Caldwell ready for move to Burnley

Posted on 25th January 2007

Sunderland player Steve Caldwell is on the brink of quitting the Black Cats for a move to Championship side Burnley. The former Newcastle United defender and current Wearsiders club captain’s contract expires at the end of the season and Roy Keane is yet to offer him a new deal. Under manager Keane he has made just nine appearances thanks to thigh problems.

Sunderland seem poised to accept a bid for £400,000 the player. Caldwell knows that Stan Varga, Jonny Evans, Kenny Cunningham and Danny Collins are all ahead of him in the pecking order at Sunderland and his days look numbered on Wearside. Caldwell has met with former Black Cats assistant boss Steve Cotterill, who would love to recruit the ex-Magpie to tighten up his defence. Caldwell is mulling over the idea and is expected to leave before the transfer deadline.

Finally chairman Niall Quinn has issued a battle cry to Sunderland fans with three home games coming up in the next four games. Quinn said today: “Now is the time for those who have wavered in the past to stand up and be counted and back what we are trying to achieve. With three massive home games coming up - against Crystal Palace, Coventry and Southend - the support is more vital than ever. We need to send out a statement of intent to teams coming to the Stadium of Light - the crowd made such a difference at Sheffield Wednesday and I would like to see that replicated on home turf.”

Earlier Sunderland news

Darren Ward gets new Sunderland deal
Edwards worries about Sunderland’s defense
Keane continues to keep plans on hold
Keane faces selection problem
Hysen not settling for the play-offs
Sunderland boosted with pair’s return to action
Evans would welcome extended stay
Result makes a change admits Keane
Stokes believes Sunderland can get promotion
Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Sunderland trying to capture Warnock
Stead future in doubt as signings made
Hysen – I could have had a hat–trick
Patience the key says Keane
We can't be come back kings every week