This article is in today's Journal. It makes me feel even more positive about the future although it also makes me think that we will see Emile Heskey here next season! http://www.journallive.co.uk/safc/safc-news/2012/04/19/martin-o-neill-sticks-by-a-trusted-transfer-formula-61634-30791367/ I especially liked this bit from Tony Cottee "“Brian Clough is his hero and Martin has followed his example in that he won’t spend £20m on one player, rather he will bring in Bosmans, or guys for a what these days will be small-ish fees and make them into stars. “At Leicester, he got Robbie Savage and Neil Lennon from Crewe. Steve Guppy came from Wycombe Wanderers and Muzzy Izzet was in Chelsea’s reserves. “They all went on to play international football. “He would rather get a hungry player, someone who has maybe had a bad experience and lost his way a bit, rather than some big name who would be seen as a big star. “Chris Sutton went up to Celtic after a dreadful year at Chelsea and became a legend up there. He’ll do the same at Sunderland, mark my words. “He likes strong players who have a bit of craft in them. Nobody, and I do mean nobody, will be allowed to give anything [less] than 100% for Sunderland. He will quickly weed out anyone who is happy to coast. “Martin’s record in the transfer record has been superb at all his clubs. He has this incredible ability to spot something in a player that perhaps they don’t see themselves, and make them into top class footballers.”
Needs to do it one more time... But hopefully he's not into buying for the future lark, the same as some.... But he has discovered some good players, and long may it continue.
2 lines stand out.. A player is told what to do and if he does not do it he is in the reserves. cant see Martin spending a fortune on a teenager. Wickham comes to mind on both counts.
but is he, MON also likes to take people and improve them, he has done that with Bendy but like you, not sure he has changed enough.
I just can't wait for next season, to give MON a full season to see what he can achieve & to see who he can bring in, as for transfers, I've seen his past record & won't lose any sleep about anyone he deems fit to wear the shirt
I have to agree with this. Under Bruce, i would have been happy to see Cattermole leave. The turnaround under MON is fantastic to see.
This is why for me Sess is so important, he always gives 100% and often is the only one. He is a good fit with MON and is imperitive to our success. I think we might end up unhappy with some of MON's signings but to be honest it was the same with Bruce, Bramble, Brown and Oshea were good buys by Bruce (with Brambles problems being off the pitch rather than on).
I thin initially disappointed more than unhappy Vegas but I know what you mean. We will be there for some laughter from up the road but to me it's important to sit back and trust MON, the seasons results will determine how good a team we have and team is one thing MON has brought already.
Stolen from ALS Speaking of OâNeillâs transfer policy, Tony Cottee â whom MON signed for Leicester â has given us some insight into how our gaffer works in the transfer market. He said: âI was into my thirties and found myself coming back to England with plenty to prove having been written off by just about everyone. But he likes that sort and my age was never an issue with him. Martin is by the far the best I ever worked with in terms of man-management. He will see something in a player that nobody else can and get the best from them. Itâs actually remarkable. Brian Clough is his hero and Martin has followed his example in that he wonât spend £20m on one player, rather he will bring in Bosmans, or guys for a what these days will be small-ish fees and make them into stars. At Leicester, he got Robbie Savage and Neil Lennon from Crewe. Steve Guppy came from Wycombe Wanderers and Muzzy Izzet was in Chelseaâs reserves. They all went on to play international football. He would rather get a hungry player, someone who has maybe had a bad experience and lost his way a bit, rather than some big name who would be seen as a big star. Chris Sutton went up to Celtic after a dreadful year at Chelsea and became a legend up there. Heâll do the same at Sunderland, mark my words. He likes strong players who have a bit of graft in them. Nobody, and I do mean nobody, will be allowed to give anything less than 100% for Sunderland. He will quickly weed out anyone who is happy to coast. Martinâs record in the transfer record has been superb at all his clubs. He has this incredible ability to spot something in a player that perhaps they donât see themselves, and make them into top class footballers. Martin expects you to do what he says and if you donât, then youâre in the reserves. Itâs as simple as that. It happened to me. I found myself training with the young lads and I had a choice whether to sulk or get in with the programme, which I did. This is why he takes on guys with a less than perfect reputation such as Stan Collymore. These guys quickly realise their manager is top notch so they donât tend to step out of line.â Who do you think he will be seeing as coasting in the squad? Less than perfect rep? Please not Barton lol! If there's not gonna be a marquee signing & with the article in mind who doo you think he will go for??
