I was just thinking this morning with the hopeful signing of Whickham and Gardner this week if we had any players over the age of 30 and the only one was Steed at 31. Now what I want to know my fellow Sunderland fans do you think this is a good or a bad think? IMO there are positives and negatives to having a young squad, the positives are that it appears that we are buliding for the future a young squad should have more stamina and energy be faster. On the flip side I do think that you need experience in the team and would love to sign a couple of 30 plus players before the end of the window to have that experience, if they are fit and would fit into the squad. The Futures Bright the Futres Red and White.
Personally I would like to see someone on the pitch for us, to grab under performing players round the throat and threaten them with bodily violence if they don't pull their finger out. Bit extreme maybe, my point is a player who will not stand for lack of effort. The obvious sort I'm talking about is the likes of Keane and Vierra in their heyday.
I think it's good, providing they play well. I don't think this season will be brilliant, but once the youngsters have been properly eased in,m I cannot wait for 2012!
Steeeeed (31) then Bramble (29, almost 30) I think it's a good thing. If we hang on to the majority of the squad for the next few years then they'll have developed together as a team and individually. Wickham could be a masterstroke signing if he lives up to his potential!
I remember the impact Bould made when he signed for us, the only problem is he was superb for about 6 months then he got injured and hardly played again. I think having a young squad is fantastic, financially you have the prospect of selling payers on who are not right for the side and you also have the chance of building a team that can play together for years (man united). You also don't have players who are going to be burnt out half way through their contract and sat in the reserves earning a fortune (McCartney). I like what Bruce is doing, he is buying some good players, youth but youth with experience, Gardener is an experience premier league player and while Wickham has not played in the EPL he has been in the England under 21's squad and had experience at a big Championship club.