https://www.a-love-supreme.com/post/speakman-on-watson-deal Kristjaan Speakman has explained the reasoning behind announcing the Tommy Watson transfer mid-way through the season, saying the club want to be in open communication with the fans. He also shared his empathy for Tommy, as he came under a lot of criticism following the announcement which of course was all water under the bridge after he proved his commitment at Wembley. CLARITY "With Tommy's situation, we got to a point where a certain decision was made and I've always said that we want to try and be open and honest with our communication to supporters. I understand that the way that landed might have seemed peculiar to some people and that it's probably not something that has happened a lot here before. But like I said from the start, Tommy's commitment to Sunderland and what we were trying to achieve in the season was never in doubt. If it was, then we wouldn't have done things the way we did." CRITICISM "I feel for him for a young player in terms of the criticism he attracted, but his resolute nature to want to crack on, impress in every training session and make himself available to be picked or come off the bench." FAIRYTALE ENDING "Look, to come to the football club at six years of age, come all the way through the academy and then score the 95th-minute winner at Wembley... it's a Hollywood story isn't it. The main satisfaction is getting the club back to the Premier League, which is obviously the journey we started on so many years ago." WE DID IT OUR WAY "The manner in which we did with so many academy players involved and contributing, some playing having been with us for a period of time from League One and some that we've recruited more recently such as Enzo...I'm just really pleased for the club, the players and staff because the amount of time and work that goes into being consistent over such a long season with so many games. PLANNED FOR THE PLAYOFFS "And all the planning that went into it, I know there was a lot of talk and criticism around that last batch of games, we had a long discussion about how we were going to approach those knowing that we were in the play-offs. Obviously we got that right, we had a team that was ready to play right until the end, which is how it worked out."
He is absolutley bang on. "Why can't the club be more transparent"? We've sold Watson, "What? Why are we playing him then"? He wanted to leave, but he is still a committed Sunderland player. "This is bullshit"
Still in awe of his goal. Just pure precision. As far as leaving the club THIS was the way to do it. Always be fondly remembered because of it.
I appreciate the transparency from the club and at this stage I trust the club enough that even if I don't understand a specific decision I will err on the side of trusting the process. As for Tommy specifically, I'm gutted he's gone as I think he probably has Premier League potential but I have a sneaking suspicion he could end up back here in the not too distant future, Brighton have some very good wingers already, the player has talked about being impatient in the past and we're a club on the up.
Why even make it public knowledge. By doing so the club put him in that predicament. By the way I never boo-ed him at anytime. I just applauded louder. I also believe the fans were more annoyed at his 'team'
Speakers speak with forked tongue. Watson was being pulled from the last 6 games of the season and any playoffs, read it on here.
They might have thought it would emerge anyway, as these things often do. Tommy was going to Brighton, after the winter window we all knew that. But he hung around, and he scored the Watson Winner!
Think the club just took control of the situation tbh. Would have likely came out from either Brighton or Ian Harte and then the underlying whispers begin and could have impacted the mood. Club got it out the way well in advance of the playoffs to avoid any negativity when it mattered imo. Wasn’t a single boo when he came on at Wembley. Didn’t like the booing but I absolutely got the criticism, club did everything well by him for over a decade and then played him a decent amount when he probably wasn’t ready for championship level (imo anyways) and then he leaves without giving anything back. But then in the final, he made up for it with one shot and will go down in history. Funny old game.
Agree with this. It's a miracle that it worked out as well as it did with the goal and the mended relationship with the fans.
Maybe to do with the fact the deal had been agreed. There was always a chance it could have been leaked from the Brighton end. It was actually leaked through SAFC sources on here even if not all the details were spot on. The club do have people monitoring forums so probably thought it best to put the real story out there rather than the over exaggerated one
I hope it never gets out that Watson fell out with the tea lady after he kicked her dog for sniffing his skateboard wheels and then demanded an immediate transfer.
I wonder,in the immediate aftermath of his goal and the ensuing love-in,in thinking of his future,if the thought of " have I done the right thing "would have entered his mind?
I'm just guessing here, but Brighton were determined to get the deal done before the summer, they tried really hard in January, when that failed because we couldn't find a replacement they found a different approach. Like I say I may be guessing but I've a feeling they knew they might miss out if we were promoted. Possibly put the deal to him, he couldn't turn down the chance of PL football at the time. We also knew had we not gone up the offer could have been a bit lower. Had he known we were guaranteed PL football next season his decision may have been different. He could also have wanted away no matter what, but it doesn't matter how much you love the club, your career is short and unfortunately we can't predict how things will happen. I'm sure had Henderson and Pickford been able to achieve what they have with us they wouldn't have gone anywhere
I do wonder that myself tbh. I'm gutted he left but I think he did the correct thing for himself. He's probably set up financially for life now, with the signing on fee and Premier league contract. Still have a feeling he'll end up back here at some point. Well, as long as the club keeps progressing and establishes itself as a premier league club in the coming years.
