I'd wanted to put together some thoughts on how the season turned out, considering when Dave, Mike and I first watched the Lads at Scallywags, on the first day of the season - against Coventry - we had all had predicted a long and hard season ahead. Not that it was easy, you understand, but it was a much different end result than the three of us had forecast, last August.
Of course, being a couple of thousand miles from the action, watching a handful of games, and "highlights" in a 2" window on your PC doesn't lend itself to seeing the "bigger picture".... so I've enlisted the help of Chris from ReadyToGo's message board, to give his views. He watched the Lads, home and away, and catches a fair few Reserve games too, so is in a much better position than me to judge..... so with no further ado, here is Chris's End Of Season Review:
Supporting Sunderland is never straightforward and this season has been a normal rollercoaster of a season. Mick McCarthy brought a lot of young players to the club, and that was seen as a major gamble by most supporters, and even more so after only 1 win in our first 6 games. Steven Who? Dean Who? Liam Who? is what we all asked, especially after a long disappointing trip and result at Plymouth.
Things started to get better after a superb 0-4 victory at Gillingham, with Stewart getting a hatrick. This was when the promotion charge started and since then apart from a sticky time over Xmas and a poor performance at Brighton, this season has been memorable and enjoyable.
Mick McCarthy deserves a huge amount of credit along with his assistant Ian Evans. They have brought a great togetherness to the club and every single player who has been part of this promotion winning squad has worked really hard, even after relegation when we missed out on promotion, the togetherness was great, but this season has been unbelievable. No stars and plenty of hardworking potential is what the team has been all about this season.
We have had some memorable away days this season such as Burnley and taking 7500 fans to Wigan was superb. Overall winning the league at West Ham was by far the most memorable away game of the season, winning the league in London was fantastic and something I will never forget.
Squad Review:
Myhre This season he has been superb in the absence of Poom. Hope he stays for the Premiership. His experience will be valuable.
Poom Injury plagued season, only played a handful of games. Will be back next season hoping to be number 1.
Alnwick Some superb saves vs Leicester at home and a useful save at West Ham. He wont ever forget his first ever 2 games for Sunderland. Have seen him many times in the reserves over the last 2 seasons, and he looks a great prospect.
Breen Overall has been superb for Sunderland this season. Had a little sticky spell around Xmas, mainly Preston away and Brighton away. Was superb in the final push for promotion.
Caldwell Has been very under appreciated this season at Sunderland. Has been superb alongside Breen.
McCartney Has been reliable all season, and should enjoy the step up into the Premiership next season. Has looked far too good for this division and his partnership on the left with Arca should be enjoyable viewing next season.
Wright enjoys the odd rush of blood from time to time but overall has been much improved this season. Great going forward and full committed.
Danny Collins Danny Who?? Was the response when he was signed from Chester City. Has played his part this season and has looked very confident whenever asked to do a job at either centre back or left back. Has also earned his first cap for Wales recently
Neil Collins signed from part time football in Scotland for next to nowt, has been superb in the first team and superb in the reserves. Has a bright future and in my opinion will turn out to be a Scotland international soon. Has already got into the under 21 squad.
Lynch has not worked out for him this season, made a few costly mistakes such as Milwall away giving away a penalty. Has been transfer listed and I doubt we will see him next season.
Arca Loyal to Sunderland, great with the fans, likes to make full backs look silly. Will make the step up to the premiership with ease. Has been superb this season and long may it continue.
Lawrence lovely passer of the ball, needs to work on his tackling though. Still has a lot of improving to do. Will be a useful squad player next season.
Robinson formed a very solid partnership alongside Whitley for most of the season. Has been very hardworking, and since Whitley has been dropped, Robinson has become ever better and more attacking minded alongside Whitehead in central midfield.
Thornton turned up overweight this season, and despite some good performances, his overall attitude appears to have not impressed the manager. Has recently been transfer listed.
Welsh 15k from Stockport reserves, has been excellent especially in games such as Coventry at home this season
Whitehead right wing, right back, central midfield, has been superb all season and will fit in next season. Superb bargain of the season
Whitley gets stuck in but his mistakes have been costly at times especially against Reading at home. Given a free transfer.
Stewart has been a pleasure to watch him this season. Good goalscoring record and has been superb alongside Elliott. Not only his goalscoring but his all round overall football has been superb. Will be missed next season
Elliott thank you to Kevin Keegan ha ha for letting us have Elliott for pennies. Formed a great partnership with Stewart and has scored plenty of goals this season. Earned his full Ireland cap and will get plenty more.
Brown has been our target man this season due to Kyle been injured. Has a lot to learn but this season has played his part especially at QPR away.
Kyle only played a few games this season due to an injured hip. Hope to see him back next season. Was a pleasure watching him score 5 in the reserves vs Villa though.
Bridges not the impression most hoped for.
Big thanks to Darren Carter and lets hope to see Piper and Healy back next season.
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