Still its a big gamble to make by putting an 18 year old in against some big teams who has never played in the premier league before, same goes for Ji. Personally I think without Gyan leading the line we are as the french say, ****ed. Gyan's attitude is first class, like when he scored the equalizer in that massive game at the SOL against Wigan and he grabbed the ball out the net and sprinted back to the centre spot whilst whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Campbell has been out for such a long time as well so expecting him to come in and start firing is another massive gamble, risky stuff by Brucey. I wonder what our plan b would be if Gyan gets injured in the next few weeks, then I would think every single Sunderland fan would be on Bruce's back about not replacing Bent etc.
F Campbell Knee Injury Apr 12 but i heard somehwere or other, the other day he was expected before then, not a clue where though, may have even been here.
Be nice to see the lad back. Hope Bruce gives the other two strikers plenty of game time before Gyan goes of to the cup. Ji or Wickham? who's gonna make the biggest impression?
IMO we all know the top 5 maybe not in the right order but I would be shocked if anyone breaks into the top 5 at the expense of Arsenal, Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Spurs or Liverpool. as for the next group of teams who knows I would back Everton for 6th spot but usually seem to start slow (last 2season's we have been above them over the christmas period) but certainly pick it up in the second half of the season. It doesn't matter who you are Man United, Sunderland, Hartlepool whoever from time to time you need abit of luck over the course of the season and hopefully we get some over the season. As for ACN I wouldn't worry to much, YES Gyan is a massive player for us but don't forget we still have the January transfer window if we think we need to add a player or two to the squad. I think anywere above 10th would be classed as a good season with a good cup run aswell
Commach from what ive seen and ive only been to the Burnley game i was really impressed with Don Wong but unimmpressed with Whickham. I think the pair of them will be used as subs giving each a run out in turn that should make them hungry, but for value for money its Don Wong for me
Don't know why, but i fancy Dong-Won to do well. But £8m for Wickham, is a lot of money, so he must have something about him, just hasn't shown it yet. Sure he will though.
Poolie Mackem Explain in which order you'll think the top 5 of Arsenal, Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Spurs & Liverpool will finish. Bearing in mind you think Everton will finish 6th.
But do you think Bruce may be more inclined to give Wickham first shot, seeing as how much he paid for him. Guessing he can only go by what he see's in training.
I don't think so, i think he'll handle Connor gently at first due to his age. Harming his confidence could break him, building it steadily and we may have a beast of a player on our hands. Ji is ready to go, a full international for a very respectable footballing nation.
I see what you mean mate, he named 6 teams, then Everton for 6th spot, so either Liverpool or Spurs don't get a spot. Everton 7th for me, and the usual suspects for the top 6. Liverpool in the top 4 for me.
Ahh I think a lot weighs on Everton's start as to where they finish, if we did not have the horrible mid-season we would have finished above them and I am confident of avoiding it now (touch wood). I agree the top 6 will not change for a while, i see Spurs as the most vulnerable. Top 4 will definitely include City, United and Chelsea as the top 3 and then 4th is up for grabs between Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and possibly Everton (if they start well)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/08/my_premier_league_201112_predi.html Think this is close to the mark. I'd have us & the Toon above Stoke, fancy us for 9th, Toon around 12th.
Well if we are to improve, Gyan is going to be heavily relied upon. But how many will he score.. Asamoah Gyan has conceded the 20-goal target set by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce in the coming season might not be achieved. Bruce is expecting more from his record signing after seeing the Ghana striker bag 11 goals in his first season in English football. However though appreciating the confidence reposed in him by the manager, Gyan believes it will be a more than great achievement if the target is realized. “I really appreciate Steve Bruce because he has confidence in me and knows what I can do but football is a different thing all together,” he told KickOffGhana.com. “It’s easy to say but I have to prove it on the field.” The 24-year-old is however rearing to kickstart his campaign which begins with a tough away trip to Liverpool in grand fashion at the weekend. “The English league is one of the most difficult leagues in the world and you have to stay on your feet. As I always say if you are not 100 per cent fit you can’t do so well in it,” he added. Gyan’s best goal return is pegged at 13 and was realized while at French club Stade Renne two season ago.
Magpie in peace here. Personally, I think we will both have poor seasons. First of all, this is just my opinion but I believe your signings have been fairly poor with the exception of Whickam and perhaps Vaughan/ Gardner. I think we will have a poor season due to the loss of Enrique and Nolan, however if we manage to sign an impressive left back which we all know is highly doubtful, a decent season could lie ahead. This is just my opinion and to be honest I do not hate Sunderland that much like some do. Good luck for this season guys, except for the derby games of course
