When PDC joined there was uproar throughout the land due to the man's perceived political beliefs. It was reported that our supporters were 'Split' in this regard. (Not the True Hard Core) At that time a mate of mine, a massive Swindon fan, advised me to record PDC's press conferences as when he speaks he is so passionate and occasionally explosive it is easy to miss the point he is making, I have done this and watched his interviews many times. In the context of these interviews PDC has at no time, in any shape, form or other, spoken about anything except Football, the Club, His Goals and Dreams for the Club and occasionally how Spoilt and undisciplined certain players are. (Add to this He Always Talks Sense and says just what many of us Feel). If you disagree with any of his points on these topics then as we always say ' everyone is entitled to their own opinion'. With due respect to his political beliefs (which he has explained) has he tried to raise a faction or two in the East End, Pennywell or and other place? NO is the equivalent answer in reply to this. So why do people still use this as a reason to berate the club and manager. When Taylor of the PFA had a go trying to reverse his decisions to discipline his players for breaking club rules does anyone Know Why the LMA didn't come to his defence? Probably because it was Paulo and they didn't want the flak they would take defending him! I for one have followed most news interviews, the latest by Titus was along the lines of 'I was told to go and do some weight training and didn't so he fined me. I have just waked out before when told to go and no-one said anything so why should it be different now?'. Now if this is the right behaviour/attitude for an employee to take ( yes that is what he was) and your manager at work wouldn't show you the door if you did this at work then it is pointless trying to explain the meaning of discipline. Bardsley's Casino stunt at a time of recession when the club is trying to entice fans to part with their hard earned and scarce money was nothing short of criminal. he showed a blatant disregard for club/managers rules as well as contempt for the hard working fans whose support pays his wages (I am not even going to give his WAG's explanation the time of day). By his implementing strict rules and fines he has given a clear and definitive code of conduct and behaviour which he, the club and fans expect. His issuing of fines and Transfer punishment shows he is committed to his regime and will not tolerate any transgressions. The fact that certain players have gone or are going shows he has the support of the Chairman/Owner and I would like to think the Fans also. Why couldn't the players put the same effort into playing as they put into transgressing? The Cancer which was hampering any progress at the club now appears to have been surgically removed and a fresh new beginning is starting to take shape with interesting if unsure progress being made in the type, age and aspirations of players we have been signing recently. PDC will still have the same rules, he will still have the same punishments and he will expect and demand even more effort and commitment in his (and our) desire for perfection. The bottom line is when everyone says he is running the club like his own Fascist Dictatorship, I ask you have you never worked for a boss with the same drives and goals? we normally call them little Hitlers but due to PDC's nationality you can understand the name change. Any one who has been in the Forces will tell you whatever PDC says, does or expects is nowhere near what a Sergeant Major/ Chief Petty Officer/Flight Sergeant, expect or demand and there's no excuses or arguing with them because their word is LAW. So All out there who still have reserves about PDC based on the scribbles of the Paranoid Press, please have a moment and think for yourselves. If you can find proof or a reason apart from 'the papers said so' then fine, but if not then join the growing band of believers and tell the world to Go and Get Scrapped! Roll On the 17th........................ FORZA SUNDERLAND KTF p.s. Sorry for the Rant but some one set me off in the club the other night and it had been festering.
The annoying thing about him explaining his political beliefs, Which the media still say is unsatisfactory. Is that his political beliefs are fully explained in his Autobiography and the media saw fit to doctor quotes from the book to make him look evil. If i can find the original quote and doctored quote I'll post it. That was the day that finished me with the british sporting press, never will I have a good word to say about them again. bit off topic but credit to the foreign press who have kept us right in the loop with good quality accurate links. Nothing of fact has originated from the british sporting press. ****ing jobsworths. I don't care if the media make us the most hated team in the country, I know the truth about those immoral, unethical bastards and that's all that matters to me. Rant over, In Paolo i trust!
I'd say it's just because he is unproven in the PL. This season will be a good indicator of how he will shape up.
Massive concern about through Iron Fist policy his transfer policy saying the whole squad is up for sale doing it all in public! Still don't think he's right for our club but will see what happens in pre season 2nd once the season starts!
That's it in a nutshell mate. I think his approach is what we have needed at Sunderland for ages. The thing I like is if players don't like it they have had plenty time now to ask to go & the players we have signed knew what they were signing up for.
Nothing wrong with the Iron fist at all. this club has been a soft touch for year's so go on PDC lad kick some ****ing ass.
this is what the press printed "I am fascinated by Mussolini. I think he was a deeply misunderstood individual. He deceived people. But all this was motivated by a higher purpose. He was basically a very principled individual." This is what the full quote actually said, there in print for anybody to pick it up and read. The truth. "I am fascinated by Mussolini. I think he was a deeply misunderstood individual. He deceived people. His actions were often vile. But all this was motivated by a higher purpose. He was basically a very principled individual. Yet he turned against his sense of right and wrong. He compromised his ethics." The two statements read completely different. The C**ts. So in answer your question MackemGlobeTrotter. It's a witch hunt to sell papers.
Exactly, I read his book about 8 years ago and found it a fascinating read. I did not once feel negativity about his political views. I know PDC will be a success with us he is doing what we should have done a long time ago which is embody the players with the fans. We have the most passionate hard working fans in the world, we now have a manger that matches that ethic, he will bring us players that are the same too. I am much happier about this appointment than Bruce or MON.
I can't recall one Sunderland manager who hasn't faced some form of negativity from some quarters, but I do feel that the vast majority of fans are right behind Di Canio, and even the vast majority of those that have expressed concerns have said they are waiting to see how things develop first, and are willing to give him a chance..
Two cracking rants lads. If we had the same team as last year with same attitudes and rot think pdc and us would've struggled with his iron fist style of management. I feel the British based players on the whole have an awful lifestyle culture and feel untouchable, now I have no idea what we've signed but expect them to respond to pdc style of management because that's probably what's engrained in them as a norm . I have more a concern of what were putting on a premier league pitch, as per earlier post of mine, could be a huge relegation team, or European challenging team, all I know is I'm enjoying the ride, don't want it to stop !!
I hope he's here as long as SAF cos it means he's successful but like Froggy I have my doubts. I am expecting 2-3 seasons max.
Nothing wrong with a bit of discipline. we all know at work if you step out of line you get verbals/ written warnings and for gross misconduct your out on your ear. You might have a pally/soft manager and then all of a sudden the new guy/girl comes in and astraignt dislike. Nothing different in football. PDC is a bit more strict then MON and so be it. Do your job, keep your head down and graft. Sunderland football club or anywhere else. No difference at all.
