I haven't got a problem with people's options. I've got nothing against any supporter that didn't think we'd be good enough to go up because I believe those fans still actually hoped we would. It's the ones that were trying to state as fact we couldn't go up and would have been quite content if we didn't, just to say told you so.
I've got to admit, I've had a little fun bumping threads over there in the last few weeks. It's not because people said something that was daft or nonsense that threads are bumped - we've all done that (probably on a weekly basis). It's the ones that were excessively miserable/angry and took a loss as a reason to slate the whole club and make an unnecessarily critical or spiteful comment that I like to bump. Those where you can't have a reasoned debate because they just want to spout their bile. Those that have such a superiority complex that they almost declare that their opinion is truth, especially if they try to back it up by declaring themselves an expert. It's just a bit of fun, now that we should all be in a happy place regarding the club.
One thing is absolutely certain, those who now want us all to just enjoy being ‘Sunderland fans together' ... ... would've been all over the forums mocking the optimists and boasting how they'd been right all along. What they miss is that you can only be a 'realist' if what you believe is reality. In football reality is what actually happens, not what you tell people will happen.
It's the way they take a "real" downside moment (losing a game, missing out on a transfer etc ) and create a whole false reality where the whole club is in the worst shape of all time that frustrates me when I see it. We can play ****, without being ****. We can sign a poor player without Speakman and the whole "model" being a sham. KLD can look to run us as a sustainable business AND want to be promoted. I'm quite happy to be "all Sunderland fans enjoying it together" but when I'm with my mates and all enjoying life together that includes taking the piss out of each other and being able to laugh at yourself.
It's the creation of 'fictional facts' that become reality is people's heads that's the most idiotic imo. Like when Speakman is made out to be an arrogant and divisive character who upsets everyone or how KLD is only there for the money and simultaneously trying to avoid promotion. These things become the truth without any proof whatsoever yet anyone posting optimism or contrary opinions is asked for proof, sources, etc But the worst is when people think they're being 'proactive' by moaning on the internet ... ... while those who don't are 'accepting mediocrity' and 'part of the problem'.
I do wonder where the arrogance thing comes from with Speakman. Of course I don’t know him personally, but when he speaks it is always, measured, respectful and full of facts and logic. He is a good bloke. In his line and level of work it’s no good being too pally and charming. It is business level, I personally think his persona shows a confidence and sternness which is exactly what’s needed. The club numbers since his arrival simply confirm what’s visible. He stands up, came out after the furore over the Clark fee and did an extended piece explaining how and why it was lower than we hoped, made it feel far more palatable. He is a brilliant man to be sat in that role and I, for one, like many others will be eternally thankful for him turning us from a derelict building to and almost fully restored palace.
What we have to bear in mind is that Speakman isn't just a jolly front man put up to talk to the supporters. He's in a very tough situation having to deal with existing players, potential signings/agents/clubs etc ... ... and, at the same time, having to answer to an owner expecting results. As if that's not enough to cope with he has a manager wanting quality reinforcements, etc. Behaving with confidence, in the face of all these people, needs someone tough and able to rise above it all. If he merely aughs at the more ridiculous comments/suggestions from supporters I'd say they've gotten off light.
Tell you what as well mate, when you see him at games he looks very personable and approachable. You don’t see him turning folk away offering a word or a handshake. Strikes me as a good un all round.
I was told by a mate that he'd been invited on a jolly and met Monty who was the host. Speakman passed though and was introduced to the people getting autographs, etc. In front of everyone one of the lads asked Speakman why he only got £15m for Jack Clarke ... ... my natural reaction would be to tell him to f*ck off tbh, Speakman rose above it apparently and swiftly changed the subject. No doubt the lad told his mates Speakman had been evasive
There's a very strange thing that I've seen amongst Sunderland fans where there's an aversion to "management speak" and they want someone to talk like the bloke down the pub. This might be all football fans and I just don't notice it with other clubs, but it's a nonsensical logic for disliking someone. He works in senior management and like it or not, sometimes you have to be tactful and word things in specific ways to get a job done in rooms where not everyone is your mate or out to do you a favour. You have to do the best job you can whilst avoiding leaving low hanging fruit for someone to attack you with. One that I always found hilarious was when fans were saying they couldn't trust Speakman because he said Dejaku was always intended to cover forward positions. The answer they wanted was for him to say "I've left us short up front and we might struggle because Dejaku isn't good enough"... the reality is that those same fans would want Speakman sacked if he gave that answer and it would have also disrespected a player in our squad.
Absolutely mate. If I worked for Speakman, I’d respect his authority I am certain of that. I’ve a lifelong track record of questioning folk above me, there’s been about 3 in my 30 year working life that I’ve fully respected. Those I did, you know within minutes of meeting. Speakman oozes that to me.
Anonaminity is not a get out jail free card. And, saying afterwards, ok, I was wrong but... You say what you mean and mean what you say, You are accountable.
The same people who dismiss what they've previously said as 'just a few words on the internet' and 'nothing to get annoyed about' ... ... are the same ones who become angry and lash out if the few words you say show how wrong they've been
