This is taken from SMB. Its quality and I thought you would like to read it. THEY say itâs the little things that make all the difference. Well, thatâs certainly true when it comes to Sunderlandâs latest signing Adam Johnson. The former Manchester City winger was a wanted man ahead of his move to Wearside, so what swung things in the Black Cats favour? Well, Iâm reliably informed that it was the personal touch. Of course, wages, signing-on fee, regular football and the chance to return to his native North East all played a part in Johnsonâs decision. But none of the above were the telling factor that made the Easington-born ace put pen to paper. The key in winning Johnsonâs heart and mind when convincing him to move back home was simple â the actions of Sunderland boss Martin OâNeill. It remains to be seen whether OâNeill will have the midas touch during his time at Sunderland. But what is abundantly clear is that the Black Cats boss certainly has the personal touch. Maybe itâs something he has developed during his years in management, maybe itâs something he picked up while playing under the legendary Brian Clough, or perhaps itâs a mixture of both. Whatever the reason, OâNeill has become the type of man-manager that players want to give their all for. And itâs not just on the training pitch that the Irishmanâs personable approach is paying off. Iâm told that OâNeill visited Johnson at his home, not once, but twice, to persuade him the move to Wearside was the right one. And it was that approach that won the day â Johnson impressed by what his new boss had to say, and by the fact the man had gone out of his way to make him feel wanted. Like they say, itâs the small things that make all the difference. As a footnote, I canât let this weekâs column go without mentioning Saturdayâs washout at the Stadium of Light. Thereâs not a great deal you can do about the weather, but it was disappointing that the game with Reading couldnât go ahead. Iâm not denying it was the right decision, but investigations will now be made to see why the newly-laid pitch couldnât cope, and if the summer concerts at the Stadium of Light played any part. http://m.shieldsgazette.com/sport/fo...land-1-4872972
You'll get precious little argument about this proclamation mate. Especially not from me. We are very privellaged, as is he btw, to have him as our manager.
Lets hope we have 40,000 which would be superb, normally about 12-15,000 and the atmosphere is flat, and when you think we could have been playing Blackpool are are bang in form, i think MON is going for it in the league cup and i am glad.
Can't argue with any of that, seems like a top bloke and only too pleased we have him in charge, without him we certainly wouldn't attract the type of signings we already have and that are being bandied about.
