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#388268 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
As we approach the final game, Woodburn strains his wrist and will miss the match.
As well as being the end of the season, we also hit the end of the month. Youan comes second in young player of the month, beaten by Asoro. I'm looking forward to having him back next season. I make it 2 second places in the manager award. I'm actually asked about Asoro in an interview, where I just say that I'm pleased with his progress.
On the injury front, Anichebe damages his achilles and will be out for 4 months. His contract is up in the summer, and I haven't been able to get him to sign a new one, so I'm not too bothered.
Jermain Defoe, Joleon Lescott and Steven Pienaar have decided to retire at the end of the season. I still think Defoe has another season in him, even if it's as an impact sub, so I ask him to reconsider.
I'm up for rotating the squad for the last match. After all, we're guaranteed the league barring a miracle and some fringe players should say goodbye. Meanwhile, Scunthorpe are already relegated,so it won't affect anyone.
We line up like this: Defoe starting in case he does decide to retire.
On the bench are; Pickford, Wijndal, Badal, McNair, Gibson, Khazri and Borini.
We take the lead after 21 mins (not much had happened before that). A free kick is swung in by Gooch and headed home by Buckley. It's his first, and possibly last goal for the club.
Just before half time, Scunthorpe equalise. With Kirchoff down nursing a knock, Madden finds space and puts one in the top corner from 25 yards. Mannone was nowhere near it.
I pull Kirchoff for Gibson at half time to avoid further injury.
After a quiet start to the second half, we pick up a more serious injury as Gooch is stretchered off after 63 mins. Khazri comes on.
A few mins later, Scunthorpe take the lead. A bad error from Mannone allows a ball to run loose and gifts Williams a tap in.
Both central defenders are tired, and to try and save conceding another goal, Badal replaces O'Shea.
In the dying seconds, Krusnell slides in late and gives away a penalty... Madden steps up to score his second and Scunthorpe's third. Game over.
Not the end to the season we wanted, but champions all the same
QPR only managed a draw, so actually ended up losing second place to Aston Villa.
Post match, I decide that I'd better ask for a new contract. The board haven't been forthcoming with an offer, and I don't think there's a better time to ask.
They agree that we'll discuss it soon.
#387675 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
We finish our league campaign with 2 home games. I reckon the stadium should be rocking for our end of season party!
I've started looking ahead to the summer and a long term replacement for Jermain Defoe. Using the find similar players function, looking at U18s and reducing some of the stats a bit has produced some promising results, including a couple of English players at lower league clubs. More information once I've scouted them and they haven't been priced out of my range.
In the build up to the match, we have a team meeting, to remind everyone that a good result wins us the league. There's a few players that think I'm putting pressure on them,including Kluivert, Paterson and Rzepecki. There are senior players too; Mannone, O'Shea, Rodwell and Cattermole. I expect all four of them to move on in the summer, so no worries there.
I'm sticking with the same formation, but I've made a few tweaks to the instructions to hopefully help it work better.
On the bench are; Mannone, Badal, Wijndal, Paterson, Rzepecki, Watmore and Borini.
We start this game much better than the last and eventually get a breakthrough after 22 mins. Youan is forced wide but manages to get a cross in which is met by Kluivert arriving at the far post to turn it in.
Kluivert almost returns the favour minutes later, but a great save from Macey in the Cardiff goal keeps it out.
We have the ball in the back of the net again after 35 minutes as Woodburn scores from a great long ball into the box by Rodwell, but he's just offside and it's disallowed.
Cardiff equalise in stoppage time from a corner, after Pickford comes to claim and doesn't connect. We go in at 1-1.
The second half is much quieter. Apart from a couple of long range efforts, we aren't creating much. After 65 mins, I replace Woodburn with Watmore.
We make more chances, but Macey is saving everything. Looking at my next sub, Djilibodji is very tired, so is replaced by Badal.
A late final change sees Paterson come on for Dozzell, but we can't find that winner and it ends 1-1.
QPR win, so we can't officially be crowned champions, but we have a 20 goal cushion, so it's ours barring some miracle!
#387674 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
We finish our league campaign with 2 home games. I reckon the stadium should be rocking for our end of season party!
I've started looking ahead to the summer and a long term replacement for Jermain Defoe. Using the find similar players function, looking at U18s and reducing some of the stats a bit has produced some promising results, including a couple of English players at lower league clubs. More information once I've scouted them and they haven't been priced out of my range.
