I thinks its shocking the way some of our fans have turned on him in recent weeks. The kids only 18 playing his first competetive season in football and we've made him play 32 out of 34 games between August and Feb. Its not his fault we have been incapable of giving him the break he deserved. Those games dont include the England U20 games that he's played every match aswell, its no wonder he's physically and mentally drained which has inevitably effected his performance. To put so much promotion pressure on such a young lad is pretty shameful really........ Teenager Callum Doyle has returned to training refreshed this week after being given time off to recharge his batteries. Sunderland's on-loan Manchester City defender is in his first season playing senior football and had started 32 out of 34 league games prior to last weekend's trip to Wigan, with the 18-year-old looking visibly fatigued in recent weeks and his form suffering as a result. But Black Cats boss Alex Neil gave Doyle a few days off last week and rested him against the Latics, with Arbenit Xhemajli drafted into the side for the 3-0 win at the DW Stadium. Doyle has been back at the Academy of Light this week and Neil says the youngster has benefited from the break. "Callum needed the break," he said. "He needed a mental break, as much as anything. "I told him to go home, disappear, go spend some time with your family, because we've asked a lot of him. And in terms of spirits, he has certainly come back in a much better place compared to where he was before he left. "Kids like that need it [a break]. We have to remember that he is only 18, and there's been a hell of a lot of pressure and expectation put on him."
the lad was struggling and it was obvious to all (except, apparently LJ) that he needed a break, anyone slagging him knows feck all about football imho. it has been a hell of a long season for him already and i am pleased AN gave the lad the chance to go and breathe for a few days, he has never failed to put the effort in and never cried off, he will become a firm fave at whatever club he ends up at i am sure.
I didn’t know that fans had ‘turned’ on Callum. I know many thought he needed a rest. When he’s back, does anyone think he could stand in for Cirkin for a couple of weeks to give Cirkin a rest? He’s a left sided CB but he’s young and quick and with Xhemajli in there’s the option for Callum to try out LB. I don’t know how often Xhemajli will be able to play but it’s possibly an option. Callum or Gooch at LB to give Cirkin a rest. It’s also possible that if we get a few good results Cirkin might be rejuvenated and not need a rest.
It's a pity Cirkin can't take a week out too, it'd do him the world of good. But alas, Speakman put paid to that when he allowed Hume to move on.
It is simply the kind of pressure he will get at a big club. Should toughen him up a bit for when he goes back to Man City and the expectations with regards to performance are a thousand times higher. He will be all the better for his time with us acclimatising to these pressures. It's how you react to adversity that makes the difference between mediocre players and the top players, no matter how good you are you will go through **** form at some point. He needs to make any dissenters eat their words. Make sure we get to and win at Wembley and get out of this league.
Certain posters on here have turned on him . Some of the abuse he's recieved on social media has been disgraceful aswell. Youd think they were talking about a 28 year old seasoned professional. He's a kid, he was bought here to gain experience and improve our back line. The amount of expectancy he's had has been disgraceful from us as a club and from a fair few thick fans.
I don't think any have "turned" but many have seen that the lad isn't ready for a full season of pro footy. Which is a valid opinion.
There was a thread not that long ago ill try find it when i get a min. When i say slating in talking about social media aswell where ive seen he get a shyte load of abuse recently
Social media is like the dross we have to suffer on here x100. Always knackers who never go to the games but love calling Sunderland shyte. Balls to them.
I've seen alot mention that he needs time out of the side but I can say I've seen any true vitriol or criticism of his ability. He's a teeneager in at the deep end and i think many are sympathetic of that
Im in the middle of bathing my boys so youll have to bear with me. I cant find a thread so it coukd have been a post on a thread slagging him off. Ill dig it out. I remember commenting on it in disagreement
