A rollercoaster journey for an adopted Mackem. Dennis Cirkin marked his 100th game for the Lads in Friday night's goalless draw with Burnley. A triumph in a personal and footballing journey. Coming into the Club in the summer of 2021, Cirkin has gone on to make that left-back spot his own in the side. In turn, his energetic performances and moments for the big occasion have endeared him to the Sunderland fanbase. “It’s a surreal feeling,” he admitted after joining the 100 club. “That’s the first word that comes to mind. To reach that many appearances for a Club of this stature, to play in front of the fans at home and the amazing support away. “To see the stuff off the field as well. How good the community is in the city. It’s a real pleasure. I’m grateful for it every day.” Over the course of his three-and-a-half years on Wearside, Cirkin has been part of a team that gained promotion from League One, helped the team reach the Sky Bet Championship play-offs and score goals that will live long in the memory of the supporters. He’s also had to overcome adversity in that time with injury hampering his progress at various points on Wearside. He continued: “When I joined, I definitely had personal goals and aspirations and along with that we had team goals. “After getting out of League One, you are always looking for the next step. You’re always looking for the next goal and that next goal for us is getting that promotion, back to where we belong. More importantly, back where the fans belong as well. “I had a very tough season last year but on a personal note, it’s all character building. I’m just happy that I can be part of something good with this team. “Hopefully that carries on because there is nothing more that I want than getting promoted with these lads. “The staff, the gaffer and everyone else working behind the scenes deserve massive credit. There’s a lot that fans don’t see and they deserve all the credit for helping me along the way.” After returning to the side from injury this season, Cirkin has played a vital role in a team that currently sit fourth in the Championship and cementing a 13-match unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light. However, those initial landmarks are met with a burning desire for more. “Hopefully there is many more games and we can create many more memories with this special Club,” he added.
Just been reading a match report. So the first penalty probably favoured them apparently, as last man and he’d have been sent off had the ref got it right? That might have made things a lot different
If the ref had noticed it was just outside the box, then as last man he should have gone. As it was wrongly called a penalty the double jepordy rule came in and he stayed on the pitch.
Should have gone anyway if I am interpreting the rule correctly as it wasn't a genuine attempt to play the ball? See below cut and paste from a Google search: The double-jeopardy law states: "Where a player commits an offense against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies the opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offense was an attempt to play the ball in all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility of playing the ball etc.); the offending player must be sent off! For me that wasn't an attempt to play the ball and he couldn't play the ball from where he was so is a in all other circumstances and a red! Would have been harsh but it's the rule!
Didn't realise that, I just assumed as e gave a penalty that he wouldn't send him off. Makes it even more bizarre looking back on it with that info
Brilliant write up and he is a top player. Has developed into a a great influence. Needs to sign his contact and I'll start to sleep better!
Haven’t read through the thread, wondering if much has been said about Trai Hume. He’s been poor recently imo. Needs some competition
To be honest I assumed it to be a blatant foul for it to be a red. As in take the lad out with no attempt to get the ball. Only just read that today!
I'm thinking that Isidor may have been the designated penalty taker. We have no information to the contrary that i'm aware of. If he is then we can't critcise any of the decision making but we can be upset that he didn't put at least one of them away. The way some of our so called fans are going on is ridiculous. It's not like he deliberately tried to miss them. Anyway, as a tongue in cheek comment, why not make Patto the penalty taker as he wouldn't put it anwhere near their keeper
Just watching this now, as other half made dinner plans for me yesterday . Either Burnley are not very good or we are very good. Absolute class above them. Deserved the win. Let's hope we can put a winning run together now
I never watch after match stuff. Did the sky lot really say Burnley should have won? It would have flattered them.to say they deserved a draw. Only one team looked like scoring and winning and it wasn't Burnley.
I watched an interview after the game from RLB stating that they don't have one decided and leave it to the players on the pitch ( to solve the problems) Hence my comment.
That would fit with his philosophy, he prepares the players sets the team up but let's them solve the problems on the field. Rather than players waiting to be told what to do by the coach. Interesting times
