Sport

Tainio signs for Black Cats
by Ciaran Baynes, 23 July 2008

Tainio signs for Black Cats

Teemu Tainio has joined Sunderland from Tottenham, signing a three-year contract with The Black Cats and Pascal Chimbonda is expected to soon follow suit.

Initially, Roy Keane was interested in bringing four Spurs players to the Stadium of Light including Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque, though it seems for the time being he will have to settle for this pair.

Tainio, 28, spent three seasons as a squad player at White Hart Lane after joining Tottenham on a free transfer from Auxerre.

Keane spoke of his delight at securing the Finnish international's signature.

"I'm delighted to sign a player of Teemu's experience and quality, he'll be a valuable addition to our squad," Keane told the Sunderland website.

"Teemu has showed versatility, playing in different midfield positions for both Tottenham and his previous club Auxerre.

"But his experience in particular and the fact he has played more than 40 international games shows he has a lot to offer Sunderland."

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Comments

worm - 27 July 2008 14:55: we are signing the right kind of players the geordies are only saying they are rubbish cos they cant afford to sign them.Sunderland to do the double over newcastle and finish higher than them.; Report this to a moderator

Kentish Town Spur - 24 July 2008 13:22: Good luck to Teemu, may not be the most flamboyant player but he's solid and you know he'll give you 100% every game, can't wait to give him a big cheer when he comes back to the lane, also have to commend Keane, maybe whiskey nose and the fat spanish waiter should take a leaf out of Keane's book when it comes to doing business. As for the geordies, genuinely believe and hope Sunderland finish above them this year, what a mess they're in!; Report this to a moderator

anth - 24 July 2008 13:16: shearer is a puff and knows nothing, thats why your on our website to read about a proper team , the sad geordie mug; Report this to a moderator

gav - 24 July 2008 13:16: i think this is the 1st signing of a few good 1s def a step in the right direction for ourselves just a few more now including chimbo and im goingt o be happy with mid table for this season theres only one keanooooooooooooooo; Report this to a moderator

The Power - 24 July 2008 10:40: What the hell is wrong with mid table for Sunderland?; Report this to a moderator

shearer - 24 July 2008 09:54: theres nothing wrong with a bit ambition.; Report this to a moderator

Karlito - 24 July 2008 09:26: No more mid-table than Newcastle, granted Newcastle will probably finnish higher but only a place or 2. Difference is Mackems are fine with that weras Geordie fans think they should be in the Champions League every year but in reality there squad is equally poor as a bottom 10 team. Theres only Geordie fans who think otherwise.; Report this to a moderator

shearer - 24 July 2008 09:10: never mind mid table with rubbish players like these its a relagation battle for the black cats; Report this to a moderator

Spurt - 24 July 2008 08:13: Don't sell him short SAFC he was great for us, committed and intelligent player, could play just about anywhere. Think he will get better the more games he gets; Report this to a moderator

Dark_Era(UTD FAN) - 24 July 2008 07:23: u think Keane is doing his business right, am not saying sunderland are a little team, to say that would be disrespectful, but getting players is kinda hard even if the money is there because the players think they might be taking a step back. but i think Keano will get it right in due time; Report this to a moderator

Richie - 23 July 2008 23:12: Its a step in the right direction anyway. He will be a solid player for Sunderland. Now if they could lure Steed, he would be a massive signing for them; Report this to a moderator

kipper - 23 July 2008 23:03: shrewd signing.; Report this to a moderator

safc - 23 July 2008 22:40: mid table will do anyway.its called improving; Report this to a moderator

will - 23 July 2008 22:28: 100% commited spurs legend; Report this to a moderator

fggf - 23 July 2008 22:15: Keane really does like his average players. A mid - table finish at best, particularly if they sign Kaboul!; Report this to a moderator

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Setanta readers' comment of the day

“I'm glad he's staying!! For a few weeks there I thought we were going to get ripped off TWICE in 1 summer! Robbie Keane is a very good footballer but worth £20million i'm not sure. £18million for Barry and £12million for Alonso!! Jesus is it just me or does EVERYONE else see that as terrible business?? Rafa has a plan that he obviously thought Barry would be the perfect cog in his midfield machine but maybe next year, maybe not. I'm not sure about Riera but i'm willing to give him a chance like he deserves!! I hope we win the league this year but Chelsea are looking very strong.”

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