Where Now For SAFC?

So with the likely departure of Jordan Henderson imminent and star striker Darren Bent long gone, whats next for Sunderland football club?

The positivity and optimism in which was evident during the early months of last season is wavering as quick as you can say the River Wear and certainly now elements of worry are appearing amongst the mackem faithful (including myself!) even after the achievement of a tenth placed finish. Money is now tight with Short seeming unwilling to divulge Bruce of anymore of his fortune and with the potential sale of Henderson, is it a sign of things to come? That we produce the likes of Henderson and dare I say it Colback only to sell them on? (Bent was an exception and argubly proof that there is no loyalty in football, only loyalty to the sheer amount of money).

No doubt this seasons been a relative success, achieving the target of a top 10 finish though the early aspirations of European football quickly diminshed as soon as they came after the departure of Bent and the somewhat untimely and unprecedented amount of injuries in which occured. The failure to pick up more points during a period between Janurary and April was also blamed on the failure to add a striker, not as in direct replacement for Bent but to add slightly more depth. In my opinion, this was costly, to rely on Gyan to handle the pressure for 3 months on his own was ludicrous and it was naive of Bruce to think that Campbell would be fit and raring to go after 9 months out with a serious ligament injury.

However what now? With or without Henderson life goes on and if he departs as expected, I wish the lad all the best. It is up to him as to whether he will later regret moving too soon or what not.

What is now important is that Bruce maintains the backing of the supporters and is trusted to do what he does best which is wheel and deal. With the exception of Angeleri, the majority of his signings have been decent. Riveros, given time could well turn out to become a decent player.

If players of Defoe's or N`Zogbias calibre could be attracted up to the SOL then there could well be exciting times ahead for everybody concerned.

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