Our writers react to Sunderland's final-day defeat to Sheffield Wednesday

05/05/2024 07:29

Our 2023/2024 season ended with another dreadful loss, this time to Danny Röhl's Owls. We asked our writers for their thoughts on the game

Andrew Smithson says…

Long live the King

The various marks of respect for Charlie Hurley, from the programme cover to the players walking out to the theme from Z-Cars to the white shorts were all lovely touches and credit must go to those involved for acknowledging his importance and making them happen.

It was vital that the club got it right and they did.

Rest in peace, Charlie, and on that note, Derek Forster, too.

It's elementary for Watson

I was pleased to see Tommy Watson get a few minutes at the end.

Although it was only a brief cameo, I thought he did well, and it was a reminder that despite a dreadful couple of months, not all hope is gone.

If we can manage the likes of Watson and Chris Rigg, who was another bright spot, there's definitely some talent there.

Mixed emotions at full time

To be honest, I don't know where to start with that result.

Many of our games have followed a similar pattern this season and it's been infuriating to see a squad that's capable of so much more continually fail to reach its potential.

However, what's even more baffling is the fact that next weekend, I know I'll be gutted when there isn't a Sunderland game to look forward to.

It's been painful viewing of late and I can fully understand why many fans are glad that 2023/2024 is over, and yet I can't help myself. Pre-season can't come soon enough as far as I'm concerned.

Flagging hopes

A new head coach needs to be appointed as soon as possible and then all eyes will be on recruitment. There's a lot to do in that respect but things off the pitch need plenty of care and attention as well.

The proposed stadium improvements are encouraging, but the relationship between the club and the supporters has become strained again and I think we need a reset.

Just going back to Charlie Hurley, the display in the Roker End before kick off was fantastic to see, and I must admit I'd forgotten just how much of an impact the flags can have on matchdays.

The way in which the Spirit Of '37 group were messed about is a good example of how far things have fallen recently, so I really hope that the lads and lasses behind 'This Is Wearside'- and everyone else for that matter- can start reconnecting with the club in the coming weeks.

2024 has been a shocker in lots of ways, but there are some positives and I'm desperate to see us all help to build on them.

Jon Guy says…

The season is over…thankfully

Given the hopes and expectations we had in August, this season has been an utter disaster.

We've ended the campaign with a squad which is far worse than we had twelve months ago, as well as no head coach and a team which has no shape or idea.

Tommy Watson gets a chance

It was good to see Watson get a run out, as he deserved an opportunity.

Another aimless display

The team just didn't look to have their heads in the game. Mentally, too many of them were on the beach and it showed.

There's a need for more than a rebuild during the coming months, and the squad needs a fundamental overhaul.

A disappointing end for Jack Clarke?

It was almost certainly the last time we'll see Clarke in a Sunderland shirt.

After the moments he's provided for the fans, it wasn't the send off he would've wanted or deserved.

Malc Dugdale says…

A questionable attitude

The psychological approach was way below the standard expected of a Sunderland side.

My son brought his girlfriend to her first ever Sunderland game and even she asked why they weren't trying, so if she could see that the players couldn't be bothered, it's pretty obvious.

An overly defensive approach

We had a chance to parade our alternative options but Mike Dodds went for the same old setup, which didn't work.

Sheffield Wednesday had to get something and our response was to be passive and standoffish.

Not on and not good enough.

Over and out for Doddsy

If that's what Dodds thinks may get him a job in the future, he's far from right.

I watched Malcolm Crosby take the caretaker lead in the early 1990s and really grab the chance, but in forty years as a fan, I can't recall many caretakers being as apprehensive as this.

Ta-ra, Mike. You won't be missed.

Not enough experimentation

Our U21s have had a good campaign and we had a chance to give them some time on the paddock, but other than roughly seven minutes for Tommy Watson, we blew the chance.

The 'youth-focused team' label is a thing of the past and we really need to step up in the summer.

Phil West says…

A legend honoured

As the Sunderland fanbase (backed up by a magnificent travelling support- the best we've had this season by far) came together to pay tribute to one of Wearside's most beloved players, the Stadium of Light echoed to the sound of applause as Charlie Hurley's passing was marked in fitting fashion.

The presence of many Sunderland greats, many of whom played alongside 'The King' during his career at Roker Park, was incredibly poignant and it brought home the esteem in which Hurley will forever be held, over fifty years since his final appearance for Sunderland.

'What we achieve in life echoes in eternity', as the saying goes, and what Hurley achieved at Sunderland will be forever etched in our history.

Tommy Watson makes his bow

After weeks of speculation, it was great to see the highly-rated youngster make his first team debut, albeit in a losing cause and with mere minutes of the game remaining.

Nevertheless, he looked lively and he'll probably be slowly eased into the first team picture next season.

Like Chris Rigg, he seems to have all the attributes required to make a major impact and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him during 2024/2025.

Sunderland phone it in yet again

Overall, this was a pathetic display from Sunderland as we allowed the Owls to cruise into 0-2 lead that they never looked like relinquishing.

One or two half-chances aside, we seldom troubled the visiting defence and with Adil Aouchiche ludicrously chosen to lead the line, there was a glaring lack of punch in attack.

Lethargy and sloppiness were hallmarks of our play on Saturday, and it typified our recent efforts in the Championship. Just nowhere near good enough.

Mike Dodds. Need I say more?

Dodds' record since taking over from Michael Beale is lamentable and I don't mind admitting that I'm relieved that the season is over, because our recent form has been relegation-worthy and that's about as damning as it gets.

He might be an affable man and a decent development coach, but as a leader and the man attempting to get a tune out of this squad? Forget it.

He can't be involved with the first team next season. A clean sweep is needed and Dodds needs to be moved aside.