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Ahead of Wednesday's game against Sunderland at
the Stadium of Light, we spoke with Joseph who writes for Sunderland website
Sunderland World.
He gives us his views on the Black Cats' season, Paolo Di Canio, Gus
Poyet, the Baggies, and
more. You can follow Joseph on Twitter
@j_m_tilbury
and Sunderland World @SunderlandWorld.
Very much like Albion fans
are, and despite not being totally safe yet, you must be delighted with the
club’s position going into the final two games considering how the majority of
the season had gone previously?
It's quite hard to believe to be honest. Given our awful
start and the bottom at Christmas tag it's been pretty bleak at times this
season. After the Everton defeat, even the most optimistic of us were resigned
to the fact we were down, and somehow if we were still hanging on this game
would be a must win, so to be in the position we're in now is unbelievable.
By the looks
of it the decision to replace Paolo Di Canio was the right one, what was the
feeling amongst supporters at the time of his dismissal?
Personally, I thought he'd been treated quite harshly at the
time. He'd just signed basically a whole new team and to only be given four
games to allow them all to settle in and gel I thought was a bit unfair.
However, when you hear the stories that emerged after his dismissal, it's clear
to see the guy was a nutter.
Thoughts on
Gus Poyet?
The blokes a miracle worker. He's well and truly turned
things around here when they couldn't really look more grim when he came in. His
style of football is attractive to watch and the players really seem to be
buying into what he's doing. If you look at our achievements this season (League
Cup Final, FA Cup Quarter Final, two derby wins, four points off
Manchester City and wins away to
Manchester United and Chelsea) then even with the relegation dogfight it's one
of the best seasons in recent years.
Assuming you do stay up, as
looks likely, what do Sunderland and Poyet need to do to avoid another struggle
next season?
We'll have to rebuild in the summer. There's a lot of
deadwood which needs getting rid of, which includes most of the Di Canio
signings, as well as a gradual accumulation of mediocrity. In terms of
recruitment, we've got a few loan players like Alonso, Borini and Ki who we need
to secure permanently and build the team around. The priority must also be on
signing players with Premier League experience, as last summer proved that
signing cheap players from abroad isn't really reliable.
Any worries about the rumoured
appeal and legal action being considered by Cardiff, Fulham and Norwich?
I'm not really that worried to be honest. It's a desperate,
knee-jerk reaction to their own situations- I didn't see them appealing when we
were bottom, seven points from safety. If they'd prefer to chase this up rather
than focus on the underlying issues at their club then by all means, but as far
as I understood the matter was closed.
Thoughts on
Albion’s season?
I think after last season this one was always going to be a
struggle for you, especially without Lukaku. You didn't really invest enough in
the summer to build on or maintain a top half push in my opinion, but although
you've been at the bottom end of the table for most of the season I've never
really seem you as genuine relegation candidates. For what it's worth I also
think Steve Clarke should have been given more time, because I don't think Pepe
Mel has done has done well enough to justify his departure.
Highlight of
the season?
Wembley without a doubt. Even though we got beat, the players
and fans did the city proud. Seeing my team in a Wembley final is something I'll
never forget.
Moment you
would rather forget?
The Spurs defeat was pretty dreadful, but the stand out
forgettable moment was the FA Cup quarter final defeat at
Hull. We made them look much
better than they were and missed out on another trip to Wembley in the process.
Although it was probably for the best in the long run, the manner of the defeat
was bitterly disappointing.
Player of the
season?
I'd go for Mannone. Ever since he broke into the squad in
November, the howler at
Man City aside, he's been top class. Johnson and Borini deserve mentions too,
although they've not been as consistent as Vito and that's why he edges it.
Villain of the
season?
Di Canio without a doubt. Signing largely mediocre players,
alienating the likes of Bardsley and Cattermole and his crazy rules make him the
stand out villain of the season. He's responsible for the struggles we've faced
this season.
Best chant
heard this season?
Even
Sunderland fans saw the funny side when Palace fans started up "Gus
Poyet, he shits on the floor."
Prediction and
thoughts on Wednesday’s game?
A draw would suit both teams, and I think that's what will
happen. 1-1.
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