OK, let's put a scenario in place... its Monday 20th May and you're Ellis Short (congratulations on being rich as ****). You're owner of Sunderland AFC, a team wh'veo just managed to survive the latest season without ever playing particularly well. You, along with the rest of the Premier League have inherited a huge financial boost in TV revenue and it seems everyone is spending big. Whilst you've backed your manager in previous seasons, none of his signings have really shone throughout. It's your choice, the power is in your hands... Do you a) stick with O'Neill or b) go for an entirely new strategy? And either way, name 5 changes you want to see implemented over the summer? (This could be footballing philosophy/tactics/playing or coaching staff) No WUMing involved so no need for this thread to be anything other than a bit of craic (that goes for a few Well known Toon posters as well)!
Personally for me, O'Neil will never have you playing 'champagne football' as none of his teams ever have...Villa at their peak were the perfect counter attacking force and relied on pure pace on the break...That's all good and well but it leaves your bereft of a plan B - something that I think you've lacked all season. So I'd go for b) sack O'Neil... Bring in a young manager from a lower league side (Poyet would a perfect example). The reason being is that he has proven he can get the best out of a side with relatively little backing and is capable of giving his sides a clear identity (Brighton have a brilliant philosophy of passing the ball) Changes you need: 1) a clear direction: it was something Newcastle were lacking until the January signings. We didn't have a style of play that all of our players could work towards. If someone was to ask me how Sunderland play I honestly couldn't tell them - hope Sessegnon has a worldie? You need to make someone like him your anchor, build your style around them! 2) Top class centre back. They're out there and you don't need to buy ageing players from mid-table sides . Experience is useful but raw ability and a footballing brain is the difference for me. M'Biwa for us has slotted in after relatively no time and looks incredibly composed. Has pace and can pick out a pass - can you say the same about Cuellar or Bramble? £5-£10m on a foreign lad who's been scouted for his attributes as opposed to his size or experience! 3) start clean: players like Whickham were bought for the future and haven't really had a chance - when they have been on the pitch the pressure on them to return some of that financial input is clear. A new manager can assess the squad from an unbiased point of view. Every player has their chance to prove themselves regardless of their wages or transfer fee. 4) a creative centre midfield player. Sessengon is quality on his day, if he plays well, Sunderland play well - especially in games when he is given a freer role. You need someone to take the burden from him and allow him to drift accross that central area, creating his own space and picking up the ball when he wants it, not every single time the team need an outlet. 5) pace up front. Name Sunderland's best strike partnership in recent years? 99% of answers surely have to be Phillips and Quinn. The big Striker and the little nippy CF. what do Graham and Fletcher offer differently? Surely they're too similar to play together successfully? You need that little nippy player to provide runs in behind and create space for your other forwards to run into. Anyway, that's my 2 pence...
I agree with most of this like MoN has to go and a young manager with new idea's needs to come in, we need to be more attacking it has been so negative this season how much is it going to take though? 30m?
Good post I'd be tempted to bring in a Gus Poyet type manager, our play has been ****e at times. Although I think MoN would eventually get it right, but I'm not sure we can afford to keep supplying him with the money before he gets it right. 3 things to change: 1) Defense - every position, especially cb 2) CM - a ball playing, creative midfielder, someone in the mould of Cabaye would be perfect 3) A nippy striker - we are far too easy to predict when we go forward, someone making runs behind the defense will add a new dimension However, what will likely happen is MoN will stay and rebuild in the summer. But for me a change would be the best step
Sack oneil Put more into the youth set up ie give them a chance Get a proper scouting system in place I would only buy players at a maxim age of say 25 As much as people rip the piss outta the toon for long long contracts in certain cases I feel it's a good idea Keep up the good work of the pitch get as much money at the club ad possible And most important reward the fans who have had to put up with some woeful seasons I don't know maybe reduce seasons tickets or something
Sack oneil Put more into the youth set up ie give them a chance Get a proper scouting system in place I would only buy players at a maxim age of say 25 As much as people rip the piss outta the toon for long long contracts in certain cases I feel it's a good idea Keep up the good work of the pitch get as much money at the club ad possible And most important reward the fans who have had to put up with some woeful seasons I don't know maybe reduce seasons tickets or something
Good post Jesus, personally, I want shot of MON. Not saying I'm right, just my opinion that he's a clueless ****wit. I'd have Di Canio in like a shot but he'll be off to West Ham so I'm left with more questions than answers really.
Mentioned that the other day mate think di canio would be a good shout think he would soon adjust some of the players attitude
Well we'd certainly get the attacking football we want but like I say, he's nailed on for the Hammers. Go down the bookies mate, it's buying money man.
You could guarantee entertaining interviews at the very least! Seems to have the makings of a top manager, if a little bit (completely) off his rocker. Seems the type to get his players playing for the shirt and for him, if they don't give 100% he'll go through them and that's what you need at times!
What you have just described is why di canio is going to be a great manager, playing for the shirt how we could really use someone with that attitude ,
Rewarding fan loyalty is a joke at most clubs...There's a few boys from our club who've gone to every game, home and away, this season and get nothing back but massive headaches and even bigger bills (the Anzhi game in particular was an absolute nightmare apparently!) Whilst I like the fact we've offered a 10 year price freeze on Season Tickets, I do think more should be done...It might be a little thing, but the past 2 seasons we've had golden badges for club members and season ticket holders - it doesn't help the bank balance but its a badge of honour for those who do so much to see the team play!