In the build up to the match, we have a team meeting, to remind everyone that a good result wins us the league. There's a few players that think I'm putting pressure on them,including Kluivert, Paterson and Rzepecki. There are senior players too; Mannone, O'Shea, Rodwell and Cattermole. I expect all four of them to move on in the summer, so no worries there.
I'm sticking with the same formation, but I've made a few tweaks to the instructions to hopefully help it work better.
On the bench are; Mannone, Badal, Wijndal, Paterson, Rzepecki, Watmore and Borini.
We start this game much better than the last and eventually get a breakthrough after 22 mins. Youan is forced wide but manages to get a cross in which is met by Kluivert arriving at the far post to turn it in.
Kluivert almost returns the favour minutes later, but a great save from Macey in the Cardiff goal keeps it out.
We have the ball in the back of the net again after 35 minutes as Woodburn scores from a great long ball into the box by Rodwell, but he's just offside and it's disallowed.
Cardiff equalise in stoppage time from a corner, after Pickford comes to claim and doesn't connect. We go in at 1-1.
The second half is much quieter. Apart from a couple of long range efforts, we aren't creating much. After 65 mins, I replace Woodburn with Watmore.
We make more chances, but Macey is saving everything. Looking at my next sub, Djilibodji is very tired, so is replaced by Badal.
A late final change sees Paterson come on for Dozzell, but we can't find that winner and it ends 1-1.
QPR win, so we can't officially be crowned champions, but we have a 20 goal cushion, so it's ours barring some miracle!
#387661 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Alexander-Arnold's injury isn't too bad. It's only concussion and he'll be out for less than a week.
Apart from a couple of contract signings and Gibson resuming training, it's a quiet week.
A-A isn't quite fit enough to start, and seeing as none of my strikers (bar Youan) are playing well at the moment, so there's a slight formation tweak. Hopefully, not too risky!
On the bench are; Mannone, Badal, Wijndal, Kirchoff, Rodwell, Woodburn and Borini.
Things don't start well, as poor goalkeeping leaves Brentford with a tap in and we go 1-0 down after 26 mins.
We can't keep the ball. I don't think I can blame the formation, maybe the players are nervous about being so close to promotion, but almost every pass is going astray. Brentford almost score again after 38 mins, but it's disallowed for a foul on Pickford.
We make it through to half time. Not a single player has a rating above 7. I make my feelings clear and tell them to retain possession going forward.
We start the second half better. Keeping the ball and creating chances. Not taking any though! Just after the hour mark, Khazri picks up an injury, so I replace him with Woodburn rather than risking it getting worse.
Woodburn turns out to be a game changer. as he gets a low cross in for Youan to equalise after 7 mins.
Kluivert has been really poor today, even tho AML is supposedly his best position. With 15 to go, I move Sessegnon there and bring Wijndal on.
The last 10 mins is the best we've played all game, but we can't find a winner. News filters through that QPR are losing 5-1 at Derby though, so it's not all bad.
The point is actually enough to ensure promotion, as we are now 7 points clear of 3rd place Norwich with just 2 games to go. We are also now 5 points ahead of QPR, so just 1 more point needed to claim the title thanks to our superior goal difference.
Post match the board set our initial budgets for next season.£10.5m and a £1.1m wage budget (currently spending £690k). Although, with a takeover looming, I'm not reading too much into this.
#387572 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Paterson's hamstring injury will keep him out for a couple of weeks, so he'll definitely miss the trip to Birmingham.
Rumours are starting to circulate again with regards a takeover. I'm guessing promotion will help the cause there.
Lee Cattermole comes to speak to me about leaving to join a bigger club. I'm disappointed as he's club captain and we've almost secured promotion. I tell him he can go if a reasonable bid comes in. He's worth £6.75m, but as I don't want unhappy players in the squad, I tell him he can go for £7.5m which he's happy with.
After Rzepecki's good performance last time out, I've kept him as Paterson's replacement. All the strikers are struggling though. This time it's Woodburns turn.
On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, Badal, Kirchoff, Watmore, Rodwell and Khazri.
It takes us a while to find our feet. Our final ball is terrible and we keep losing it on the edge of their box. Meanwhile, Pickford needs to make a couple of saves to keep is level.
