Speakman interviews ...

Really? I’d be sad to see him go as he’s done well but I’d be a lot more worried about losing the likes of Clarke and Roberts.

 

I don't know how much of it is down to Speakman specifically but if he was the one who identified those two and brought them in then in the long term he's the one you need to stick around, players will come and go.

I think if we sold anyone we'd have alternatives lined up. Not sure you could say that about losing Speakman.

 

I reckon Speakman is massive in terms of our current set up.

 

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vid...inspired-by-de-zerbi-sunderland-andfc-andorra

 

You’ll do for me, Unai lad. He was the first to reject the Saudi scum…

 

This 100%. He's not identifying transfer targets....he's putting together the acquisition of those the recruitment team identify within the strategy he's following.
It's a hugely important role he has,and he's doing it very well....the progress we've made since his appointment is testament to that.

 

THIS

Speakman is irreplaceable. I'll let people decide if thats a good or a bad thing but we are on a journey that seems entirely of his vision. Lose him now and it sets us back on and off pitch IMO.

He becomes more replaceable once we have reached a certain point and stagnated - be that Premier League mid-table or what I don't know.

 

I saw this and must admit I glanced over it.

Now on reflection how amazing and proud does this make you feel? This is one of europe's TOP coaches saying he's inspired by what Sunderland are doing. In my lifetime nothing has ever been said so positively about my club, by somebody with such standing, other than its fanbase.

 

Care to explain the goings-on with the re-signing of Jermain Defoe?

 

A mistake definitely . As was the carry on with Keane and with Neil, but even the Neil problem was anticipated, and TM lined up.

Nowt is ever perfect, and KS won't be. But far more good than bad it seems is happening now, and after so many tears of dysfunction, that is something to revel in IMO.

 

So you pick one signing, which the vast majority of supporters were behind, to make a case?

Behave

 

Couldnt see it posted anywhere, mods please merge if I have missed it

 

Impressive the amount of work going on behind the scenes at the club....we really do come across as a proactive and forward thinking club...can only be good for the future prospects of each player and the club as a whole.

 

I think I may be going blind, no idea how I didnt spot this thread before posting, I went through the first 2 pages

 

It wasn't on the first two pages

 

Not had much time to look about but no doubt KS' interview is being poured over and over analysed by social media?

There's clearly a plan which still seems alien when applied to our club, let's see how it pans out on the pitch but early signs this season are encouraging that we are becoming a far more flexible squad with options abound

 

Think the bloke talks a lot of sense, as does TM.
They've got the club heading in the right direction and it's a great time to be a Sunderland fan.

 

He's a bit marmite, mainly due to the way he speaks and some of the stuff he comes out with but I like him and I think he's done an outstanding job since being appointed. Just as a comparison

Last 5 players signed before Speakman
Calum McFadzean
Tommy Smith
Josh Scowen
Kyle Lafferty
Joel Lynch

Next 5 players signed by Speakman
Carl Winchester
Ross Stewart
Alex Pritchard
Corry Evans
Denis Cirkin


Yes, of course we needed an owner willing to fund those purchases, but that isn't even night and day, it's starker than that!

 

Makes me feel better

 

Its Stuart Harvey and his team that scout the talent, does Speakman juggle the finances and do the contract negotiations?