... as a club since KLD arrived. It's not so long since we were a basket case with a collection of ropey players and supporters saying they'd had enough. Now we're selling out away and packing 'em in at home. The atmosphere has improved, home and away, and we're learning a little patience in games like last night at Huddersfield. The squad has been changed beyond recognition and the team spirit appears to be good no matter who plays. They don't seem to whinge if they're rotated and, despite their young age, don't seem to be causing the club any bother on or off the pitch. That's all great but it's our reputation with the big clubs, their supporters and prospective signings, on loan or permanent, that's really impressing me. We've signed players who wouldn't contemplate going to some of our rivals and seem to enjoy the trust of clubs with their young lads. If anyone's still believing Donald is involved, or doubting KLD, then I'd be amazed. https://www.manchestereveningnews.c.../amad-sunderland-goal-man-united-25421480.amp
To me, the fact that top clubs are trusting us with their young lads speaks volumes of where we are now. They see SAFC as a well run club, trying the play football the right way, they see us as a safe pair of hands to bring on their young talent. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the top clubs are actively trying to get some of their young lads to Sunderland, rather than the other way round. I'm loving the way we are doing things now, seems like the first time in a bloody long time, that we actually have a plan.
I'm excited for each match personally. I'd watch these lads every week over some of the mercenary cloggers we've had in recent years. Roll on January, we may lose one or two but I'm excited to see who else we get in and also how Michut, Jewi, Ba and Amad grow into the season. Baby don't worry about a thing.......
'Sunderland having a serious plan' isnt a sentence you would have envisioned using in the past decade or so, but now it appears we have. Thank the good Lord KLD saw something in what we had here for him to hang his hat on our clothes peg, cos Lord knows where we were heading....nowhere is my guess. It's been 20+ years since I've felt this positive about my club and long may it continue. It might be bumpy at times but at the moment it's bloody exciting..bring it on I say.
Frightening to think what could have happened. They were on about selling the SoL and renting it back, the Academy was being decimated and the pitch was turning into a tatty field.
The infrastructure put in place since KLD parachuted in to the SOL has illustrated perfectly how a professionaly assembled management team has been able to transform the club in a relatively short time after years and years of MISMANAGEMENT . It has taken a radical root and branch investigation and investment to right so many years of neglect but I think most fans are very supportive of the changes that have been made in most areas , what I like is that KLD listens to the fans complaints and normally responds where possible. Keep up the good work !!!
Great post - couldnt agree more. I have always loved my club but never always been proud of it - I am most definitely proud of it now!!
Just another player who only Sunderland were prepared to buy and play ... ... he won't be here forever but he's the blueprint we need to follow. Buy low, develop, sell high, replace. I'm glossy eyed for good reason ... Stewart isn't anywhere near ss big as our club.
We are on the right track, no doubt. I have some involvement in academy setups and our reputation is very good. People might shudder, but Johnson was integral to that, and Mowbray now. Clubs loaning us players are interested in our style of play and coaching setup. We are getting it right. We now need to push doubly hard on our own academy players. There are 4 or 5 in there with a massive reputation. They need to come to out first team. Mowbray will be massive in that. The next big hurdle is to get a 2 year badge on our cat1 academy. In some ways the academy setup and reputation is what will make or break us over the next 5 years. I spoke to someone who visited us a couple of weeks ago and they said we are on massive mission at that level. Like you say, we are a club doing things right. Lets keep pushing hard.
I dont do too much these days, but still know coaches and pop in and out in the midlands to help with bits and bobs. I know a lad at Man City oddly, and he says we are well thought of.
Is that where LJ came in? He was well in with the 'City Group' iirc. Hopefully we maintain and enhance those links, plenty of talent on City's books we could give an opportunity to.
Sorry. Probably shouldnt be on this thread but didnt know where to put it. According to a Midlands football contact William Storey who tried to buy Sunderland has had an offer accepted by Coventry City! Interesting news Its Darren Williams who has posted this.
Great to hear, I know youve mentioned it a couple times about how we are thought of in the game now and its great to hear. The only way we will be successful long term will be due to the success of the academy. Got so much talent in it at the minute
Massive Coventry fan iirc Seen an article about Big Mike Ashley interested in buying the stadium as well. It's a funny old game.