It continues that way for the whole of the first half. We only had 58% possession, which is poor for us, and we certainly didn't do anything with it. I make sure they know that I'm not impressed at half time.
We start the second half much better and take the lead on 48 mins. A through ball from Kluivert looks over hit, but Youan gets there ahead of the on loan Dragowski to turn it in.
Unfortunately, the lead doesn't last long. Birmingham hit us on a counter and Nsue is left in far too much space with only Pickford to beat, which he does.
Woodburn continues the disappointing form of our strikers, so after 65 mins, I replace him with Khazri, moving Kluivert up top.
Khazri sees a lot of the ball and after 72 mins gets his assist as he sets up Youan for his second of the game. I'm glad one of our strikers can score!
I take a risk after the goal and bring Badal on for his debut, replacing Djilibodji.
The games not over and there's still time for Youan to turn on the style. This time though, he's the provider as he chases and reaches a ball that looked dead and squares a ball to Kluivert bursting into the box to make it 3-1.
With 7 minutes to go, Alexander-Arnold is stretchered off. Wijndal isn't really a right back, but fills in as we see out the game.
Youan picks up a deserving player of the match award.
QPR keep the pressure on with a 1-0 win, but at least we now can't finish lower than 4th.
#387528 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
The midfield trio performed well last time out, but the attacking trio didn't. So let's mix things up a little.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, Badal, Rzepecki, Kirchoff, Rodwell and Anichebe. Badal has been training well, and it would be good to get him some game time if we can get a lead.
The first half starts quite even, with both goalkeepers called upon to make some saves. However, after 28 mins, we lose Paterson to a hamstring injury and need to replace him with Rzepecki.
We keep Button as the busier of the 2 keepers, but go in at half time 0-0.
Fulham hit the post with their first attack of the second half. Thankfully, Kone is on hand to tidy up the rebound. The worst player on the team today appears to be Defoe, so as we reach the hour mark, he makes way for Anichebe.
Late on, it looks like we might fail to hang on, as Pickford makes save after save. But then, just as the fans start to leave with us still at 0-0, the substitute makes good. It's not Anichebe though, it's Rzepecki. 20 yards out to the corner of the box, he takes aim and beats the keeper at his near post. A quite incredible goal from the youngster!
I said I'd bring Badal on if we had a lead, but there's no time for the sub to happen. we scrape it 1-0.
Elsewhere, QPR lost at home to Norwich, giving us a 4 point cushion at the top with 4 games to go. We also now just need 1 more point to guarantee us at least a play off spot.
#387508 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Bryan Oviedo played his 5th match for PSV and as part of the deal, concluded his £3m move. Of course he won't officially join permanently until 1st June.
Darron Gibson has picked up a sports hernia which will keep him out for up to 5 weeks.
As we had such a big break between games (partly because of FA Cup and partly due to international break), I arranged a friendly for 29th March against Midtjylland. Some of the team were on international duty, and I just let Sherwood look after the team. It was only to keep fitness levels up. We won it 1-0 with a goal from Ndong.
A few days after that match, Ndong strains his knee ligaments in training and he'll be out for 5-6 weeks.
We finally get to the match and we line up with an unfamiliar midfield, as Ndong and Gibson are both injured, while Rodwell isn't fit enough to start.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Kirchoff, Rodwell, Watmore, Kluivert and Defoe.
Although we start the stronger side, it takes us almost 30 mins to score. Dozzell, takes it upon himself to take a free kick from the edge of the D and puts it perfectly in the top corner. I have Khazri set as free kick taker, so I'm unsure why Dozzell took it. But I'm glad he did!
We keep the ball well for the rest of the half and Borini and Woodburn both have chances. But neither of them take them and we go in at 1-0.
Early in the second half, Borini spurs yet more chances, so after 55 mins, I replace him with Defoe.
We struggle to create much, so with 15 mins Khazri, another underperforming player, is subbed for Kluivert.
It's a good change as he sets up Woodburn on 85 mins to make it 2-0 with a tap in.
A late change sees Rodwell get some game time at the expense of Dozzell and we see the game out 2-0.
With just 5 games to go, this is how the top of the table looks.
#387495 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
I think having 2 BWMs help to regain possession quickly when it's lost, and that shows in the possession stats. Of course the more we have the ball, the less likely the opposition is to do something with it!
