I agree they all have something to offer, but as a unit they are not quite the answer, and all are hit and miss, I dont think McGeady is fully fit and Gooch is an all rounder who imo is the most inconsistent of the three, Embleton is a player I admire and at one time looked like he could go all the way in the game, he seems to have lost some of his drive along the way , he is a revelation when in full flow but we have not seen it at first team level yet, this coul be his last chance here and this is a worry. O/9 is a must in midfield, our best signing of the summer and the fist name on the team sheet for me. not seen enough of any of the new lads to pass comment yet.
I wouldn't disagree that Johnson wanted to go with what he knew last season in Scowen and Grant,rather than taking what he saw as a chance with the younger players. Neil was part of the squad,but, you must admit that when we did get to see him,he didn't play as well as he is currently. We saw glimpses,but not what we're seeing this season. Maybe it's the confidence that comes from being picked,maybe it's playing with different players around him. From what I've seen,he's a more mature,intelligent player than I've seen from him before,hence my comment that he has progressed.
I would add Ethan Robson to that group along with Hume they were all ready to do their bit in the midfield imo. Diamond was another and I think he is being undermined of late, and cant see him developing under LJ hope I am wrong but I do have my doubts about LJ's decision making, I'll get stoned for this and probably deserve it.
Totally agree. There's a lad at my non-league club, last season (before it was curtailed again by the pandemic) was around the first team and clearly had potential but was a little bit off the standard for the league. Everyone called him "Little [His Name]". He's been completely different since pre-season began. Definitely living up to his potential and playing a key role in the team. He just needed time to mature and that happened very quickly. No one calls him "little" now.
Smoke and mirrors . Neil was ready last season as were a few others, just like Patterson is now. Sometimes holding back players when they are ready is the main reason they fail in the long run, and we have a habit of failing to stand by our own while giving imports game after game hoping they will justify the outlay involved.
Yes i agree mate he does look more mature and confident. Hes been like this since July in our friendlies so i dont see how he could change that much in 2 months. I think the fact Johnson is showing more faith in him this season coupled with a consecutive run of games has made the difference. Last season he was in one week and then out the next and then he ended the season by not even being able to get on the pitch.
Certainly there's been a reluctance to put the younger players in the side in the past. That probably has much to do with the fact that we've struggled to get any kind of settled system,or consistent form and it's always easier to integrate younger players into a side that's playing well. Constant managerial changes don't help either. However,I'm glad to say that policy has been reversed with younger players now getting the chance they deserve.
Everybody? Hopefully. You've lost me on this one, Clocky. Are you suggesting as fans we shouldn't blame players for turning up at the club and not putting in any effort if they're on good money?
Let's get one thing straight mate I never called him a mag I said his life must be boring, he's came on to moan about a defeat and to complain about the team and management. Sounds like a great fan doesn't he
I think out of all of them Diamond is a bit of a puzzle. He,more than the others before the start of this season,has had opportunity,but never really seemed to grasp it.Flashes of ability here and there, but no consistency. However,they've given him a longer contract,so they must believe they can bring him up to where he needs to be.
Not sure it’s a “seen sense” as much as a “had a proper chance to work with them” which he didn’t last season (with 2 games a week from the minute ye came in I can imagine getting them up to speed was more difficult) Embleton has looked ok so far. Nothing out of the ordinary for me except fir just how 2 footed he is. Set piece delivery us excellent but he often fades second half of games I think. Neil didn’t do great at left back (but he’s not a left back and had little to no support). Saturday he missed o’nien or someone like but was still excellent on the ball (should’ve got booked for fouling Robson but I guess that’s something which will come with experience). Last night he was absolutely superb. Still needs to work on his “out of possession” but on the ball he’s next level
That was more a response to Marcus' post that you were replying to. Like I say though, Monty's been posting on here forever and you get used to how he expresses himself.
I called him a mag!! (I know he’s not, he’s just possibly the most idiotic poster after any defeat! No matter how well we play)
Hope your right mate, I hate criticising players and especially him, just some games don't always go your way and I think last night was one for McGeady but it will be nice for a change for LJ to have so many attacking options available.
I know mate and I'm behind you re posters coming on complaining about a defeat then other posters coming on to back them up. At the end of the day we're all sunderland supporters and I can't understand after a very good display we have some coming on slagging off
Not sure what vintage you are mate but it’s been happening a while hasn’t it? Even at roker park in the 80s it happened!! Just the people didn’t have the means to post their idiocy!!
My only worry so far this season is 0 clean sheets. Portsmouth and Sheff Wed who are both expected to challenge haven’t conceded a single league goal.
Its very early days, a lot of teams still finding their best 11 and getting new recruits to settle into a system... We are doing ok, in fact, better than I thought at this stage, I have confidence this will be a decent season for SAFC
