Despite everyone's hopes, the must-win game against West Ham came to the inevitable conclusion of another defeat. The most disappointing aspect perhaps is that like in the previous game against Liverpool; the players didn't get into the match until after the score was already 2-0. With the tough run in and such a poor run of form, even the most optimistic of fans is beginning to accept that Sunderland look doomed to be relegated to the Championship. However, whilst people are understandably downbeat at the prospect of lower division football, there could also be some positives to come from this situation. Obviously, relegation would be a massive blow to the club in terms of finances in lost revenue for next year; despite being offset by parachute payments, this is still likely to have a big effect. However, a big positive is the inevitable shake-up in the team that will inevitably occur. Whilst people may see this as a huge disruption to once again see large-scale transfer incomings and outgoings; it could prove to be of huge benefit in the long term. Season after season, fans complain about the quality of the team; whose only goal each year ends up being to fight off relegation. This is a big issue when you consider the success of teams who have been promoted after Sunderland and now consistently reach around top 10 comfortably; teams such as Newcastle, Southampton and even to a certain respect; West Ham. Why is it that they manage to succeed to survive comfortably in the league while Sunderland continue to struggle? Simple answer: the players. Sunderland have had 4 managers in the last 5 years (6 including Kevin Ball and Eric Black as caretaker managers) and none have managed to get the best out of a constantly changing Sunderland squad; it surely can't be as simple as the managers aren't good enough, the players have to shoulder some of the responsibility too. Some of the current squad have been mainstays in their respective national team sides and yet far too often put in performances in a Sunderland shirt that wouldn't look out of place in a Sunday league side. The likes of Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini, John O'Shea and even to a certain aspect Adam Johnson just haven't performed to a consistently high level to justify their place in a Premier League starting line-up. So if, as expected; Sunderland do drop down to the Championship, it will provide an opportunity to clear out those players who haven't shown any desire or skill to justify staying in the team. This could lead to a brand new team packed with players who actually want to play for the team and players capable of playing the style of football Gus Poyet has been trying to implement. A prime example of when the drop has benefited a team is Southampton who now rely primarily on academy products and have 4 potential England squad members for the World Cup in Brazil; in their team. Of course, there is always the chance that should Sunderland drop down to the Championship, they are unlikely to be seen in the Premier League again for a number of years which is the fate that has befallen clubs such as Bolton, Birmingham and Middlesbrough in recent years. The rebuilding process comes with its risks, it could either see Sunderland bounce straight back up with a revitalized squad or just sit in the Championship for the foreseeable. Regardless of the risks involved, changes are needed whether Sunderland do somehow pull off a miracle survival or they get relegated. The squad's performances as a whole do not justify the places of most players in their teams. Even with a 40% wage reduction clause in all players' contracts should the club be relegated, Sunderland will still probably need to move players on and hopefully when they do; some of the better academy products and the younger players in the squad will get a chance. Time will tell as to what division Sunderland play in next season. But one thing is for certain, changes are needed and relegation could end up being more of benefit to the club than anticipated.
NO. It would set us back 5 years IMO, financially and squad wise. We're already struggling to attract top level players, mostly cos we're known as a yoyo club, going down again would only emphasise this.
This is why we`ve had to pay top wages for average players. The players who got us into this mess. Don`t want to go through all that again.
A blessing in disguise........in that case Wolves were twice blessed. It's easier to drop a division than to climb back. Yo-yoing might be fun if the string doesn't snap.
I've lived through 9 relegations. The majority of my Sunderland supporting life we have been in the second tier and, to be honest, the best seasons have been in the second tier. It gets wearing to watch the club I love being a laughing stock in the Prem and having a maximum aspiration of finishing in the top ten. The Championship's not so bad, and if it means we can bring some quality kids into the first team and get everyone playing in the way we want (a la Southampton) what's not to like? Not so great for the finance guys but that's not why I'm a football fanatic. I want some glory (at whatever level) and entertainment. Not too much to ask, surely.
There is no positives about relegation Im sorry but I appreciate you trying to find some. Even if we stayed up we would of been having a clear out.
My point exactly mate, the best we could do was attract average players in the twilight of their careers and demanding big wages in the process. What chance would we have if (when) we go down? again.
I agree with whitburn lad I find the prem **** unless your one of the top 6, I just love seeing us win a match and I coudn't give a toss what division we are in. Obviously I would love to be in the top 6 but following the lads as long as I have the chances are fu--ing Zip.
If not for the financial implications i would be resigned to relegation with a simple shrug of the shoulders! But due to the huge loss of dosh, more than 2 or 3 seasons outside of the premier league could leave me worrying over the future, or lack of future of my club! I can see myself supporting FC Sunderland in the Vaux Wearside League in the not too distant future! haha!
