I've been thinking about this since the Wolves game. Now i think that its reasonably fair and fairly accurate to describe Wolves as 'the worst team in the Premier League.' The table says otherwise of course but player for player there is only really Blackburn who come close. I am pleased for Wolves and i hope they stay up. However, a serious Premier League side (whether they finish 14th or 8th) should be able to do a professional job on a side like Wolves and doom them to relegation even if there is nothing to play for. If a team cannot perform in this manner then they themselves are at a risk of being relegated. There were 2 fit forwards on the bench. Sessegnon played very well but this kid Noble could do with a start and we could do with a forward. The injuries are also a concern. I'm still wondering about training methods and recovery time for injuries. I'm not an authority fitness training in any sense of the word but it seems that there is a mixed reaction to Bruce's training methods within the squad. John Mensah obviously has his own regime. I'm sure some one else could post a better article on this subject. Before the Wolves game i thought that if we keep Bruce til next season, we'll finish somewhere midtable, fairly comfortable but not setting the world alight in terms of league placing. Maybe a cup run, maybe not. Many of you would say "that's not good enough." I think staying in the worlds best league for the next 20-30 years would be wonderful. No horrible playoff matches!! The best of the Premier coming to the SOL week after week. What i'm trying to say is 'That is the minimum expected of SAFC.' I now believe that Steve Bruce will have us relegated. Next season will be very, very hard. Teams have progressed, QPR are arriving with money to spend. We'll have to be on top form to even think about top ten. Granted Bruce can run a consistent team very well but if injuries strike again, and they will in some way, then i am not sure he'll be able to motivate players who know they'll be out of the team, as soon as half fit starting certainties are back. Its not fair to install a manager without the benefit of a pre-season. So Bruce must go now really. Never mind the contract, we all make mistakes Sir Niall, just pay it, shake hands and smile. They'll be a vacancy at the sportsdirect.com ground before the end of next season if he doesn't fancy the West Ham job. As for a replacement, well, i wasn't too keen on Martin O'Neil (i don't know why). I looked at his record at Leicester to refresh my memory and it is f**King impressive. Then i looked at his Aston Villa record. Again f**king impressive. He has ties with the club already, he worked under Brian Clough but you know all this. What if O'Neil doesn't work out? (that would be the exception not the rule.) I'd rather it be a poor thing SAFC did than the best thing we never did. Give Bruce what is owed. Give O'Neil 40 million. Thanx for reading. Ha'way the Lads!!
I must admit I've got a very bad feeling about next season but I doubt we'll get rid of Bruce now. If we were going to get rid of him, I think we'd have seen signs of what was to come by now. I've seen none.
MON - as I have said on many ocasions is a poor mans FSA. No Thanks. Bruce has made mistakes but he will have learnt from them- he must be given next season. I don't think we will go down, but if there is no obvious signs of us improving over 38 games - then fair enough Bruce has to go. 2011/12 is a massive season for Bruce and SAFC, coz if it does not work out I reckon Mr S could decide enough is enough and sell the club. MON - no f*cking way. Speak to Vile and Pape fans. Lol Bart
Sunderlands aim was to get into europe, lets be honest you will never achieve that with Steve Bruce... he is a bottom 10 manager!!! In the short term it may look like a knew jerk reaction but this maybe a rare situation where this is needed! Although personally I hope he stays in charge for many years to come!!!
If we want to get in to Europe then neither Bruce or O'Neil is the answer. At best they could get us to the brink but thats about it. I'm not going so far as to say they are clueless but both are just half decent managers and nothing special
This is what I have been saying for a while, SB & MON are mid table managers, if that is what you want then fine, but we all know we want more, therefore a manager who, with the right support will be able to motivate players (for both halves of a match) & get results & success
If I was a betting man, which I am (from time to time) I'd stick my dosh on this not being the last time!
How many times will this be discussed? As often as you are a fan. Support or otherwise of Bruce is a big topic. If you want the best for the club this topic is bound to go on and on.