (2)00 (1)00 (1)01 (4)01032GKMárton Fülöp 100000100033MFRoss Wallace 18 (3)2001019 (2)24034MFBilly Dennehy 000000000035DFMichael Kay 000000000036DFGavin Donoghue000000000037MFRobbie Weir 000000000038MFJamie Chandler 000000000039FWMartyn Waghorn 1 (2)000001 (2)00040FWDavid Dowson000000000041DFMichael Liddle000000000042MFJordan Henderson000000000043MFConor Hourihane000000000044DFJonny Evans 15010001600045FWRade Prica 0 (6)100000 (6)100—MFTobias Hysén 0000000000 Transfers In DatePosNameFromFeeNotes17 May 2007MFRobbie WeirYouth system–17 May 2007MFJamie ChandlerYouth system–17 May 2007FWDavid DowsonYouth system–11 June 2007DFGreg HalfordReading£3 million27 June 2007DFRussell AndersonAberdeen£1 millionWalker Martin 27 June 2007 Dons skipper signs for Cats http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12579 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 10 October 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071010002017/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12579 13 July 2007FWMichael ChopraCardiff City£5 million16 July 2007MFKieran RichardsonManchester UnitedUndisclosed17 July 2007MFDickson EtuhuNorwich City£1.5 million26 July 2007DFPaul McShaneWest Bromwich Albion£2.5 million7 August 2007GKCraig GordonHeart of Midlothian£9 million9 August 2007FWRoy O'DonovanCork CityUndisclosed24 August 2007FWAndy ColePortsmouthFree29 August 2007DFIan HarteLevanteFree29 August 2007DFDanny HigginbothamStoke City£3 million29 August 2007FWKenwyne JonesSouthampton£6 million8 September 2007DFJack PelterCanterbury UnitedFree26 December 2007FWMartyn WaghornYouth system–Alexander Nick 26 December 2007 Sunderland 0 Manchester United 4 http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=13861&fixture=2848036&t=2 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005223848/http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=13861&fixture=2848036&t=2 5 October 2008 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead15 January 2008DFJean-Yves MvotoParis Saint-GermainUndisclosed22 January 2008DFPhil BardsleyManchester United£2 million23 January 2008FWRade PricaAaB Aalborg£2 million31 January 2008MFAndy ReidCharlton Athletic£4 million Out DatePosNameToFeeNotes18 May 2007DFKenny Cunningham–Retired18 May 2007MFTommy MillerIpswich TownReleased18 May 2007MFWilliam MocquetPauReleased18 May 2007FWKevin SmithAldershot TownReleased19 July 2007FWStephen ElliottWolverhampton WanderersUndisclosed25 August 2007MFTobias HysénGöteborgUndisclosed29 August 2007FWStern JohnSouthamptonSwap deal5 February 2008DFClive Clarke–Released Loans in DatePosNameFromUntilNotes4 January 2008DFJonny EvansManchester UnitedEnd of season Loans out DatePosNameToUntilNotes7 July 2007MFArnau RieraFalkirkEnd of season17 July 2007 Bairns sign up Spanish midfielder http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6901970.stm 7 October 2008 BBC Sport3 August 2007DFStephen WrightStoke City3 January 20083 August 2007 Wright joins Stoke http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12829 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 27 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001452/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12829 3 January 2008 Wright heads back to Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7169569.stm 7 October 2008 BBC Sport15 August 2007GKMárton FülöpLeicester City2 January 200815 August 2007 Cats pair join City on loan http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12927 7 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929091936/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12927 2 January 2008 Fulop Returns http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1203172,00.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080412193720/http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1203172%2C00.html 12 April 2008 7 October 2008 Leicester City F.C.15 August 2007DFClive ClarkeLeicester CityMid-November 200721 September 2007MFGraham KavanaghSheffield Wednesday31 October 200721 September 2007 Owls sign Kavanagh on loan deal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/7006205.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20081014232426/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/7006205.stm 14 October 2008 7 October 2008 BBC Sport31 October 2007 Kavanagh ends Owls spell http://www.football.co.uk/sheffield_wednesday/kavanagh_ends_owls_spell_254690.shtml live https://web.archive.org/web/20081010161736/http://www.football.co.uk/sheffield_wednesday/kavanagh_ends_owls_spell_254690.shtml 10 October 2008 7 October 2008 Football.co.uk22 November 2007MFBilly DennehyAccrington Stanley1 January 200822 November 2007 Accrington sign Dennehy on loan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/accrington_stanley/7107193.stm 7 October 2008 BBC Sport4 January 2008DFStanislav VargaBurnleyEnd of season4 January 2008 Defender Varga loaned to Burnley http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/7171290.stm 7 October 2008 BBC Sport29 January 2008 Burnley sign Andrew Cole from Sunderland https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2290345/Burnley-sign-Andrew-Cole-from-Sunderland.html 7 October 2008 The Daily Telegraph29 January 2008FWAndy ColeBurnleyEnd of season31 January 2008DFGreg HalfordCharlton AthleticEnd of season31 January 2008 Halford joins Charlton http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14100 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005233714/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14100 5 October 2008 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead31 January 2008MFGraham KavanaghSheffield WednesdayEnd of season31 January 2008 Kav joins Wednesday http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=14108 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 23 January 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250123191231/https://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=14108 dead 19 February 2008DFRussell AndersonPlymouth ArgyleEnd of seasonWalker Martin 19 February 2008 Anderson joins Plymouth on loan http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14224 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 7 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060517/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14224 dead 18 March 2008 Anderson extends loan at Plymouth http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/7302682.stm 8 October 2008 BBC Sport21 February 2008FWDavid DowsonChesterfield21 March 2008Walker Martin 21 February 2008 Cats pair make loan switch http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14239 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. 7 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060524/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14239 dead 21 February 2008DFPeter HartleyChesterfield21 March 200822 February 2008GKMárton FülöpStoke City26 February 2008Walker Martin 22 February 2008 Fulop completes Stoke move http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14258 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231524/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14258 5 October 2008 8 October 2008 Sunderland A.F.C. dead26 February 2008 Fulop leaves Stoke after four days http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26022008/58/championship-fulop-leaves-stoke-four-days.html 8 October 2008 Eurosport See also 2007–08 in English football References External links 2007–08 Premier League season at The Stat Cat 2007-08 Category:2007–08 Premier League by team