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+----- Thread: reignited? (/showthread.php?tid=7384)
reignited? - turkeydinner - 23-08-2018
Although it`s very early days it looks like the long standing joke could be over
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than David Moyes it did with back to back relegation's
AFC Sunderland`s demise had be glorious and a real warning to other clubs, bad and over spending, silly contracts and wages, a string of different managers, heavy debt, player revolt , oh and quite awful on the pitch too, all this for a club with such passionate support
Not many PL sides take a punt on a Scots manager like the old days despite their level of success in the English game, few unemployed managers fancied the job of taking over at Sunderland given the debt and their awful year in the Championship
Enter new owners who wiped the club debts and manager Jack Ross who took over after easily leading St Mirren as SFC champions
Ross has got rid of players like Asoro, Khaziri and McNair which have helped balance the books, helped get shut of the whole Jack Rodwell embarrassment, stop paying the mercenaries who refused to report back for training, even Kone who is on loan in Lique one has taken a pay cut to get his career back on track a better attitude than the other two!
World cup player Bryan Ovideo despite wanting a move has knuckled down and looking to play his way to a transfer
Similarly Lee Cattermole handed a 40k pw 5 year contract with no relegation downside clause despite suffering the boo boys has been a model professional when called on
The team itself playing passing football is taking shape
All teams start with a good goalie and Jon McLaughlin formerly of Hearts was a god and sensible move after last year`s butterfingered shot stoppers
Glenn Loovens not quite as slow as John O Shea has added composure to what was last year a very leaky defence
A very strong midfield, McGeouch being a great signing from Hibs complimented by Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman two players who actually did well in the Championship, fans still await the return of wingers McGready and Watmore who should tear this division to shreds
Even in the PL forwards were a problem with only Anichebe and Defoe to choose from, this wasnt helped in the Championship where the club relied on loan signings and young Josh Maja, transfers in and their is now depth in the division.
But the strongest signing thus far has been an old Aberdeen and Sheff Wed player Chris Maguire! Definitely a player of potential in Scotland who could play anywhere across midfield or up front but really looked disinterested at Derby, Sheff Wed and Bury is now the tireless number 10 who chases lost causes with a playing style of commitment as well as skill!
Following Sunderland this year with much interest, they are still a club who have invested heavily in bringing players through the system, I think it`s been an absolutely phenomenal turn around thus far
RE: reignited? - St Charles Owl - 23-08-2018
Too early to say for sure but they have started well and finally look like they are sorting the on and off field stuff out.
RE: reignited? - turkeydinner - 24-08-2018
Thought this one might interest you if only for the ex Wednesday players
Most had no clue about Loovens and "I hope he`s quick" was mentioned a lot, erm......
But they are raving about Maguire! Always had ability but attitude and application always let him down, guess he might have grown up and thought `last chance Saloon`
RE: reignited? - St Charles Owl - 24-08-2018
It also interested me because we played them last week in the League Cup and beat them 2-0 at their place. Maguire is an interesting player, as you say he has the ability but doesn't always put a shift in, and he will pick up silly bookings as well as the potential dressing room fallout. He is one of those players that you remember he once played for your team but he isn't a legend!! Loovens on the other hand is much better thought off at S6, he was a great player for us for most of his time but in the end the legs just went as you see with players his age, so no he's not quick at all!! Dropping down to League one should work for him, he is a good leader and will do a good job of keeping their defence organized, I wish him well!!