Sunderland released seven players including striker Dwight Yorke yesterday as the club's new American owner promised to provide funds to strengthen the squad and avoid another battle against relegation from the Premier League.

While Texas businessman Ellis Short said he expects a top-half finish next season, he was advised by club chairman Niall Quinn "not to promise too much".

Short, who will assume 100 per cent control of Sunderland, provided his initial investment early last season after becoming a majority shareholder.

Narrow escape

Sunderland narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of this season, finishing 16th in the 20-team standings. Short said he can provide the "financial ability ... that is the missing piece that this club has needed".

"Our only real goal this year was not to get relegated, and with the money we spent last summer we probably shouldn't have come as close as we did, but we have achieved our goal," Short said. "What we want to do is take this good club and continue to improve it."

The off season overhaul at the northeast England club continued in the dressing room with Yorke, a Trinidad and Tobago international who was out of contract, heading a list of players to be released.