Keane: Busy summer

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane admits he is pleased to see the back of the transfer window.

The Black Cats enjoyed a busy summer in the market, bringing in 10 new faces as they look to consolidate their place in the Premier League.

However, despite being busier than most during the window, Keane believes the unrelenting rumours which circulate during these periods make his job more difficult than it should be.

"There has been lots of speculation surrounding us this summer - we must have been linked with 200 players - and we're glad it's over," the Irishman told the club's official website.

"Niall (Quinn, club chairman) and Peter (Walker, club chief executive) have worked hard in the background and I'm happy with my lot.

"Hopefully that's the end of it for a while because these transfers are hard going, trust me. Maybe we can get on with the season now."

Settle

With so many new arrivals at the Stadium of Light the problem for Keane could be getting virtual strangers to gel together.

One of his summer recruits, Pascal Chimbonda, certainly feels it will take time for the players to forge an understanding with one another.

"When 10 new players arrive at a club it does take a bit of time," said the French full-back.

"Maybe it will take three or four games for us to settle fully.

"But we have signed some good players and I think we can have a good season."