#386901 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
While we were losing our last match, QPR were losing too. So even though we couldn't take advantage, at least we didn't slip further behind.
We get some bad news on the Tuesday, as Pickford injures himself lifting weights in training. He could be out for up to 2 weeks, so will definitely miss the next match, possibly 2.
Back to the usual formation for this one. Alexander-Arnold and Woodburn both rested.
On the bench are; Mika, McNair, Kirchoff, Mathews, Paterson, Kluivert and Anichebe.
We get off to a good start, as Khazri hits the bar after 5 minutes. After that though, the game quietens down.
We have the best of the chances, but the strikers aren't having a good day, and at half time, it's still 0-0.
The second half starts brighter. We get a corner, just a minute in. Gibson takes it, finds Rodwell on the edge of the box in space, and he curls one into the top corner.
It takes another 10 minutes for us to score again. This time, Borini playing a simple ball for Defoe to run onto and he puts it away with ease.
With a 2 goal lead, I switch back to formation of the last game, replacing Borini with Kluivert, to play down the left, and moving Ndong out to the right.
It seems to have the same result though, as Barnsley score almost straight away...
We create chance after chance, but just don't take any of them. Even those in good positions get fluffed.
After 75 mins, Rodwell gets injured. I was considering subbing him anyway, as he spends far too long on the ball. Now I'm forced into it and replace him with Paterson.
Paterson almost scores with his first touch as he gets his head onto a cross from Jones, but it's straight at the keeper.
We don't have to wait too long for another goal. After 80 mins, Khazri plays a neat little one two with Defoe that leaves him through on goal. He makes no mistake and tucks it away for 3-1.
There's still time for Barnsley to score again as Mannone somehow lets a shot go through his fingers!
In the dying moments we create yet more unconverted chances. There were far too many in this match.
To only score 3 from 28 shots is quite poor. But a wins a win and as QPR draw at Wolves, it puts us top!
#386780 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
I decided to make some wholesale changes after the defeat to Leeds and I'm still determined to get a formation with width working. So after doing some research online, I found a few tactics I liked and have tried to pick out the best bits and combine them. What I've ended up with is an asymmetric 442, so let's give it a go. We line up like this...
On the bench are; Mannone, Mathews, Kirchoff, Wijndal, Rzepecki, Watmore and Anichebe.
We make some good chances in the first half. We aren't doing too bad seeing as this formation is new to the team. Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold are seeing quite a bit of the ball.
We can't score though and go in 0-0 at half time.
We have a scare after 55 mins as Wednesday hit the post. Thankfully, Kone is hand to make a clearance.
On the hour mark, with us still creating plenty of chances, I replace Alexander-Arnold with Watmore.
As expected, we finally concede a goal (afterall, I can't seem to win with any formation other than my default one). In the 80th minute, Djilibodji overhits a backpass, and Pickford is nowhere near it. Own goal, and 1-0 down.
I shout at my players, and replace Gibson with Kirchoff.
It almost works, as Westwood pulls off a couple of good saves. Meanwhile Woodburn spurns the best chance of the match. putting it high and wide with only the keeper to beat.
In the dying seconds, Westwood makes another great double save. If it wasn't for him, we'd have got at least a point from this match. But it ends 1-0.
I'm going to keep this formation, as we actually played quite well. I may switch to it when we have a lead so the players can get used to it before starting another match with it though.
#386666 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Nothing to report between games, except some of my youth candidates accepting contracts.
Still need to keep rotating to keep everyone fit. This time Khazri and Djilibodji drop out.
On the bench are Mannone, Mathews, Wijndal, Paterson, Dozzell, Anichebe and Youan.
We see most of the early ball as is usual at home, but some good goalkeeping stops us taking a lead.
After 30 mins, a bad challenge sees Cattermole pick up his second yellow card, and we need to play the remaining hour with 10 men. Irresponsible from the captain...
I hope to see through to half time, but just minutes later, Leeds take the lead through Antonsson, when Pickford fails to cover his near post.
We go in at halftime 1-0 down.
I need to strengthen the midfield, so sacrifice Woodburn for Dozzell. Defoe may be a bit isolated, but I'm hoping he can find the magic.
