Where did I say that ....... you sound very touchy and paranoid. Nothing I said could make anyone come to that conclusion. I simply said that different people have different ways of saying the same thing, what a big deal. Why are you so desperate to polarise people? And why are you saying 'our' opinions ....... who are you speaking on behalf of and were you elected as 'their' spokesman?
Though I understand your concern for the fixtures I'm with smug on this one MW mate. I seem to recall we have put on our better shows last season up against the so called better teams. As long as the lads turn up and give a 100% I will be happier than when not so many years ago the team didn't turn up to a man. Yes I'm as bad as every one else and expect us to beat the teams around us, as we SHOULD be beating them. Fixtures and results apart I think after we have watched the lads for at least 10 games we will have a better understanding of how things are going. People had a pop at PDC when he made the comment about it isn't just about the results its about how the team played in the game as well. I couldn't agree more. Did I miss the match where we were tonked? We didn't play well against Southampton and nearly stole the points. We were miles better than Fulham and lost. 3-1 flattered Palace a game we looked to be going on to win, until we went down to 10 men. We gave the Dons a 2 goal start and came back to take the prize. To me these first ten games should show us the direction we are going, for all I know we could get beat in the next run of games till then. But I will have been able to tell if things are going forward or backward. Trying so hard not to voice my concerns over individual players. I have seen improvement all over the pitch, better team play and of course energy. The games last season can't be counted against PDC imo, as he was trying to organise the unorganisable. <<< Not even a word. I will mention one player, Colback I have always liked the lad, but not so long ago I voiced my concern about him being lightweight in CM and brushed off the ball far to easily. Since PDC took over I have seen a huge difference he looks stronger and more willing to stand his ground. Stick him back in MF for Larsson as we now have a LB.
Didn't you do the same? "I'll guarantee that every single Sunderland supporter thinks it could fail ." <<<<<<<Sunderland supporter waving and saying I don't think it could fail. And I am in no way a happy clapper. Hahaha
This is what I`ve been trying to say. Those fixtures were there. They haven`t changed. They have to be played. It`s not the same squad of players as we had the back end of last season. I still say get the new lads on the pitch instead of fielding half the old lot. I want to see what the new lot can do.
Some good post from both sides here I've been very vocal against PDC still don't think he's right for the club, however I'll support any one who wants to play for us! And Smugs I'll quite happy eat that slice of humble pie if I'm proved wrong and will be the 1st to admit I was wrong I just still have this nagging doubt!
I think most of us do mate. I reiterate. I want to see the new signings play. We`ve seen very little of them up to now. Let`s see what they can do. No point in signing them if they`re not on the pitch. Go for it PDC. Let them loose!
Good broad range of views but also good to see that the pessimism of the last few days has subsided a bit.
I'm speaking only for myself ......... I believe that no Sunderland supporter would claim it can't fail. If I'm wrong I expect people will say so. It's my opinion, I'm not saying 'we' when I mean 'me' ......
Aye impossible to make any objective statement on them till we have seen them play quite a few games.
No offence taken mate, but face up to reality, we are Sunderland, not Man Utd or Chelsea. Yes we can nick points but for 80 minutes we struggled against MK Dons so i'm a little concerned that we may struggle in our next few games. Just an opinion from a concerned supporter mate.
On balance it is all very well planning for 6 months or a year's time; but they are not much use if we don't have a plan for tomorrow.
I do not for one second think you will get relegated, However I don't think PDC is the man for you. Bit premature like, but not sure he had enough managerial experience before coming to you. What i do think is that, even if it doesn't work, Di Canio's left you with a good set of players, most with their best years ahead of them, that would be a great platform for the next manager.
Way to early to be judging whether PdC is the right man. Lambert looked like the wrong guy for Villa for most of last season, but they are showing distinct signs of life ATM.
Reckon we have a chance against Arsenal as long as we take the fight to them. Attacking wise there isnt a stronger side in the premier league. Defensively they will be weak, can't see many of their midfield players being willing to back track and defend. My team Fletch, Borini Ki Giac, Colback, Cabral, AJ Diak, Roberge, Celustka West Subs: Mannone, Cuellar, Gardner, Ba, Maviras, Klarsson, Wickham Larsson and Vaughan will probably be picked over Ba and Klarsson though
who else do we play at the back? When Arsenal have possession (80% of the time), Colback can drop back to LB. 2nd choice - a back 4 of: Celustka/COlback, Diak, ROberge, Gardner/Celustka with a 4 man midfield Giac, Colback/Cabral, Ki, AJ But this means having a weak midfield, which is suicide against Arsenal 3rd choice, 4-5-1 with Fletch up front by himself? A thankless task, especially considering PDC has promised him that he wouldnt be played as a lone striker this season. So I say 3-5-2, use our fitness levels to hound arsenal in the midfield all game, and hit them on the counter.
Westie Celustka--- Diak--- Roberge--- Colback Cabral---Larson Johnson-----ki-------Giacc Fletcher I'm happy with that. That's my team for arsenal. Could change depending on if anyone returns from injury or if any come back injured.
