thinking back on the season

One thing I am guilty of as a fan is that I normally see the negative side of most situations. If I were to receive 10 compliments on something and 1 complaint, the only thing I would remember is the complaint. Maybe that's just human nature, or maybe it's a serious flaw in me, but I find myself doing this as a fan all the time.
This past season was a difficult one for most Sunderland fans. We started with such high expectations after our 10th place finish in the 2010/11 season. We also brought in 10 new signings that were supposed to help transform us into a side that could compete and push for a second straight top ten finish. It didn't take long for us to figure out that our new look side wasn't coming together very well, and our manager looked more and more incompetent going forward.
Enter Martin O'Neill-- and our season prospects were transformed. We started winning, scoring cracking goals, and made a great FA Cup run. Even the most negative of fans seemed to be turning to the positive side.
Unfortunately we ran in to a very in form Everton side and crashed out of the cup and our season took a dip. We struggled to score again and it looked like we were coasting to the finish line.

My tendency is to look towards the summer with a negative spin on things. We ended on a down, our form was poor, we couldn't score, and we looked lethargic. However, I'm trying to turn over a new leaf and look at some positives as we head toward the summer and next season. So here are some things I'm excited about, and let me know if I've missed something I should have included. Tweet me @onlysafc

• We have a manager with a plan. He has a system and knows the types of players he needs to get to fit his system. 
• Frazier Campbell showed some promise and after a summer to continue rehab he should be fully fit and ready for next season.
• Jack Colback has emerged as a marvelous midfielder and his upside seems very big.
• James McClean should only continue to get better, especially with the experience of being in the Euro's this summer.
• Simon Mignolet looked fantastic at times this season. He is developing in to a top class goal keeper.
• Wes Brown should be back and fit and hopefully can remain injury free to help anchor our defense.

So there are a lot of positives. Here are a few things I'd love to see Martin O'Neill address this summer.

• we need a proven goal scoring striker.
• We need a right winger with pace and power
• We need both a left back and a right back

I think all these needs will be addressed, and I can't wait to see how our squad looks in August.
Ha'way the lads!

Players from relegated clubs

Here is my short list of players who are from relegated clubs worth pursuing. Each one fills a need of ours. Some are very unlikely to come, but I'd be happy to see any of these players join Sunderland.
Check our Roker Report's article on why we don't have to fear players from relegated squads if you're worried that we don't need players who starred for bottom 3 sides.

Grant Hanley, Blackburn-CB
Mark Davies, Bolton-MF
Steven Fletcher, Wolves-F
Yakubu, Blackburn-F
Stuart Holden, Bolton-MF
Junior Hoilett, Blackburn, Winger
Matt Jarvis, Wolves-Winger

What do you think of my list? Send me a tweet if you agree/disagree. @onlysafc

Ha'way the Lads

Season Summary

Here are my thoughts from this past season. I'll be doing a few more posts throughout the summer, but i'm already looking forward to the 2012-13 season!
Ha'way the Lads

Player of the season

For me it's not much of a debate. Stephane Sessegnon has to be the winner. He's obviously our offensive catalyst, and as his game goes so does our offensive production it seems. He hasn't always been consistent this year, but he has had some magical moments and keeping him around is essential for us to continue to move up the table next season.

Young player of the season

This is a tough call for me. There are two main options. It's either James McClean or Jack Colback. Both have been fantastic, but for me, it has to be Colback. His consistency in the middle of the pitch has been outstanding, and he's even filled in as an emergency left back. O'Neill seems to rate him and it's likely you'll see young Colback in the middle of the pitch for some time to come.

Best signing of last summer

This again is a two horse race for me. Is it John O'Shea or Seb Larsson? Both have been vital to our success this year, but the edge for me goes to O'Shea. Maybe it's because as a player i'm more defensive minded, or because Seb seemed to slip in form late in the season, but O'Shea has been such an important player when he's been fit enough to play. JOS's ability to play fullback or center half also gives him an edge. His versatility and consistency make him my top signing of last summer.

Most disappointing signing of last summer

I'm tempted to say Connor Wickham here. The young lad certainly hasn't produced much, but he also hasn't played much either. He was bought with an eye on his future so I'll give him a pass. I'm going to go with Craig Gardner. This isn't to say that I don't think Gardner was good at times, or that he may not end up being a solid player for us, but he cost us more money than any other signings besides Wickham and he didn't settle in and produce like I hoped he would.

Goal of the season

There are many to choose from. Frazier Campbell's volley against Norwich was superb, but I'm going to go with Sessegnon's goal against Swansea. He had the tightest of window's to get the ball in and it was at such a narrow angle. He really is a magician with the ball sometimes.

Game of the season

It's a tossup between Arsenal in the cup or Man City at home. A case can be made for both games so i'll pick one out of the hat and I came up with…….…Arsenal at home. I did love that match. We played them right out of it and although they had the possession we always looked like we were going to win. Too bad we rolled over against Everton, ugh.

Who should we sign?

My votes are for Fletcher, Moses, Hoilett (i'm dreaming here), Ryan Bertrand.

Who might surprisingly be on the way out?

I think Craig Gardner or David Meyler may end up being sold this summer. I'd love to see both stay, but Gardner still doesn't seem settled and I'm not sure O'Neill rates Meyler. Will be interesting to see what happens.

Way too early predicted finish for next season

I'll say we are on our way up, but not quite there. 9th place.