Teemu Tainio Bio Send To Friend  

After slipping down the pecking order and being played out of position at Tottenham Hotspur Tainio joined Sunderland in July 2008 for a undislclosed fee.

The move to Wearside didn't work out, however, leading to a loan move to Birmingham City for the 2009-10 campaign.

The Finland international began his career at FC Haka in his homeland before joining Auxerre where he made more than 150 appearances.

He made his debut for FC Haka in April 1996, winning the second division title in 1997 and earning full international honours against Cyprus in 1998.

Also in 1998 the French outfit won the race for his signature over a number of other European clubs. During his time with Auxerre he won the French Cup in 2003.

Tainio's main role with Auxerre was either as a holding midfield player or out on the left, and his versatility has been much used by Martin Jol, though the troublesome left was his usual role.

Jol brought Taino to Tottenham as part of his rebuilding process, joining on a free transfer in July 2005. He was a regular in the first 11 as Spurs came within a whisker of qualifying for the Champions League during 2005-06. West Ham despite his sickness.

He moved to Sunderland ahead of the 2008-09 campaign but started just 18 matches that term, heading to Birmingham when they returned to the top flight.