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2010/2011
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Written by Chestermackem
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 Sunderland’s poor start to the new season against the Midlands duo of Birmingham and WBA has seen sections of the crowd calling for Bruce’s head and its fair to say the pressure will intensify if we lose at home to Man City on Sunday.
In my opinion, we need to be more patient and allow the new players to settle. On paper we have a good team and although Man City have the stars, we can win this one if we get the service to our front two of Bent and Campbell.
I spoke to Manchester City fan Iain, 27 from Warrington ahead of the clash, to gain an insight into what their fans think of the new era at Eastlands….
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Hi Iain, and thanks for agreeing to the interview. Manchester City have spent masses of money this summer and surely expectations are high?
Of course. We have signed great players and now Roberto has the job of turning us into a great side.
He needs to time to make it work though. Too many people internally at the club and externally will expect instantaneous results but you can’t become the best overnight.
Is it fair to say Manchester City have become the most hated team in England?
We are the envy of the country, maybe the world but if any other fan in the country says they wouldn’t like their club to be in our position, they’re liars! We have the opportunity to build a great team. A team that can dominate football over the next decade. I don’t think the football is hated but other clubs are no doubt envious. Besides I’m sure the clubs we have loaned players to are not complaining, Sunderland included!
What’s your take on Bellamy, Ireland and Onuoha among others being allowed to leave?
It’s a shame in one respect because these players are the fans favourites. They give everything for the club and are good enough to play for us, but realistically we cant please every player especially with all the new signings we have made. Its part and parcel of football, and the above mentioned players all want to be playing week in, week out. We cant guarantee that for them at the moment.
Bellamy was amazing for us last season so that has been the biggest head banger. Never mind.
Tell us a little about Nedum Onuoha?
He’s a typical player to emerge from our academy. Strong, talented and proud to wear the club crest.
The competition for places have halted his progression but I rate him more highly than Micah Richards and it would be a shame if we let him go permanently. It seems that way though, he was outspoken about Mancini last season and that appears to have ended his time at the club. He can be a big player for Sunderland but Id play him at centre half rather than full back. He has the ability to be a great defender and playing alongside John Mensah could be key for Nedum.
Do you not think the transfer fees paid for Milner and Balotelli are over the top in today’s economic state?
The big clubs are still spending big and the fees for Milner and Balotelli were respectful of their talent, age and the club they were already at. Balotelli is widely regarded as one of the worlds top young strikers and Mancini is a big fan. That considered you have to pay the price that is put in front of you. Milner’s price is pushed up because he is English, at a top 8 club already and Villa knew we would pay the top end value.
Don’t get me wrong, the money spent in football is ridiculous and the wages they get is stupendous but its part and parcel of today’s football world. We have owners who have practically unlimitless funds and this is small fry to them.
What would be considered a good season for Manchester City?
The board will expect us to challenge for the title and all cups but as I mentioned earlier, the club cant expect instant success and me and my mates have all agreed a top 4 finish and success in Europe would be both realistic and success for us. That can then be used as a platform for the title next season. I think Chelsea still look too good at the moment. And we are maybe a season away from matching their quality.
Who do you consider as the players to watch at Eastlands this season?
Where do we start. Joe Hart has a had a great start to the season and he will be the new England goalkeeper without a doubt now. Id like to see Tevez build on his impressive season last year and he has the experience to do so. I’m also a patriotic traditionalist so Adam Johnson and James Milner will be ones to watch. The list is endless though, Balotelli is an exciting prospect, the Toure brothers, Boateng, etc. An exciting time to be supporting Manchester City.
How do you view Sunderland’s Summer transfer dealings?
Surprised to see Jones and Cana sold which raises concerns I’m sure, but the media are suggesting you are after another two players this transfer window so I’m guessing Steve Bruce and his team have replacements in mind. Nedum as mentioned is a good young English player who Im sure the fans will take a likening too, Bramble was a strange signing as I don’t rate him.
Mensah and Riveros had a good world cup so good signings there. Not bad transfers for a club of Sunderland size. Better than a lot of teams.
Who would you like Manchester City to sign next?
I think we are finished with signings for now, Mancini needs a squad of 25 and we have already been very busy. If we are looking at the next level, the likes of Torres and Ronaldo would be nice but we need to be guaranteeing Champions League football before we can snap those lads up.
Money isn’t the problem.
What is your prediction for Man City and Sunderland’s final league positions this season?
We will finish top 4, I’ll say 3rd behind Chelsea and Arsenal. Knocking our neighbours on the red side of the city into 4th. That would be a nice season well done.
Sunderland look abit hit and miss and the new players will take a while to gel like ourselves. I think mid table, about 12th.
Who will be relegated?
Blackpool, Wigan and WBA. All three teams are way out of their depth.
Next managerial sacking?
Blimey, in today’s game it could be Bruce or Mancini! But all the money will be on Wigan boss Martinez after their horror shows so far.
Ok Iain, your prediction for the game on Sunday between Sunderland and Man City?
Sunderland are strong at home as we found out last season but we have a quality bunch of players and your defence doesn’t look settled so I expect us to win this one quite comfortably, heaping more pressure on Brucie. 3-0 to the lads with Milner shining.
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Chester’s Conclusion: “Tough game against a team that on paper, are one of the best in the business. But like Iain has said himself, these players at City need time to gel and I expect us to go out and put in a big performance. Going for a score draw of 2-2 and Bent on the score sheet of course” |
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