The second half is very quiet, and Defoe just can't get into the game, so I take a risk and replace him with Youan. Maybe he can show me what he's made of.
He still doesn't see much of the ball though, mainly as Kluivert seems to refuse to pass to him. We create no more real chances and the match ends in a 1-0 defeat.
After the match, I fine Cattermole a weeks wages. After all, it's his second red of the season. He's shocked by this and feels it's unfair and wants to speak about it.
I tell him that I feel he let himself and his team mates down. He still doesn't think the fine was fair, but he can understand where I'm coming from and won't take his complaint any further.
#386641 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Lets quickly round up February...
Woodburn's goal in the last match was good enough for 3rd in goal of the month, while I finally win my first manager of the month award, with 3 wins and 2 draws from our 5 games.
We couldn't get anyone into the player of the month awards, but Joel Asoro, who we've loaned out to Fulham, came second in the young player category. He's scored 3 goals in 6 games since his loan move and seems to be benefiting from more play time.
This is how the top of the table looks at the beginning of March.
For the trip to Bristol, tiredness forces us to make a few changes.
On the bench are Mannone, Mathews, McNair, Wijndal, Rzepecki, Kluivert and Watmore.
It's a bit of a scrappy first half, with neither team creating any clear cut chances. Well, not until the 41st minute, when Khazri plays a little one two on the edge of the box with Woodburn. The return finds him in the box, in space, with only the keeper to beat, which he does with ease.
We go in at half time 1-0 up.
The second half continues much the same way. Most of our chances are from distance or being snatched at. After 55 mins, I pull Defoe, who hasn't seen much of the ball, and replace him with Watmore. He's been doing some training as a striker, so lets see how he does.
Pickford keeps us in the game with a couple of good saves shortly after. Sessegnon has the ball in the net after 63 mins, but Woodburn, who set him up, was offside.
Gibson can't last a whole match and is the next player subbed. Rzepecki comes on.
I'm forced to make a final change after 76 mins as Jones picks up a facial injury. Mathews is the replacement.
We create a few more chances, but nothing of real note, and see the game out 1-0.
After the match, we get good news that Jones will only be out for 3 days.
Elsewhere, QPR suffered a surprise home defeat to Cardiff, meaning we close the gap to just 1 point.
#386513 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
QPR played the day after us, and also won 3-0. The gap now stands at 7 points, but we do have a game in hand.
A bunch of Bulgarian clubs have made loan offers for wantaway Jeremain Lens. I've accepted offers that have a mandatory £7.5m fee after 5 matches.
28th February, aside from being match day, is youth intake day!
There's a couple of promising candidates...
Andy Townsend (Not that one!)
If he develops well, I may need to tweak my usual formation. The other option would be to try and turn him into an AMC.
The other decent youth to come in is Emmanuel Ibrahim.
Unfortunately, he's also a winger!
Lens completed a loan move to Levski Sofia. He rejected the mandatory contract though, so the future fee became optional.
Just the one change for this match. Woodburn comes in after his game changing performance last time out.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, Lescott, Cattermole, Kluivert, Borini and Youan.
It takes us less than 3 minutes to take the lead. It's that man Woodburn curling one into the top corner from just outside the box.
Woodburn continues to cause problems, but our second goal comes from a less likely source, Jack Rodwell. He get's his head to an Alexander-Arnold cross after 18 mins.
On 27 minutes, it's 3-0. Boro really haven't turned up. A counter attack, mainly orchestrated by Ndong is finished off by Khazri.
It's almost 4-0 just a couple of minutes later. This time Khazri turns provider for Defoe, who scores but it's disallowed as he's offside.
We go in 3-0 up at half time.
The second half is much quieter than the first. And after 65 mins, there's been no more goals, so I switch the team up a bit. Bringing on Youan for Defoe and Kluivert for Khazri.
After 67 mins, Pickford concedes his first goal in ages. He doesn't deal with a looping ball into the box, and Bamford is left with a tap in.
We keep the ball well for the rest of the game, but don't do much with it. It ends 3-1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold picks up he second Player of the Match award in a row.
Back to just 4 points behind QPR.
#386495 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
A bit of a break between matches here, as Saturday 17th is FA Cup day.
Despite 10 days passing, there isn't really anything happening to speak of.
