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The Other Side
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Written by Chestermackem
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Friday, 07 May 2010 22:32 |
 So here we are. The final game of an action packed season at SAFC, and the black cats go up against a Wolves side also safe from relegation, and managed by ex-Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy.
The game could potentially end up as a drab end of season affair but I hope we use the mini incentive of possibly finishing 10th as momentum to go out and win at Molineux.
The 3 sides above us all have tough games and it is certainly possible if we do our business.
The game is also a chance for Sunderland fans to once again see Jody Craddock in action, and less so Greg Halford!
I spoke to Wolves fan Ashley, a season ticket holder and proud Welshman ahead of the game…..
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Hi Ashley, pleased to have escaped relegation with a few games to spare?
Most definetly. Following promotion, your first aim has to be survival. Your only aim in many respects. Its such a difficult league to compete in but we have competed and more.
Sum up your season briefly?
2 wins in our fist 14 game or so wasn’t for good reading and at that point our lack of goals was worrying me, but we went and won 3 in 4 games in December and that gave us a huge boost, and since then we have steadily picked up points throughout the second half of the season.
Disappointed we haven’t won in 6 games but in that time we have drew a lot of those games and picked up the necessary points to take us over the finish line.
And I suppose Mick McCarthy is a popular man now?
We could still finish as high as 14th this season if we beat Sunderland which will be a huge achievement for Wolves. Mick hasn’t had masses of money to spend but has wisely combined a few good signings with the experienced core of our Championship winning side.
A lot of respect has to go to Mick, an honest and sometimes too blunt Yorkshireman but loved by the fans nevertheless.
Next season will be tough, can Wolves survive?
The second season is always very difficult and Both ourselves and Birmingham will be under the spotlight but if we can strengthen wisely and bring in a few new faces we will have a chance.
What is the potential in Wolves?
Potentially we could build an established Premiership side like the likes of Sunderland, but we wont have the kind of money to spend that Sunderland has had so it will be more difficult. Luckily we have an experienced manager in Mick and I don’t think he will take too many risks, the development may be baby steps over the next few seasons. Surviving relegation again next season has to be the target.
Does it annoy you watching your neighbours Aston Villa and Birmingham excelling ahead of Wolves?
Well I’m not exactly smiling about it Barrie.ha!
Birmingham have been lucky, they wont have that kind of success next season and Villa have credit to them, done well investing in young talent, but I still hope it goes tits up for them.
What is your opinion of Sunderland this season?
Naturally Sunderland were expected to do well after investing heavily in the summer so in a way I think they have underachieved alittle. I would have said around 8th. But in the grand scheme of things after the bad run, credit to Bruce and the players for turning it round with a good finish.
I would expect Sunderland to push for top 10 next season, especially if you hold onto the likes of Bent and Jones.
Eventful game between Sunderland and Wolves earlier in the season...
No way did Sunderland deserve to win that game! It was never a 5-2 game but the difference between the two sides is that Sunderland have Darren Bent and he was the difference.
Which Sunderland players have impressed you most?
Darren bent and Kenwyne Jones. Wolves would relish a strike force like that.
Former Sunderland defender Jody Craddock has had a great season again for Wolves?
He has. He is our rock at the back. Our Captain. Jody has been a loyal and commanding player for us over the years and totally deserves the player of the year award. He has been speaking on our website about his time at Sunderland and the guy should get a warm reception from every corner of the stadium on Sunday.
Which players have impressed you most for Wolves this season?
Craddock deserves a mention, as does Kevin Doyle who has improved more and more and has lead the line on his own at times. I’d love to see him get a brace on Sunday to take him into double figures for the season. An achievement for a side that hasn’t scored too many goals this season.
How do you see the game going on Sunday?
Home advantage and no pressure on us so I’m going to say a home win. I have too much respect for Sunderland to suggest we will have it easy but I hear Sunderland have injury concerns and we don’t have any fresh injuries. I will say 2-0 and that elusive Doyle double I’m craving for.
And your predictions for next seasons finishes for the two clubs?
Blimey that’s a tough one. Ill say Wolves 15th and Sunderland 9th.
Who is going to win the premiership?
Its Chelsea’s title to lose. They wont lose it though.
And how do you see England doing in the world cup?
Oh you are asking the wrong guy that one. I’m a proud Welshman and my honest answer may offend your readers so can I say no comment?
Just finally, which “realistic” signings would you like to see at Wolves in the Summer?
I’d like to see us to invest in a Darren Bent character. An established Premiership striker who can score goals even when the chips are down. We need a partner for Doyle as I’m not so sure about Ebanks-Blake. Difficult to say really.
Thanks Ashley
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Chester's Conclusion:"Im sure we are all hoping for an eventful game like when the two sides met earlier in the season, but with SAFC having never won a Premiership game on the last day, the stats are against us. My hope is that the Sunderland players still have a little bit of fight and determination left in them to try and jump a few positions on the final day.
Its been a season of ups and downs but overall I must say I have been left pleased with our efforts, a superb season from Darren Bent and Bruce has impressed me with his management. It could have been better but this club has survived in the top flight for a 4th successive season and thats a fantastic achievement for a "yo-yo" club. Sunderland win on Sunday I hope but my head says a draw."
And a final thank you to all of the opposition fans who have taken part in the interviews this season and two fingers to the minority who left me in limbo!
But my biggest thank you goes to you guys who support the feature by reading it every week, enjoy your summer! 
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