http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/10431571.Johnson_defends_Di_Canio_s_hardline_approach/ Cant copy the text so if someone would be so kind... At least Johnson is being honest and saying they have been poor this season in this, and also by the looks of it is willing to try discipline to win games
ADAM Johnson has backed Paolo Di Canio's disciplinarian approach and insisted the Sunderland manager is right to lay down the law as he attempts to transform his club's fortunes. Di Canio held an end-of-season debrief with his players at the Academy of Light yesterday, with further meetings planned before the squad breaks up for the summer later this week. The Black Cats boss is determined to address the endemic indiscipline that led to him branding some of his players "ignorant and arrogant" in the wake of Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham. Regular fines and public admonishments have become par for the course on Wearside, with Di Canio's abrasive approach sure to have caused friction with the players on the receiving end of his criticism. However, Johnson has defended the Italian's brutally honest approach and admitted this season's failings mean some shock therapy is required. "He's come in, and managers have new things that they want to do," said the Sunderland winger. "The gaffer is big on discipline and if it means us getting more wins, I'm all for it. "There's nothing worse than losing game after game after game after game all season. I haven't been used to that in my career, so it's been difficult. Ads by Google BlackHorse Loan Refunds You Could Be Owed £2400. If You've Had A BlackHorse Loan BlackHorse.RealLifeServices.net Thomson™ Holiday Deals Amazing & affordable late deals. Save online with Thomson™. www.Thomson.co.uk "It's been poor, very poor, I think. The table doesn't lie. I think the only thing that we can say is that the only way is up for us now. We can't get any lower to be honest. We survived, and now next season all we can do is progress. That's the positive way of looking at it." After admitting that Phil Bardsley and Matt Kilgallon's casino misdemeanours were representative of a deeper malaise, Di Canio is determined to oversee a major overhaul of his squad this summer. More than half a dozen players are expected to leave before the end of August, with perhaps as many as ten arriving to bolster a squad that has been found wanting on a number of occasions this season. Johnson is one of the players likely to be linked with a possible departure, but having only joined the Black Cats in a £10m move from Manchester City last August, the 25-year-old is keen to remain in the North-East. "I'm looking forward to next season and I want to improve," said Johnson, who started all bar three of Sunderland's matches this season. "As far as I'm aware, I'll be here. "Over the summer you never know, it's always up to the manager. Time will tell what happens." While the likes of Bardsley, Kilgallon and Titus Bramble do not have a future under Di Canio, Johnson is one of the players the Italian will be reluctant to lose despite his failure to live up to his billing for most of this season. The England international was touted as a proven match winner when he was signed by Martin O'Neill, but his performances were below-par for the majority of the campaign and he finished with just five goals and six assists in the Premier League. There was a slight improvement in the last couple of months, with Di Canio's arrival helping to herald a brief upturn in Johnson's fortunes, but the former Middlesbrough trainee admits there is considerable room for improvement next term. "It's been the worst season of my career as a whole, I think," he said. "I actually haven't been that bad on the stats side of things, but performances haven't been what I've wanted. "If you go through goals and assists, I haven't done that bad but performances have been sometimes. As a whole you look at yourself and you're honest with yourself. "I think in general, everything hasn't gone well. We've got to look forward to next season now. It's all we can do."
This could mean for us ,we might get at last from aj what we paid for, but then again self help is the best form, how many posts have been on here telling us that hes been seen out on the piss on aregular basis. hope this gives him the kick up the arse he needs
Hopefully the first of a few. The improvement in AJ under PDC was huge, and long may it continue, the lad is a fantastic talent and the kind of player we all want at the club. If we keep him, Sess, Fletch, Mig & N'Diaye, the 'jewels' if you like, we'll be on a good start. If we can get Danny, Danny Rose back as well, then we are only a few short. I honestly expect Seb to return to form as well, 1 goal from him is bizarre, the lad always gets a few, Gardner was very much improved, and Colback showed he is still improving. AJ's attitude has been questioned, I get the feeling he felt that MON's direction didn't suit, and he'll blossom under Paolo.
Agree with all of that keep: Mig Jos Gardner, Colback, AJ, Fletch, Sess, Ndaiye and Catts, sign Rose and build from there.
He's been linked with a few MLS teams this morning. Decided against posting anything as he's a gonner anyway but as you brought it up
