No its not a compare them or lets slag off Bruce thread, its an observation, just my observation but one that I feels sums up one important difference between Bruce and past managers to MON. I stand before the game to watch both teams come in, have done since the old Roker Park days and watching Sunderland come in sums up to me why MON is very different and very successful. Under Bruce, like with many managers before him, the players would start arriving around 1 o'clock. They would park then come up the steps to be met with shouts from the fans, Bruce would arrive around 12.45 followed by Black then Spink. Bruce and the players would sign autographs, pose for photos and looked relaxed and happy. By 1.30 they would be in and I'm sure would then start preparation, all that stopped with the arrival of MON. The team coach arrives around 1.25, everyone connected to the squad for that game is on it.The doors open and first off every time is MON, in business suit and carrying a brief case, he skips down the steps and practically runs in. A wave and smile to the fans but no hanging about, he gives off the air of a man ready and focused on the business in hand. He is quickly followed by the staff, all suited and booted then the players, there is an urgency about them, They don't look like a team about to prepare but a team prepared. That focus, urgency and preparation says it all to me, not how bad Bruce was, I don't think he was all bad, more about how good O'Neill is, what makes him a cut above the rest, IMO.
I think even just the players arriving together is massive. Banter on the bus, no waiting around for each other... Chances are they meet at the AOL for a short drive to the stadium, but even that means they meet, arrive and leave as a team, a massive and professional little touch, meaning the players are all together and focused earlier. We will get there under MON, there is no doubt in my mind.
I think they meet up on a Friday night at, their cars are at the SoL so they meet up there then coach to Durham hotel overnight. Added excitement yesterday, a rather active lady got off the coach, my son said she is Bridges girlfriend, some singer.
I wrote an article comparing and asking for opinions on our recent managers a while back. I was slated for it in most of the replies. In the very first clause you say it not a comparison, well what the hell is it then? The length at which you defend Bruce here, suggests you are all but slagging off Bruce by emphasizing your pro-MON agenda. We all know Bruce had his short comings, but then were Keane, McCarthy etc infallible? Or am I not taking this at face value? It really is a shame when this happens isn't it.
Bruce improved us for 3 years, and then imploded... If MoN can improve on this fantastic start for the next 3 years, who knows where we will be. He has done fantastic so far........but it's only a start, he's certainly a players manager....but it's still early doors.... Feet on the ground. There are stats to tell us we have a long way to go, and pretty sure MoN is the man to take us there.
sorry you feel that, must admit its the first time I have been accused of having a pro MON agenda, I feel many may not agree
thats interesting i was under the impression nobody but the players were aloud on the bus with mon?? is there normally wives, girlfriends or children with the team syd??
Not sure where you're coming form here mate. Syd's had some grief on here for lending his support to whomever was our manager at the time. He's always shown loyalty to the club regardless of who's managing it
I think the answer could be, Bridge just moved into new house, girlfriend up for weekend and wanted to go to game, maybe does not know anyone or have car up here, Bridge asked if sshe come come on coach to get her there. and wary of leaving her alone after last one and Terry, catts was not on bus.
Fatigue maybe? Riccos bird. please log in to view this image Bridges totty please log in to view this image Bendtner posh spice He’s engaged to Baroness Caroline Luel-Brockdorff; she’s also expecting the couple’s first child together Caroline has a £400 million fortune, please log in to view this image
