Sunderland Banter Archive August 14 2015

14 Aug 2015 20:36:23
So januzaj starts game and scores for united. Doesn't smack of a player going on loan anywhere. I'm sure if he was he wouldn't have been playing in case of injury!

14 Aug 2015 13:30:36
I thought we started this summer with a clear plan, but it is turning out just like the previous three- largely mediocre signing s that don't really improve the side while rumoured targets slip away one by one.
We wanted two experienced centre-backs and at least one fullback who can defend competently- not hard to fathom as only four teams shipped more goals than we did last year, and our ageing central defenders would presumably be even slower this year. After initial excitement around names like Van Dijk and Lombaerts, we ended up signing another who is getting on and arguably no better than what we have, and making permanent a loanee who admittedly might get better but really needs someone alongside on the pitch who is in charge. Instead of the desparately needed fiullback who can defend and cover we signed another young bargain basement defender who cannot even keep Jones out of the side. Frankly. the defence is no better than it was, Five million and two more salaries have been wasted, and this is a truly pathetic attempt at strengthening. Does Dick really believe he has stronger hand- if so he is past his own sell by date.
There has been similar disappointment in midfield- lots of exciting rumours- little decisive action, and again the main signing a player who has struggled both on and off the field over recent years who may not be much of a financial gamble- since tightwad Short has once again found his arms are not long enough to get into hjs pockets, but a real gamble with the club's future as we are expecting him to protect the appalling defence and simultaneously assert control over the ball and the midfileld. It will be a good trick if he can do it.
And up front- well Lens does seem better than what we had, but I wonder how long he will retain his enthusiasm while starved of the ball watching the shambles behind him. What the lightweight Januzaj wiould add to such a blunt attack is not clear, and Borini- though quick and direct, has also no form behind him since his stubbornness led to him getting very little game time last season, and neither looks like the sort of imposing companion who will win and hold up the ball with back to goal that Defoe seems to require alondside him.
This is not rocket science. If you need central defenders, a creative midfielder and someone who can carry the attack, there are many options, How is that the much vaunted acquisition policy we have in place cannot achieve any of these? I despair of this regime- if there was a league for management we would have been in the Conference by now!

14 Aug 2015 14:41:55
Well thought through and sadly a correct analysis put together in a few paragraphs.

14 Aug 2015 15:34:08
Sadly I agree too lessthaneight but we need to give advocacy a chance till the end of the window. If we don't sign another forward to replace whickham I think we will definitely struggle as I think the lad could have done well for us given a chance . We also need a centre half who can defend and a midfielder who can pass forward.

14 Aug 2015 11:26:20
I see the club are pushing out more tickets than usual to the local companies so when you pay your your £27 quid remember that half the crowd will be there for free to make it look like they have the public support. Again the only way to shock the club is stay away. Personally I can think of a 100 things I'd rather do than watch a hammering. I confidently predict another defeat. It's sad to say even Norwich look a far better side than us. and I'll be back on Saturday night to watch the predictable moaning. You have been warned.

14 Aug 2015 11:55:56
Only a 100 things! Every sport channel or radio sport channel I listen to lately, all the pundits predict relegation for us. I have to agree this time. I see no change from last year. We are dire. Borini is not the answer. And jumangi does not even want to come here. I felt elated when dick came back but now I feel totally deflated.

14 Aug 2015 15:41:49
Lessthaneight have you seen Norwich play this season. If you are a Sunderland supporter your certainly not showing it. Most people pay for their tickets, there arn't that many freebies so I think the stadium would be almost full anyway!

14 Aug 2015 20:33:11
Yes I am a supporter of many years, since birth as it happens and have had enough of season after season of false hope. We cannot attract the players here for some reason. I believe that to be the inept recruitment team we somehow have and if you have really looked at the squad you will see that we now have a weaker squad than 3 years ago. That, when all other teams have been much stronger in recruiting has driven me the point of not being willing to waste any more money to line the pockets of these overpaid so called footballers and management. If you criticise me for that then fair enough but you will all go and, then moan about it. I have decided to make a personal stand against the club with regret but I feel the club need to show the same level of commitment that hard working paying customers show week in week out. When they do I may return to the stands. Good luck for tomorrow. I think we will need it unfortunately.