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Sunderland manager Peter Reid insists he will not walk out of the club despite pressure from fans concerned over a lack of big-name signings.

Reid faced verbal abuse from supporters during pre-season and had a drink thrown over him during a game in Belgium last Saturday.

There certainly will be players coming in before the season kicks off

Peter Reid

Defeats to Amiens, KAA Gent and Seville, a draw with Royal Antwerp and a win over St Truiden have not impressed Black Cats' fans in the build-up to the new season.

"No matter how much lager is thrown over me, there's no way I will be walking out on Sunderland," Reid told The Sun.

"Not a chance. What has happened will make me come out fighting even more to get things right here - that's what I'm determined to do.

"I accept the challenge I have here. I don't think there is any better job, but if anyone thinks I am going to say 'see you later', they can think again.

"No matter what is written and said, even though it's not particularly nice, I can honestly say the criticism does not have the desired effect people are looking for from me - quite the contrary.

"I will come out fighting."

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Sunderland slumped alarmingly at the end of last season and star striker Kevin Phillips looked an increasinly isolated figure.

But Reid has not yet been able to find a partner for the England international, and has seen Robbie Keane turn down the chance of a move from Leeds.

"Besides that, we have agreed deals with another couple of clubs for strikers but they haven't wanted to come either," said Reid.

"I know I need to get players in, and especially one up front. That is obvious when you look at the stats from last season.

"You would think in today's climate - especially because we have money to spend - we would be able to spend.

"But there certainly will be players coming in before the season kicks off."

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And Reid is convinced that the fans concerns will disappear quickly with a good start to the season.

"Of course, you're only as good as your results," he said.

"But if I get the couple of players in I want before the season starts - and we have a good start to the season - then I believe a lot of things that have happened will be forgotten."


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