Sunderland are fast becoming the very definition of a mid table team - capable of upsetting the top teams, but also liable of collapsing against the basement boys. Three years after promotion into the Premiership, this could be seen as an achievement, but given the backing of the board should Steve Bruce be aiming higher?
13th last season was not too bad for a team in transition and one that went on a terrible 14 game winless run. However, having spent £16 million on Darren Bent, as well as splashing the cash on Frazier Campbell, Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana amongst others, its fair to say that a top half finish was not too much to ask.
Bent repaid his fee, scoring nearly half of Sunderland's goals, but other players can feel disappointed with their performances last season. Anton Ferdinand and Keiran Richardson are two examples of English talent that has failed to deliver and Black Cat fans can and should expect more from them.
A lower profile does allow the North East club to give youngsters like Henderson and Meyler a chance, and for that Bruce must be congratulated. But as Niall Quinn and the Irish consortium that owns the club provide yet more funds, it's time that the club mounted a challenge for the Europa League spots, rather than looking over their shoulder at the relegation pit. Even if they do not qualify for Europe, they need to show the ambition that will attract a better quality of player.
Today's papers link them with Matthew Upson for a cool £7 million - a truly troubling amount for a player who was wretched for a team on the cusp of relegation. While fitness concerns surround John Mensah, surely he would be a better buy and much cheaper.
Sunderland have a history of paying too much for average players, with Roy Keane's tenure a prime example. At 31, Upson has little to no resale value, and unless Bruce can change some fundamental flaws in his game - a lack of pace coupled with a lack of concentration make a calamity waiting to happen - and change them immediately, the money spent will be a bad sign for Sunderland's summer transfer strategy.
Unlucky to only get a point at Old Trafford, beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham shows they have the team to get big results, although their woeful away record may indicate a lack of desire and determination when the Stadium of Light crowd is not behind them.
With Newcastle back in the Premier League, the fierce rivalry can resume once again, but Sunderland would do well to keep the bigger picture in mind. Newcastle should not be on the same level as Sunderland, at least not this season, but if the Black Cats allow themselves to be consumed with only finishing above Newcastle, they could have another disappointing season.
Bruce has been unafraid to pay an English premium on his players, which is admirable if not quite sensible, but if they can uncover a couple of cheaper gems in Europe and beyond, as well as get more from the likes of Kenwyne Jones, Steed Malbranque and Andy Reid, then there is no reason why they cannot finish in the top half of the table and target a cup run or two.
No comments:
Post a Comment