Just like when DeFoe scored that cracker against newcastle, today was another game where a single special goal deserved to win the game. You'll not see many goals better than that again this season, 99 out of 100 player's would've given up that loose ball.
If I were a scout watching Jobe today I would be writing my review in gold ink. He has everything to play top level next season. I said in pre season I thought we would see a different Jobe to last because all that game time would make him physically so much more dominant this season. He is ready now to play top level. On this trajectory in the summer it will be really top end clubs knocking our door down. Rigg is from another planet again in my opinion. Higher ceiling than Jobe. The physicality of Jobe gives him the edge now, but Rigg has a footballing brain that is rare. He is like the old school street footballers we used to love pre academy. That little finish today so far hasnt been praised enough for me. I am yet to have a drink but I am ok saying it was the sort of thing the likes of Gazza or Maradonna even would do. It is a unique natural reaction he has. I am not making comparisons, just describing the sort of football brain we have on our hands. Again speaking as a coach we see players like this rarely, and handling them takes real care. Over coaching is possible, so a level of play for play is so important. Delighted to hear Regis say he just wants to learn. Honestly the first time I saw him I knew what we had. I trust Mowbrays eye and he knew. Regis might just be the man for Rigg now too, that little smile on his face when asked about Rigg told me all I needed to know about Regis and his love of footballers. I also think we have Dodds and based on what I know of him from Brum, he is massive for these players. In terms of young elite talent this is as good as I can remember in probably 25 years. I had a love affair with Armstrong, Owers, Smith, Brady etc. This lot are a cut above.
I was really impressed with us today. The structure and discipline was class. Some around me were screaming "get into them" etc but the lads stuck to the game plan superbly. I thought Jobe was really good, especially 2nd half. Dennis is on another level for me. Could play left back for half the prem and probably get in the England squad. Personally I'm buzzing we showed another side to ourselves today. We can high press and we can sit in, whatever it takes to win. Very impressive. Alot of "pundits" rate boro but we managed the game superbly., for the team we have and the age we are that's some going.
Surprised at them looking at mayenda although I thought he was canny today did a lot of the ugly stuff and is key to the press, still raw but think he’ll be a different beast in the coming months/next season
I think Cirkin is a sublime player mate. Everything you could want in a full back. If he stays fit we will benefit from him massively. Brings an agression and balance to our left hand side. Mundle has been great, but dont underestimate how much Cirkin helps out. Love him.
That was the managers win today, he done a job on Boro. Sit back and let them do **** all with the ball. Jobe was superb 2nd half Mepham good through out and Rigg, **** me a back heel to win the game.
Randomly met a Sunderland fan earlier today in a petrol station in Durban South Africa, he was wearing a Sunderland sweatshirt. Got talking to him, hes from Seaham and moved to SA 25 years ago. He predicted we'd win 1-0. Great guy
I've said it a few times on here, I've never really been a one for favourites, but I love Dennis. The lad has everything for me. He's what, 21/22?!? played loads of games, has that defensive awareness, and is good going forward. His anticipation for me is sublime.
I know a coach in Spurs u21 setup. When we signed him he told me he would tear this league up. Said he had everything needed to play premier league football. For me that is evident. If I were being picky there are still some decision making improvements, but only a few. He needs to be careful not to rely on that cut in and shot. Once today he did it and it was never on. So far though, he looks a player that can go on the next stage of our journey with us. Love his agression too, keep that up.
He's a 19 yr old who has 4 goal contributions already so will flag in a lot of data searches. As soon as young players start getting games at a decent level top teams will send scouts to the game I know spurs were up watching Whittaker at Hibs last season as he broke into the team at 16, said they didn't want to miss out so just keeping an eye since it was a 16 yr old playing in the spl. The lad is now on loan at Spartans so not sure he will be getting a big move but at least they watched him live
Yeah I commented when we signed him that when I watched him play for spurs u21 he was a standout (with Alfie devine), he was a lot better than Clarke when I watched them in the same team I scout with a spurs fan n he raves about him, he says he will go n play for England - I don't think he will but he will play PL football regularly in the future
Makes sense seeing if the eye test backs up the stats, prepped myself for a big sale every 2 windows at absolute best now, do worry about Neil in Jan if he doesn’t sign a contract but que sera sera, I’ve got faith in the club now to do the right thing by everyone
I think we will be getting a lot of attention within the game for our kids .. Jobe was MOM for me sublime , but Rigg , Cirkin ,Mundle, Neil all great .. Difficult for me to say the last time we had this opportunity just hope the big money doesn't arrive before we can see them at the top level .
One of the podcasts afterwards said Neil and Cirkin are both into the last 18 months of their contracts
Those players are either of the result of clever signings or good coaching ... ... yet some want all the staff sacking. We're still developing, as a club, but I think we're on the right road.
I bet he had a great time - they really look after them. Reminds me when 2 of my grandchildren were mascots for the Sheff Wed play off match, where I couldn't get due to recovering from heart operation (fortunately I recovered for the Wembley final).
