The Observer - Sunday August 31st 2008

Appeared on page 5 of The Observer Sport, Sunday August 31st 2008.

Perhaps reports of our demise have been exaggerated.

There's a definite buzz around the club with the re-signing of SWP (not to mention other recent additions) and, though fortunate to get through in Europe, we're in the next round, capping a pretty positive week.

The addition of SWP provides a fantastic attacking threat and should lead to some great football.

Sunderland have improved since last season, although Keane's signings will still be hit and miss, I feel.

SWP will likely make his debut and it should inspire us to all three points.

DUE A BIG GAME: Jo. A stop-start beginning to life at City and now has plenty of attacking threat as support.

Yorkshire Evening Post - August 2008

Links to a series of articles for The Yorkshire Evening Post, August 2008.

• Nidderdale League round-up
• Barnsley review
• Sheffield United review
• Sheffield Wednesday review
• Tommy Spurr interview feature

The Observer - Sunday August 17th 2008

Appeared on page 17 of The Observer Sport, Sunday August 17th 2008.

It's a relief to reach the start of the league campaign, so we can try to create some on-the-pitch headlines as opposed to the Thaksin circus dominating column inches off it.

However, a lacklustre UEFA Cup defeat has hardly helped matters.

Today could act as a barometer for our season's fortunes, given that both sides look evenly matched and shouldn't be too far apart come the end of the season.

We don't have the easiest fixtures coming up and, at a ground that has been a happy hunting ground in the past, a win would be a huge boost given the recent turmoil.

DUE A BIG GAME: Martin Petrov. So much will depend on him from an attacking perspective.

The Observer - Sunday May 11th 2008

Appeared on page 4 of The Observer Sport on Sunday May 11th 2008.

How was your season?

A fantastic first half which saw us on the fringes of the Champions League only to stutter during 2008 to see us fall down the table, but overall on the pitch it was as expected and far more good moments than bad ones which has been a rarity in recent seasons.

However, a summer adding one or two pieces to a squad that has a decent amount of potential has suddenly been thrown into chaos with the egotistical meddling of the owner. It almost wouldn’t a surprise to see Thaksin name himself as the new manager!

Happy with the gaffer?

Events of the past week have proved that everyone is behind Sven and impressed with the job he has done so far. He moulded a good squad of players in a short space of time and the football on the whole was by far an improvement on previous seasons. The biggest plus though was how Sven developed and integrated the Academy players and there are a number of players who are set to go a long way.

If he does get given the boot, Thaksin really needs to come up with the goods to appease the fans.

Who were the stars - and who flopped?

Elano and Petrov were excellent in spells, but lacked the overall consistency Joe Hart showed – definitely England’s next keeper. As for flops, once again the strikeforce hardly covered itself in glory but at over £8 million it must be Rolanod Bianchi.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans?

Tottenham put up a great showing in the Carling Cup midweek game, but the poorest showing (again) was from Wigan.

Top hate figure at another club?

For the manner of his exit, and the ‘pity me’ attitude it has to be Joey Barton.

Top five best opposition players?

David James, Fernando Torres, Ronaldo, Emmanuel Adebayor, Didier Drogba.

The Observer - Sunday March 16th 2008

Appeared on page 11 of The Observer Sport, Sunday March 16th 2008.

Another TV game - the Saturday 3pm game is becoming a rarity at Eastlands.

This won't be an easy match by any means. Tottenham have been something of a nemesis of late and put us out en route to their Carling Cup triumph.

Our results haven't been good recently and we're suffering from having a smallish squad hit by injuries and suspensions at a crucial stage of the season, which is seeing us slide down the table to all but end our European hopes.

But if we can turn around our form it could still be a profitable end to the season.

DUE A BIG GAME: Elano. May not be targeted as he has been by other sides and he needs to lead the side.