Mad Brit Diary

Reyna is resigned to a season in England's First Division -- but only one.

(Friday, March 28, 2003) -- American midfielder Claudio Reyna is resigned to the reality that he will be playing in the English First Division next season. His club Sunderland is stuck in the basement of the Premier League with just 19 points from 31 games and 12 points adrift of relegation safety.

The Black Cats have scored just 19 goals and given up 50. Barring a miracle, it looks all over for the lads that play at the Stadium of Light. It's not been easy for the talented play-maker watching his teammates struggle. Reyna is recovering from a serious knee injury which has kept him out of action for much of the season.

"It's been very difficult for the players and a very tough season," Reyna told the Mad Brit this week. "I truly believe we are not that bad, but the table doesn't lie."

Reyna, 29, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 37th minute of a 1-1 tie at Bolton last October, is working out for more than two hours in the morning and the same in the afternoons, with a special trainer in Delaware. He spends the weekends with his family in Florida.

"My goal is to be back in training with the team by May and be ready for the preseason games," said Reyna, who joined Sunderland from Scotland's Glasgow Rangers in December 2000 and was an influential player on the team. "I've been working hard in rehab, but it's out of the question that I will see any action until the preseason."

The first American to make a World Cup All-Star team, Reyna was part of the United States team that made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2002. Now, England's First Division beckons America's greatest player. "I bet we will be the favorites to go straight back up next season," he said.

The former University of Virginia standout is disappointed that he my not be playing the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool next season, but he knows that things like relegation come with the territory. "That's what you sign onto -- that's life," he said. "The season can turn suddenly bad very quickly. A league like the Premiership can do that to you. I think it's the best league in the world for the level of play and exciting soccer. It's great to watch and the pace is amazing. I'll miss it, but I'm sure we'll be back straight away."

Sources tell the Mad Brit that Sunderland might have to sell Reyna to cover some of its debts and the financial blow that will come with the demotion. The American does not have a relegation clause in his contract. "I think the club is doing well, but there are some rumors of financial problems," he said. "We pull in great crowds. The stadium is beautiful -- one of the nicest in England -- and we have a great youth academy."

Reyna says he loves the life in England. He lives outside of Sunderland in the ancient town of Washington where George Washington's ancestors originated.

The Mad Brit forgot to ask him whether he liked the local steak and kidney pies.

There was a major upset in the Scottish Cup on Sunday when tiny as Inverness Caledonian Thistle knocked Glasgow giant Celtic out of the Cup for the second time in four seasons with a stunning 1-0 win. Just four days before the embarrassing loss, Celtic had defeated Liverpool on the road to advance to the UEFA Cup semifinals.

Also in the Cup, Rangers earned a home replay after holding Dunfermline 1-1 on a goal from veteran Argentine striker Claudio Caniggia.

In response to last week's article on Chinese players, a reader writes: "Is it that the Chinese players are talented or is the Premiership is overrated. Won't be seeing any Chinese in Serie A or La Liga any time soon. Just not good enough for those leagues yet."

And in response to a recent article on caps, David P. Marino-Nachison says, "It's not as if the U.S. wanted to get a few players 100 caps just to impress foreign fans. It was simply the best they could do at the time. I doubt many players in the modern era will be able to replicate the achievement.

Thomas Battcock-Emerson was even madder: "The U.S. national team doesn't play any more often than the English national team. Why not trash Lothar Mathaeus for his caps too. Oh, that's right, Lothar has a World Cup champions medal to go along with all those caps.

"Think David Beckham will ever get one of those? Doubtful, even if the World Cup is played in England again! As for Peter Shilton, if he were still playing and in his prime, he wouldn't be the best goalkeeper in England. Brad Friedel would."

WeliveinDC wrote, "Bulweel14 has a point about U. S. caps, but Cobi Jones is a deserving player, one who did his job to perfection in Korea."

Heard a rumor, have a gripe or a tip? Feeling lonely? E-mail the Mad Brit at themadbrit3@aol.com.