Lee Johnson says that Bailey Wright has suffered a slight setback on his return from injury – while also offering updates on Jordan Jones and Aiden O’Brien. "First to return would probably be O’Brien,” said Johnson. "Second Jordan, and Bailey – they’ll be pretty close. "With the Bailey one, it’s a bit frustrating because sort of maybe pushed him a little bit too early to try and make the final, and that just set him back a little bit.” https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/lee-johnson-reveals-the-latest-on-injured-sunderland-trio-jordan-jones-aiden-obrien-and-bailey-wright-3169784
Its pretty obvious Jones won't make Saturday which is a blow, because Gooch and Diamond are nowhere near his level.
Stewart takes AOB place every day of the week now like. We also have a week off after Sat and then eight days off after that so time to get everyone back for the run in
Maybe. But AOB has shown a lot of relentless and unselfish running since Johnson got here. It is very effective, and I wouldn't discount it. AOB has also got a bit of ****housery about him, which is something we have often lacked.
Agreed. I think Stewart can bring what AOB brings though. Not saying that AOB is therefore a cast off - both are clearly going to be very important foils for Wyke in this run-in. I just think Stewart also brings a greater goal threat. (based on 45 mins)
I don't think AOB is rubbish, he is not great, does not score often enough, but having 2 up front means the team plays better and scores more goals. Wyke is not what you call mobile, AOB is. It will be good to find out with Stewart in the frame now which combo is best up front.
I agree mate. He's a big miss. Good news is that Diamond had a blinder against Lincoln at their place. So, stick him in on Saturday and hopefully Jones will be back for the next game.
Diamond really does need a good performance and start showing what he can do if he wants a future here next season
whilst I can see the points of merit from both players supporters, I'm just happy we have them, and can pick and choose who plays dependant on their strengths and who LJ decides is best at that particular roll, for that particular game. Having said that based on what I have seen, my personal preference when all fit wold be Stewart Jones combination ,we have plenty on strength in depth to change any combination if LJ decides he needs it,. Thank god for the rule change on subs, suits a team like us down to the ground, and is more of a benefit to us than others, due to squad depth
People need to chill out with these lads. It takes time for some to get performances up to the levels we want and Diamond is just a young lad. Give him time and he will come good
I'd agree with all of that tbf. AOB does run defenders around and create space ... ... he's also not afraid to rough people up which I like, plus he's a good defender at corners. I'm not judging Stewart on one fluky header but I obviously hope he's another good addition. As @MDoc99 says players all need a bit of time to settle in ... ... it took Wyke two seasons
Good post mate. AOB has been one of the reasons Charlie has been getting the space he needs. It's not always obvious,but he's clever,makes runs and takes defenders attention. Stewart will learn a lot from him on the training ground.
The trouble is with decoy runs and running off the ball, when you don't get it, can make you look like a headless chicken. You have to really watch AOB, for 10 or 15 minutes to understand WTF he's doing.
Spot on. He's an intelligent footballer and still only 27. He's not blessed with a lot of skill ability,but he reads the game very well. It's my belief that Charlie's recent,fabby scoring run has,in part,been helped by AoB's instincts.
