Scrapheap for McCarthy

Deposed Wolves manager will find it hard to get back into management

Dear, dear Mick....just when I encouraged you to be more attacking and play two strikers upfront, you go all silly and chuck on three for the Black Country derby. What were you thinking?

The Yorkshireman crumbled under the pressure. After Kevin Doyle scored the winner against QPR last week McCarthy mistakenly thought that he had finally found the winning formula. Attack. Attack attack attack. The three striker system that overcame the West London club and secured a vital three points would be the system to overcame a well drilled West Brom side that was more successful on the road than back at their Hawthorns ground. As a theory, it contained some glaring holes.

Firstly, QPR were down to ten men. Wolves had actually started with their typical 4-5-1 formation and only injury and necessity saw that change. Wolves grabbed a goal straight after the restart, and even at 2-1 it could be said they did not have the game all their own way.

Against West Brom McCarthy's men were exposed from the first whistle. They only went in at half time level thanks to good goalkeeping from Wayne Hennessey and the killer instinct from Steven Fletcher, two players who are unlikely to leave the Premiership anytime soon even if Wolves do.

Once Jonas Olsson made it 3-1 Wolves were always liable to get hit on the counter, but McCarthy can have no complaints for his sacking. As stated in my piece six days ago McCarthy had spent money and accumulated a good squad that was understandably expected to perform better.

But where now for the former Republic of Ireland Manager? At 53 he could be said to be entering the prime of his managerial career but if he wants to get back on to the managerial rollercoaster he will have to step down a level. Steady building does not excite the mind like beating the odds against relegation, or the euphoria of taking a team (or teams) up to the Premiership. Wolves did not go up in a blaze of glory, they did not dazzle in the Premiership, and McCarthy's dour demeanour leaves a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.

It's harsh to criticise a man who carried himself with a lot of dignity. Responsibility was accepted, bad luck was balanced with good, plaudits handed out to opponents when appropriate, and when the fans got on his back McCarthy allowed them their rights. There is much to admire but not much to find attractive about the ex-Sunderland boss.

That disastrous 2005-06 campaign sticks in the memory, when the Black Cats secured only 16 points in 28 games under McCarthy, as does the falling out with Roy Keane in the World Cup. McCarthy lacks the youthfulness, vigour, and perceived tactical knowledge that appears to be in vogue at the moment. It's easy to forget that he turned round a middling Wolves side that was failing to live up to expectations under Glenn Hoddle. However, that type of job, a job McCarthy would be best suited to, is likely to be offered to a younger man untainted by past failings and one has to wonder whether McCarthy wants another grinding job.

Management is a young man's game these days and a seasoned vet like McCarthy may find it hard to get his foot back in the door. After 20 years as a manager and 25 as a player, including 57 caps for the Republic of Ireland, McCarthy should enjoy some down time and hope his absence makes a chairman's heart grow fonder. Unfortunately for Mick, I don't think he will ever be remembered fondly enough.

Where now for Sunderland?

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.