Marc Wilson admits he hopes to play at centre-back this season, but has been offered no assurances over his place by Simon Grayson.The Irish international joined the Black Cats from Bournemouth on a one-year deal last week, and will go straight into the squad for the game against Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon. Simon Grayson spoke of the 30-year-old's qualities as a centre-back and defensive midfielder after completing the deal, but Wilson has played a plethora of roles during his many years in the Premier League. He prefers a role at the heart of the defence but will be ready to step in wherever required over the course of a long and demanding Championship season. He said: "I would say left-sided centre-back [is my favoured position]. "I have played left back and right-back and centre midfield but I would probably say left-sided centre half. "Normally I end up playing right-sided but left-sided is probably my favourite position. "The manager didn't promise anything, he just said there would be a lot of games over the course of the season. "It is up to me as well, I have to come in and show a good attitude and hopefully force my way into the team and go from there. "That is my objective." Wilson will take his place in the 18 on Saturday alongside fellow new signings Callum McManaman and Jonny Williams. The trio have not featured in senior competitive action this season but the Sunderland boss is confident they are ready to play some part. Grayson is thrilled to finally have added strength in depth and competition for places, with Wilson saying that there have been no assurances about where or when he will play. "At the end of the day you have to respect the manager's decision. That is how I work. You have to work for your position," he said. "If you train hard and have the right mentality, obviously there are a lot of games in the Championship and that is another reason why I came - the amount of games. "Injuries can occur - touch wood they don't - but if I get my chance to play then that is what I want to be doing."
He seems to be a 'Grayson type of player' which is what we need and, as Bri said, in a position where he'll be useful. The manager seems to be doing exactly what Howe did at Bournemouth. We need a determined group of players who aren't whinging and thinking they can get away with the bare minimum.
Thats exactly what Di Canio wanted and what Keane used to preach. Matching world class players for ability is out of a players hand but if you run harder and are mentally stronger in battle then results take care of themselves.
We've changed Mafia now mate. We'd just got in with the Corsicans but took the ferry to Sardinia yesterday. Whole new culture to adapt to now.
Good signing imo., well done whoever it was, Grayson or Bain, I also think the other two newcomers will do us no harm at all in the battle ahead, throw in Asoro, Maja and Watty and surely the gloom over the stadium will lift. Nil Desperandum.
Easy to pick a few from Saturday who don't fall into that category! Grabban for one - I couldn't understand him as he just seemed totally uninterested. Looked to me like a player who has been loaned out but doesn't want to play
I was satisfied with his debut against Sheff Utd - he did not hing outstanding but was quite solid and looked reliable. Considering all our new transfers are lacking match fitness I think they will all get better and become valuable team players for us .
