The edge over Newcastle United? I'd be surprised if Sunderland have the edge on any Premier League teams next season...
Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 25 June 2007
There is no reason to get carried away with Sunderland's prospects
I read an article not long ago claiming that Sunderland's charge could well continue next season and they may have the edge over local rivals Newcastle United and fellow north-easterners Middlesbrough next season. For me, there is little chance of this happening. Sure, Sunderlands charge last season was impressive, but in the Premier League you are talking about a completely different ball game.
The article talked about the "fleet-footed" players by the names of Carlos Edwards, Grant Leadbitter and Ross Wallace making an impact in the Premiership, but these are the kind of players with some good physical assets, such as speed, which is the kind of thing that is invaluable at the lower level. When, however, you come to the Premier League, you need to have the pedigree to compete with some of the best players and teams in the world. Sure, tricky, cavalier players are good to an extent, but they are not the kind of assets that will give a club like Sunderland 'the edge' over Newcastle United.
The article also mentioned the fact that Keane will have a group of players that will give their all for the cause. Again, helpful, this time at any level. But endevour can only get you so far. At the end of the day, if effort was what made teams win, I expect most clubs would be picking 11 players from the people who fork out their wages week in, week out to see their team play. I do appreciate the fact that it does look as though Keane has got a good togetherness and a group of players all pulling in the same direction, but I don't think that will be enough to counter the huge gulp in class between Sunderland and other clubs in the Premiership.
Say I'm wrong about Sunderland, and they do pull off something special next season and make a mark on the Premier League. Even then, Newcastle are a club on the up. I was unsure about Allardyce at first but his every move has filled me with utmost confidence. He has focused on the defence, player conditions, brought in a couple of signings which I very much expect prove to be shrewd moves. We are taking the right steps, and I am confident that next season will result in a huge improvement in our fortunes.
So in my opinion, unless the author of this article seriously thinks that mackem captain Dean Whitehead can inspire his group of players to a European finish, there is little chance they will finish above the Mags.In fact, pretty much no chance at all. In my opinion, they will head back down to the Championship but this time with a bit more fight than last times record breaking season. Whatever Keane's achievements, it's still the players that need to perform for 90 minutes and people are getting too carried away with last season. They still have a squad that falls well short of Premiership standards, with or without David Nugent (who incidently I don't expect to be that effective in the PL.)
Comments
You seem to admit that Sunderland have a team of talented young players and a great sense of togetherness.
We also have an ambitious and well-resourced board, an inspirational manager and a great fan base.
What exactly is it that you think you had in 1993 (when you were promoted under Keegan) and that we don't have now?
You finished 3rd the next season right? Newcastle fans of all people should know what is possible!
LOL I knew when I saw that article it woulod have the deluded magpies biting like starving trout. Whoever wrote that has discovered the perfect fly for mag-baiting. long may it continue.
A bit premature. I think Sunderland will struggle with the current team but we've only made one signing so far and you never know who Keane will convince to sign. As for Allardyce at Newcastle, I think he will do well. It's been obvious for years that Newcastle needed to sort their defence out, but Allardyce is the only one who seems to have recognised it.
Bring on the 10th of November.
Both articles are full of ifs and buts. However the Geordies arent exactly setting the transfer market on fire. There squad is paper thin and as exposed season after season the fans are extremely fickle. I'd expect nothing more than a mid-table finish for both clubs.
Sunderland are a tricky proposition under Roy Keane, we have a blend of youth and experience with the classy Yorke and Carlos Edwards the best right winger we have had for years, we also have players who want to play for the club, newcastle have signed a mercenary in Viduka and the lad Barton is a loose cannon who could destroy team spirit, I said in March Sunderlands current squad would finish mid table in the premier league and I stand by that.
The person who wrote this article is clearly full of it. How can you base Sunderland's season not knowing who will playing for them?
***Yawn***
do I sense a bit of Mag panic??
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