I called you a weak link in a side that probably wouldn’t get promoted. I was wrong, you have been solid and a worthy captain. We’re on our way!
took a while to settle in though to be honest and plenty others had doubts...certainly repaid the faith shown in him
Strange isn't it how some players step up under one manager and can't do it under others. Lots thought some of our older experienced pro's didn't come up to the mark...but what do we supporters really know about football.
Other thing to say about the lad is we were told he was a sick note who’d barely play. He’s been an ever present more or less.
I agree. In the later games of the season especially, when they get harder to win, he has been very good. A clearer role for him has helped I think. And clearer roles for players is what we have seen a lot more of under AN.
Good point. But I think Gooch's value may also be in his adaptability, and his unselfishness. The thing for players like him though, is that the more you operate in a few positions, the better you get at it, so the more you're asked to do it! He was tremendous again today, and I was very happy to see him stay in the winter window.
Evans with Patterson my shouts for man of the match today. But they were all good. Certainly not going to try to pick any faults tonight.
Agreed. Thought he was excellent today. The way the midfield organised themselves nullified how Wycombe wanted to play and kept us in charge for most of the match. We really only let them in to a degree with a few sloppy passes, but still contained them.
Good piece on Gooch: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...will-learn-whether-sunderland-future-tuesday/
this is the thing with gooch, i have always said i like the fact that he tries different things and defenders are never sure if he is going to pass, go on the outside or cut inside and he seemed to try 'too much' at times and lose the ball... but under AN he looks much more composed and is more likely to pick a pass than try to beat a man although he still mixes it up. gooch 'on his day' is almost unplayable but those days are probably too few and far between, for his versatility , his time with the club and the fact he is basically a mackem i reckon he is worth a contract but AN will be the one to decide i guess.
The way he talks about the club is class! I hope he gets the chance to play at a higher level with the club again, with a manager who so far seems to get the best out of him.
I agree 100%. I think the biggest change AN has made is given some players really clear roles, that are uncomplicated. You can see Bailey Wright just defending now, without the burden of having to play the ball in tight spaces. ONien is another - just disrupt and stop them, again no need to play any fancy stuff. Then you have the 4 up top with freedom. Johnson wanted more freedom everywhere, but we started to get found out by teams who coule then pick us off on the counter. I am sure Alex will want a better link between defenders and attackers next season, which Dan Neil would be tailor made for. One thing for sure is Alex will get it right in the championship for us, he is that next level manager.
Yep. That's what I've thought. This bloke is obviously a football obsessive, watching opponents multiple times and all the rest. Looking back mind, it's just as well we didn't know we would need 81 points just to finish 6th!
