Ballard had all but signed for Burnley, so we were second choice there
Did Ballard know we were an option before that?
Ballard had all but signed for Burnley, so we were second choice there
No idea but he was in Burnley for a medical and the deal collapsedDid Ballard know we were an option before that?
Nail on the head mateAll that matters to me is that a player plays like they want to be a Sunderland player. I’m not going to pretend that every player at our club is here because we are their first choice. We just happen to be the best available choice at the moment they make a move.
Pierre Ekwah didn’t grow up wanting to join Sunderland. He’s excited to join us because it’s the right time and right moment and it fits. And it’s great to see. There’s no reason Joe Gelhardt won’t react exactly the same if / when he joins. He’s a player who plays with his heart of his sleeve.
Basically my point is we aren’t always going to be first choice for players. But not being first choice doesn’t mean that player isn’t going to play his heart out and fall in love with the club.
That sounds like the deal collapsed because he suddenly found out that there was a (much) better option . . . . which he took 'cos S.A.F.C. (understandably) became his first choiceNo idea but he was in Burnley for a medical and the deal collapsed
He might have a small idea of that himselfWe should be contacting Gelhardt and telling him that Wigan are incredibly ****.
Depending on the strength of his blue and white spectacles.He might have a small idea of that himself
Bang onIt's not a case of first or second choice, anyone can change their mind. I remember, I think it was Speakman saying something along the lines of... any player coming here need to be in tune with the club, excited to be here and prepared to give their very best. If that is because they come here and are convinced that this is the place for them or we were always their first choice, it doesn't matter so long as when they get here they do it because they want to really be part of it.
My thinking is that the player would prefer to go there as he is a Wigan fan, but Leeds will want him to go elsewhere given how **** Wigan are.He might have a small idea of that himself
It's not a case of first or second choice, anyone can change their mind. I remember, I think it was Speakman saying something along the lines of... any player coming here need to be in tune with the club, excited to be here and prepared to give their very best. If that is because they come here and are convinced that this is the place for them or we were always their first choice, it doesn't matter so long as when they get here they do it because they want to really be part of it.
^^^this would be nailed on to happen unfortunatelyI can see his first interview going like this, although Wigan were your first choice, can you say your happy to be here.
That would be a recurring theme, if he missed a sitter, we'll he didn't really want to be here. So on and so forth.
I believe with some of the toxic fans on social media would exploit that statement as it's out there and it could lead to another Grigg situation.
I just hope if he comes he keeps his head down and enjoys the ride like the rest of the players and club.
It's not a case of first or second choice, anyone can change their mind. I remember, I think it was Speakman saying something along the lines of... any player coming here need to be in tune with the club, excited to be here and prepared to give their very best. If that is because they come here and are convinced that this is the place for them or we were always their first choice, it doesn't matter so long as when they get here they do it because they want to really be part of it.
It's where old SAFC players go to hang up their boots.Wigan isn't a nice place![]()
It's where old SAFC players go to hang up their boots.![]()

Nemeth, Genk playing funny buggers in regards fee as we can get him for free in the summerAs I understand the current state of play for strikers... the two rumours are
Simms to return (unlikely as no/new manager, at Everton.
The Leeds, Wigan supporter...
Obviously I do mor have a clue but neither sounds likely...
Who else is being gossiped about?