I almost agree with you, although

basically I don't think anybody is the villain here:

The club offered him a new contract but he wanted to go - we are never going to be able to offer a contract so high that a player turns down the chance of an unexpected move to the Premiership team splashing the cash; They couldn't turn down the release amount being met, and have ended up making a profit of almost 200% over 18 months.

Etuhu was offered a move to the Prem to a team splashing the cash. In his position why the hell would you say no ?! I don't blame him at all.

Sunderland met the release clause, didn't tap him up or do the deal through the press, and to my mind have paid a fairly high price for him given his inconsistency (although I think we all agree if they are fortunate they might get a bargain as his potential is quite clear.

Hucks, bless him, is never going to win Mastermind.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Jul 17, 12:47:48