I've dropped Borini as he's been disappointing in the last few games, plus Alexander-Arnold is now fit enough to start.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, McNair, Cattermole, Kluivert, Woodburn and Borini.
We have the better of the early play and eventually get a breakthrough after 25 mins. Khazri gets the ball on the edge of the box following a throw in, and slides a ball through to Alexander-Arnold who had made a great run, and slots it home.
The rest of the first half is much the same, we dominate, create a few chances, but can't finish any. Meanwhile, we contain Swansea to just one shot on goal, which Llorente put over.
Most of the wasted chances we created fell to Anichebe, so at halftime, I replace him with Woodburn.
Woodburn makes an immediate contribution. We have a corner after 47 mins, which Dozzell takes. Woodburn heads it on and Ndong volleys home to make it 2-0.
Woodburn gets a second assist after 58 mins, as he perfectly times a through ball for Defoe to finish.
Now we have a solid lead, I take off a tired Dozzell and bring on Cattermole.
As we go into the last 10 mins, I make a final sub, with Kluivert replacing Khazri.
He sets Defoe through to almost score a fourth in the closing moments, but we end at 3-0.
Some solid stats and our best performance for a while.
#385257 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
With only 2 days between games, there isn't much to report.
A couple of changes as Gibson and Cattermole can't play 2 games so close together.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Alexander-Arnold, Gibson, Rzepecki, Kluivert and Woodburn.
We almost get off to a flyer as Borini hits the bar inside 3 minutes.Both keepers are on top form tho and despite numerous chances for us, and a couple for them, it's still goalless at half time.
Not much changes in the second half as we're restricted to shots from range. A disappointing Khazri is replaced by Kluivert on 63 mins.
Borini has also been poor, but he has a chance on 68 mins as Kluivert sets him away on a counter attack. He shoots straight at the keeper tho. Fed up, I haul him off and throw on Woodburn.
Just as we seem to be heading for a 0-0 draw, Rodwell gives away a penalty. It's the 91st minute and surely the last chance of the match. Browne steps up, but Pickford saves it!
We should have won, but in the end, I'm glad we didn't lose. I make my feelings very clear to the team.
In the post match press conference, it's brought to my attention that Pickford has now gone 315 minutes without conceding. Good for him.
Meanwhile, that was Borini's 60th game for us, triggering another £100k payment to Liverpool.
#385103 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
It's Monday, and in walks Tim Sherwood for his first day in his new job, as director of football. He's determined and has a good eye for potential. Essentially, he'll just be in charge of the scouting team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has now fully recovered from his injury. I'm glad to have him back for the run in. However, Anichebe picks up a knock in training that will keep him out of the Reading match.
We line up like this:
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Alexander-Arnold, Rodwell, Watmore, Woodburn and Youan.
We take the lead after 11 mins, Defoe tucking home a low cross from Jones from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Defoe scores again after 22 mins. This time after a great solo run by Ndong, getting past 3 defenders before squaring it.
Defoe's hat-trick seems almost a certainty, but it doesn't come in the first half as Al-Habsi makes two great saves to deny him. We go in at 2-0, with Reading never really looking in the game.
The second half doesn't live up to the first, so just before the hour, I replace Borini and Jones with Youan and Alexander-Arnold.
Chances are still few and far between. Reading have a couple of efforts from distance that Pickford comfortably deals with, while we don't create anything of note. With the clock running down, Kirchoff comes on to replace Gibson.
We see the game out for a simple 2-0 win.
QPR won too, to keep the gap at 5 points.
#383980 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
With a top of the table clash looming, Kone tells me that he no longer wants to leave. I think it's because there's nobody interested in him, but maybe he's just happy that we're heading in the right direction.
Bournemouth have poached my Director of Football, Mark Venus, paying me £145k in compensation. Although I don't use them for much, I do like to have one. Looking at those available that may suit my needs, I'm drawn to either Andreas Brehme or Tim Sherwood. The German wants less money and is currently unattached. He's also less likely to steal my job. I do have a soft spot for Tim though... such a tough call. I offer them both contracts while I think about it.
This is my team selection to try and haul QPR back in:
On the bench are; Mannone, Mathews, Krusnell, Rzepecki, Dozzell, Kluivert and Defoe.
You'll notice Kone continues at right back. Mathews and Jones are nearly fit, but not quite enough to start.
