I was banned from smb for a week because I dared question the mighty Bruce. Anyone who posts of both will know this. Again I was proven right. Bruce out!
We have some good players, but we aren't using them effectively and for me it's too soon after an emotional game to make 'bruce out' statements.
Have to say I think we have stood still. Partly because we have simply replaced players who we lost. After today, the jury is out on Wesley Brown, but Im taking enough heart from last week to think that todays horror show by him was just derby nerves. We still havent replaced Bent, which IMO signals clearly that we havent moved forward. Why it is we seem to have a turnover of clearly talented strikers who are good enough to play for us I do not know. Kenwyne was inconsistent, but still PL quality and caused enough havoc, and might actually work in the long ball system Bruce seems to rely on. Djibril was a bit wasteful, but he had pace to burn, a rocket shot on him, and he was a tank up front. He bullied defences and had a "big name" factor that awed and unsettled less experienced defenders. Bent? Well Ill not even go into that.
IMO at the minute NO we are not any better than last year. I was waiting to see what other players he would bring in but I'm not holding out much hope (but today's result might change that). Although I say we are not any better I still feel we are an unknown and think it could take a while for the team to gel but with the current tactics being used I think Bruce needs to play his players in their best positions and stop tinkering.
Like I say, I have hope for Wesley and O'Shea, so Ill say marginally better in defence. Midfield is a tricky one. We have added a set piece threat, and some great crossing ability in Larsson, but I feel Bruce cannot decide on his best midfield, as he does not want to betray players like Colback. Larsson and Gardner also risk being similar players, long range specialists, that could be a bit wasteful. I was talking to my dad who watched it with me, and he said the one thing we lacked was penetration. Im going to break a key internet rule here and use caps; PLAY VAUGHAN. He is clearly the most talented passer in the team and if anyone is going to make that defence splitting pass, its him. Hes also pretty handy on the tackle too. The way I see it, Larsson and Elmo should be fighting for Right Wing. Vaughan and Colback for the playmaker role in the centre. Cattermoe and Gardner, whilst different in terms of their attack/defence balance, are both tough, bruiser players, who should be fighting for each other's place. As for left wing, Richardson as back up to a new left winger. Ji and Wickham are complete gambles so I cant say we are any better up front at all.
Bruce out.........No is my opinion. Are we any better, better than what? the team that played the first half of last season, or the team that played the second half. Can't answer truthfully, but im guessing not, how-ever once Bruce hopefully starts playing some more of the new lads, then maybe we can be.
And who shall i go and support mate? Think you'll find there's a lot of over-sea's based posters on here....
because you said?? hahah and if it was any team it would be feyenoord because of there conections with sunderland you TIT
Pull your head in. Like Comm said, if you'd been around a while you'd know the worlds getting smaller. Most on hear enjoy the good banter & share in a love of all things SAFC which smithy in nl does. Learn quickly lad or you'll find yourself on the outer fighting all the time having a sad life.
