[Football] Sunderland

[WhingForPresident]

I think that's being very harsh on Sam, and Sunderland. He's not been there overly long and everyone can see how woeful that squad is. He's got a massive job on his hands, but the first half/hour of the game was better from them than earlier in the season. Then it fell apart but it fell apart because they were trying to get back in the game - and their defenders remembered they're PROPERLY useless, despite the coaching.

Sunderland will be fine - but Watford and Aston Villa will end up being dragged in I reckon, Norwich and Bournemouth are probably goners and I hope to see Villa relegated too, finally.

What makes you think Watford will get dragged into it? To me, they look well-organised, have an experienced, quality manager in Quique Flores, the fifth best defensive record in the league and a striker that has 7 goals in 11 games. I think they'll end up in a solid mid-table position, if not better.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Sunderland

They've now tried four managers with totally different approaches to very little effect. They need a MASSIVE clear out in January because, frankly, it's the players isn't it? And, yes, that includes Buckley and Bridcutt.

 

[Bold Seagull]

There was some irony to the cameras cutting to the Sunderland fans after they equalised with many of them holding 6 fingers up. I thought at the time it was in reference to their record wins in a row against their rivals, however clearly as supporters they were more insightful than I gave them credit.

 

[wakeytom]

Sunderland

They've now tried four managers with totally different approaches to very little effect. They need a MASSIVE clear out in January because, frankly, it's the players isn't it? And, yes, that includes Buckley and Bridcutt.

Bit early to say that about big Sam but to be honest I hope we go down, re-build the club get rid of all the dross we have. It may take years but anything is better than watching this week in week out

 

[BensGrandad]

Could Buckley and Bridcutt be Greece bound would probably excel there.

 

[fat old seagull]

Chelsea too

That would amuse me. But can't see it....sadly.

 

[Hillian1]

Could Buckley and Bridcutt be Greece bound would probably excel there.

Sunderland forum saying Bridcutt off to join Buckley at Leeds on loan.

 

[LlcoolJ]

The only way Sunderland could stay up with their current squad would be if they were allowed to play Newcastle every week.

 

[greyseagull]

What makes you think Watford will get dragged into it? To me, they look well-organised, have an experienced, quality manager in Quique Flores, the fifth best defensive record in the league and a striker that has 7 goals in 11 games. I think they'll end up in a solid mid-table position, if not better.

Uncanny

 

[greyseagull]

 

[Gwylan]

Sunderland

They've now tried four managers with totally different approaches to very little effect. They need a MASSIVE clear out in January because, frankly, it's the players isn't it? And, yes, that includes Buckley and Bridcutt.

The only manager with any nous about the situation was PDC. He's been the only manager, so far, who has attempted to take on the rotten player culture ... and look how long he lasted. It does need a wholesale clear out, but will Big Sam to allowed to do it?

 

[aolstudios]

The only manager with any nous about the situation was PDC. He's been the only manager, so far, who has attempted to take on the rotten player culture ... and look how long he lasted. It does need a wholesale clear out, but will Big Sam to allowed to do it?

To be fair, he's also a complete & total fruitcake.
Oh & a fascist

 

[Gwylan]

To be fair, he's also a complete & total fruitcake.
Oh & a fascist

Yeah, there were downsides too

... but he's been the only one to recognise that there was a need for a complete clear out

 

[SAC]

This comes with a disclaimer as I predicted Leicester to be relegated but I think it will be Sunderland, Bournemouth and Norwich for the drop this season.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

What makes you think Watford will get dragged into it? To me, they look well-organised, have an experienced, quality manager in Quique Flores, the fifth best defensive record in the league and a striker that has 7 goals in 11 games. I think they'll end up in a solid mid-table position, if not better.

I completely agree, at the moment they're looking very good and they look like they'll comfortably avoid any real trouble but I do see Newcastle and Sunderland picking up and pulling away, so someone else has to get dragged in and I reckon it will be Watford, there's always one team who drops like a stone. Hull a few years back being a fairly classic example, they won at Arsenal and then at Tottenham but ended up only just surviving and then being relegated the following season.

That said, I am very impressed with Sanchez Flores at the moment, and obviously he's vastly superior in comparison to Phil Brown!

 

[WhingForPresident]

I completely agree, at the moment they're looking very good and they look like they'll comfortably avoid any real trouble but I do see Newcastle and Sunderland picking up and pulling away, so someone else has to get dragged in and I reckon it will be Watford, there's always one team who drops like a stone. Hull a few years back being a fairly classic example, they won at Arsenal and then at Tottenham but ended up only just surviving and then being relegated the following season.

That said, I am very impressed with Sanchez Flores at the moment, and obviously he's vastly superior in comparison to Phil Brown!

True, it wouldn't be the first time a team has started well and gone to pieces.

I think Newcastle will pick up eventually, not sure on Sunderland but Allardyce is definitely the kind of manager you'd want in the situation they are in.

Bournemouth and Norwich look nailed on to go down at the moment, whilst Villa's squad should be strong enough for Garde to turn it around. Any of the bottom 10 (bar Chelsea) could get dragged into it quite easily. Time will tell.

 

[GT49er]

I have a high regard for Sam Allardyce as a manager - he gets a lot of unjustified flak (from those who regard a headed goal from a well hit centre as clear evidence of hoofball) - but I think this time he's bitten off more than even he can chew, and I will be seriously surprised if he manages to pull off yet another Sunderland miracle.

 

[Pavilionaire]

I'm surprised more people aren't picking Villa for the chop. They don't score, they don't create, their keeper's rubbish, they've lost seven in a row. Grealish was anonymous tonight - maybe the hype's gone to his head?

I fancy Bournemouth will go down with Villa, Watford will be OK as they look like they've get their act together. It could actually be Newcastle for the drop in the third spot.

 

[perseus]

With Sunderland, Newcastle and Midldesbrough in the Championship next season we had better get promoted.

 

[lizard]

I'm surprised more people aren't picking Villa for the chop. They don't score, they don't create, their keeper's rubbish, they've lost seven in a row. Grealish was anonymous tonight - maybe the hype's gone to his head?

I fancy Bournemouth will go down with Villa, Watford will be OK as they look like they've get their act together. It could actually be Newcastle for the drop in the third spot.

I fancy B'muff, Villa and Sunderland, think Newcastle and Norwich will walk the tightrope.
Having said that, if none of them are too far adrift come January and spend well it's anybodies guess.
If Watford can keep key player fit they should be alright. Could see Stoke maybe getting pulled into the mix too, maybe even West Brom.