John in preseason training with "Black Cats" - 07/24/07

Rumoured reports in the English press linking Stern John to a move out of the newly promoted Premiership club were denied by Hull City boss Phil Brown. It had been reported that the £5m signing of Michael Chopra could lead to John being sold especially after Brown said he had talks with Roy Keane over possible transfers. But Brown told the Daily Mail: “If a player of Stern John's calibre was to become available, then yes we would be interested, but that wasn't the conversation I had with Roy Keane.

"You are always on the phone with other managers - people who you know and people who you don't know - but you're in contact to see who is becoming available. That's all it was, a call to see who is available because of the people he is bringing in."

John meantime continues to be busy with Sunderland in its preparations for the upcoming Premiership season. Currently T&T midfielder Silvio Spann has joined John, Dwight York and Carlos Edwards at the club on trial. Edwards though has missed out on the club’s recent games because of a knee problem.
 

New Kit in store


Sunderland will parade a THIRD new kit during their tour of Ireland.

The Black Cats will wear the "majestic royal blue" outfit in the closing match of their three-game trip, against Galway United on August 1.

And the limited-edition design will go on sale on August 2.

Sunderland have stressed that this will be the only season when it releases three new kits together as in future the previous season's change kit will become the third strip.

SAFC marketing and communications director Lesley Callaghan said: "As our club sponsor and kit supplier have both changed this summer that was not possible for the coming season.


"We are not suggesting that the third kit is a must have for all supporters but we recognise that there are some fans that may like to own the limited edition kit and have therefore ordered a number of the all blue shirts."

Sunderland's new all-white away kit sold in unprecedented numbers when it was launched last month and the club expects keen interest in the home kit, which will be available at club stores at the Stadium of Light, Sainsbury's in The Galleries, Washington, and Debenhams, Sunderland, on Thursday