‘We’ve had our backsides kicked’. That was the stark reality that Steve Bruce faced as his team were battered at Stamford Bridge and were possibly lucky to escape with a 7-2 drubbing as the home team could have been into double figures.

 

A goal for Bolo Zenden on his return to Chelsea and another strike for Darren Bent were little more than window dressing for Sunderland on what was a miserable day for the club. Bruce was blunt in his assessment."It's disappointing when I'm here and have to face the music – we simply weren't good enough. It's important we respond to it. We've had our backsides kicked and no-one enjoys it, so we'll go back to the training ground, work hard and try and get over it as best we can.”

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has stressed the importance of Kenwyne Jones to the club and reaffirmed his determination not to sell the Trinidad & Tobago striker. He has been linked with other clubs but Sunderland have maintained that he is not for sale. Quinn said "Kenwyne Jones knows exactly what I think of him. I love him as a footballer. He's got the complete package. We don't want to get rid of anybody at the football club."

Quinn also spoke about the failed attempt to bring Schalke forward Kuranyi to Wearside. A fee was agreed but the player elected to remain in the Bundesliga.