It’s been a disappointing start
for Sunderland, certainly not what the fans would have been expecting I’d
imagine?
With the amount of players coming in, it was to be expected that they would take
a little while for the team to gel. However, it’s disappointing to find
ourselves at the bottom of the league, seen as though our first three games were
all winnable in my opinion. Some of the performances have been promising, and
the results will come soon enough.
Were you happy with the appointment of Paolo Di Canio and do you still believe
he’s the right man for the job six months on?
At
the time I thought it was a risky appointment with his lack of experience.
However, I do think he’s the right man for the job at the moment. He’s a great
motivator and his approaches to fitness and discipline, although controversial,
seem to be working out. The players look visibly fitter than last season and
that can only be a good thing.
Are you happy with how the club’s transfer dealings went during the summer? One
of your sales was Stephane Sessegnon, what can Albion fans expect from him?
I
think we’ve done reasonably well in the window. The signing of Giaccherini is
quite a coup for the club, however the sheer number of players and their lack of
Premier League experience is a slight cause for concern. If they adapt and bed
in soon enough we’ll have a good side.
Sessegnon is probably the most technically gifted player we’ve had for a long
time, however he’s also the most frustrating. On his day, he could get into
pretty much every team in the league, but he didn’t show up enough last season
and it cost us.
Final thoughts on last season?
Last season was just a big disappointment. We didn’t take enough points off the
teams around us which cost us in the long run. Goals were hard to come by and
when Steven Fletcher got injured at the end of the season it really was a
struggle. However, the 3-0 win over Newcastle means the season will be
remembered more fondly than it should be.
Hero of last season?
Simon Mignolet without a doubt. Consistently brilliant in a poor defence and
arguably kept us in the league. Disappointed not to keep hold of him in the
summer. Danny Rose also deserves a mention.
Villain of last season?
James McClean failed to hit the highs of the previous season and angered people
by refusing to wear a poppy. He never won back the fans after that one, and it
wasn’t surprising to see him leave.
Most amusing ‘terrace chant’ heard last season?
Titus Bramble, he sh*gs who he wants.
Player to watch this season?
Adam Johnson looks a new player under Di Canio. With a World Cup looming, I’d
expect big things from him after a disappointing first season.
Prediction for Sunderland’s season?
I’m not expecting a great deal this season. Currently, we’re a work in progress
and I’d expect us to just escape relegation, if the squad gels soon enough. I’ll
say 15th.
Prediction for Albion’s season?
I
think a safe mid table finish. I don’t think you’ve effectively replaced Lukaku
effectively enough to push for top half, but there are worse teams in the
league.
Premier League Champions?
It’s a tough one. The three favourites, Manchester United, Manchester City and
Chelsea haven’t had the best of starts, but I don’t think the likes of
Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal have the quality in reserve to
sustain a title challenge. Manchester United always come good after Christmas,
so I’ll go with them.
Relegated?
Palace, Hull and Cardiff. It’s almost as if Palace got promoted by accident, and
lack Premier League quality. Their attacking style of play makes them vulnerable
at the back too. I don’t think Hull have enough goals in them to survive. I
don’t think Cardiff
have good enough strength in depth to survive, and a few injuries could ruin
their season.
Prediction for Saturday’s game?
Both teams need a win to kick start their season, but I don’t think either will
get it. I’ll go for a 1-1 draw.
