Totally understandable but the performances of Mayenda have been really encouraging, he’ll be full of confidenceI was unhappy with not getting an experienced head up front, however, the squad that has been built has been very encouraging.
I’ve not seen us have a stronger midfield in a long time. RLB is getting his stamp on things and having a major input it seems.
Roll on next Saturday
Very encouraging, he’s still a young lad and raw that’s my only concern but he’s proved me wrong thus far so hopefully he keeps performing like he is.Totally understandable but the performances of Mayenda have been really encouraging, he’ll be full of confidence
No doubt we’ll reassess our options in January
It’s fairly obvious he’s very good at his job. Not flawless, the striker situation undoubtedly has detracted from the otherwise excellent work but to use a footballing comparison it’s a man of the match performance marred by giving away a really stupid penalty.
Thanks for posting mate. KS has his critics,apparently due to his manner,...I don't know him at all,but there's no doubting his abilities in the role he has with us.I'm as confident as I have been in a long,long time,that we're being managed by people who know what they're doing. We often talk about our players being taken by PL clubs...what about our DoF! There's some that must be taking note.Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland sale of Jack Clarke to Ipswich
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...explains-sunderland-sale-jack-clarke-ipswich/
.... There were a number of factors behind the decision to sell – Clarke had entered the final two years of his contract and was refusing to sign a new deal – but Speakman concedes a somewhat surprising lack of summer interest was a factor.
“It was the highest package we’d been able to negotiate and we felt it was the right moment to take it,” said Speakman, who is Sunderland’s sporting director. “I don't think we’d get anywhere near that value next summer or the following January.
“It’s difficult to get into details of the fee, you can never get the full details or the full picture and you don't want to make judgements on just bits of the picture. But on the fee and finance, hopefully supporters trust that we're good enough at running the club to make the right decision on things like that.
“In terms of why it was the right fee, rightly or wrongly, there was perhaps less interest in Jack than what maybe people perceived on the outside. It was not a situation where we had a large number of clubs sending in offers or making requests to speak to the player.
“So, you have to assess the market and where it's likely to be in future as a result, and then you make the decision on whether it's the right opportunity.”
“There’s a player element to it as well,” said Speakman. “So, last year, we had a significant bid, which was less than the one we accepted this summer, and we basically stopped the player from moving.
“Does the player want to play in the Premier League? Yes, but at the same time he was more than happy to continue his journey with us and came back and performed extremely well. When that opportunity comes back up again, I think it's difficult for the second occasion to say that we're not going to allow it again.
“It makes it really difficult to sign players like Milan (Aleksic) because if they feel there's not going to be that opportunity in future, the talent pathway would soon dry up. So, we had to understand where Jack was and what he wanted to do.”
Clarke’s absence has left a gap on Sunderland’s left-hand side, but Romaine Mundle has stepped up effectively in the last few weeks, scoring two goals in the last two games, while Wilson Isidor, who primarily plays off the left flank, is also finding his feet following his move from Zenit St Petersburg.
“Romaine has trained diligently and developed himself hugely,” said Speakman. “He deserves an opportunity to play and so far he's made a huge impact. That's really, really pleasing.
“In terms of recruiting externally, we're really pleased. Wilson has made in the region of 150 senior appearances, scored in the region of 50 goals across that period. We've definitely recruited someone who can and has scored goals, the question is of course whether he can do it here.”
We have Samed,Aleksic,Aboullahi and Wilson to even make a mark yet,and Poveda to get up to speed......if these lads are what we hope they are....we're going to have a great squad and a fantastic season ahead.Can't wait me....I'm buzzing!I would say it's very difficult to criticise the business this summer, yes it went to the wire but doesn't it always?
Obviously it's far to early to judge but the signings all appear to be another step in the right direction for the squad and the acquisition of Browne especially looks a very good one.
I'm just enjoying the start, trying (and failing) to not get carried away and looking forward to the next game
Thanks for posting mate. KS has his critics,apparently due to his manner,...I don't know him at all,but there's no doubting his abilities in the role he has with us.I'm as confident as I have been in a long,long time,that we're being managed by people who know what they're doing. We often talk about our players being taken by PL clubs...what about our DoF! There's some that must be taking note.
Mepham too!We have Samed,Aleksic,Aboullahi and Wilson to even make a mark yet,and Poveda to get up to speed......if these lads are what we hope they are....we're going to have a great squad and a fantastic season ahead.Can't wait me....I'm buzzing!
Yes,my mistake,forgot him.I'm sure he's going to be invaluable for us.Mepham too!
Some of the lads say there's an arrogance,but,he's doing a great job from what I can see.I hear this craic about his manner, but see no evidence.
He is bright and focused on interviews, and anyone who’s seen him at the SOL on match days will have seen a relaxed looking bloke who always seems to be open for a quick hello or chat to anyone.
If they mean he can be harsh discussing business, well, we wouldn’t want that any other way.
We did suspect there hadn’t been as much interest as suggested in Clarke. There’s so many wingers out there at the moment.
Seems like every week there’s a new one making a mark.
I’m sure I read that they decided against using the free agent market as Le Bris felt like he had enough players even with injuriesInteresting that Speakman said we will entertain using the free agent market. I thought that he would have dismissed that out of hand. Guess this thread needs to stay on a little yet.
@CR17I don’t think this has been posted (apologies if it has), more from Speakman:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p..._link&at_campaign_type=owned&at_medium=social
Then more here from about 13mins 30secs:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0jjbtkl
Think I’m making a bit of a pig’s ear of these links.
Some of the lads say there's an arrogance,but,he's doing a great job from what I can see.