The first half is tough to take. We have almost 70% possession but fail to do much with it. Woodburn has a couple of decent chances which he lacks the composure to finish, while Cattermole forces a fingertip save from Smithies.
The second half starts the same way, so it's not long before I pull of Woodburn in favor of Defoe. Then with 15 mins to go, a tired Gibson is replaced by Dozzell.
Defoe almost wins it late on, but there's another great save from Smithies to deny him. We just can't get the ball past him, despite dominating every other area of the pitch. It ends 0-0.
#383944 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Borini came 3rd in January's player of the month, while Sessegnon came 2nd in the young player category.
This is how the table looks on the 1st of February.
As you can see, we've let it slip a little, but there's plenty of time left.
These were January's signings:
While these were the outs.
Marquinhos and Alerrandro both needing work permits.
#383179 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
It's certainly going to be close I think!
The day before our match, Sessegnon comes down with food poisoning, so he'll miss out.
The game is on deadline day, but I'm not expecting any further business to get in the way.
Well, I wasn't expecting any, until I see Arsenal make an offer for a Latvian central defender I'd been following. I match their offer and agree terms, but he obviously chooses them over me.
Meanwhile, Oviedo joins PSV on loan with an agreed fee of £3m, if he plays 5 games for them. John O'Shea will be joining Midtjylland in the summer when his contract expires.
Villa play really narrow, and although it's a risk that hasn't always paid off before, I think a change in formation is needed to counter them. We line up like this.
(Note: This was taken after the match as I forgot to upload it. Wijndal didn't start injured!)
Kone fills in at right back with Jones, Mathews and Alexander-Arnold all injured.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jordan, McNair, Dozzell, Kluivert, Woodburn and Defoe.
We create a lot of chances early on, forcing 4 corners in the first 6 mins. But it's Villa who score first, when Lucas Joao loses Lescott to fire home.
Ndong is the biggest culprit for missed chances, all the best ones fall to him and he can't even hit the target. Villa make it 2-0 after 16 mins, this time it's McCormack.
We're seeing much more of the ball and that dominance finally pays off as we score on 26 mins. a great run from Khazri who pulls it back for Borini to knock home from close range.
A couple of minutes later, Khazri almost scores himself as he heads a Wijndal cross against the post. Lens is on hand to knock in the rebound and make it 2-2. Well he would have, if he wasn't offside...
Villa have time to further the lead before half time as Tuanzebe heads in a McCormack corner. And then it's 4-1 before we know it. Simple passes through our defence, they may as well not be there and Joao gets his second. Kirchoff and Lescott are not a defensive pairing I want to play too often!
At half time i switch to 3 at the back with Kone playing between them. It leaves Ndong playing an unfamiliar wing back role, but things can't get any worse!
A couple of good saves from Bunn stop us making an immediate impact, but we eventually get a goal back after 52 mins. A cross from Ndong is blasted home by Gibson just outside the box.
Just after the hour, Wijndal is stretchered off. I don't really have anyone to replace him, so move Lens to wing back and bring on Woodburn for his debut.
He almost scores when he's set through one on one but puts it just wide. Needing an injection, I throw on Defoe for Borini and Dozzell for Khazri with 15 mins to go.
Dozzell creates the best chance of the game only for Gibson to put over from 6 yards out. We lose 4-2...
I don't blame the formation, I squarely aim most of the blame at Lescott and Kirchoff. They just aren't good enough to wear the shirt.
After the match, we pay another £100k to Liverpool for Borini's goal
#382430 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
The last game was Dozzell's 15th since signing, meaning he's earnt himself a small wage increase.
The loan deal for Woodburn was finalised. I did consider not going through with it after signing Youan, but he can play anywhere across the front line, so may be useful for our promotion push.
Oviedo came to see me about his lack of action. Sessegnon has been keeping him out all season, so I tell him that he's free to leave if an offer comes.
Asoro meanwhile completes his loan move to Fulham.
I'm happy to play a slightly rotated squad in the cup game. The board only expected us to reach the fourth round, and I've got kids that need games.
This is how we line up. Woodburn would have played, but he's cup tied.
On the bench are; Pickford, Sessegnon, McNair, Ndong, Gibson, Khazri and Anichebe.
We almost go a goal down after just 2 minutes, as Wijndal under plays a ball back to Mannone, thankfully, the shot is put wide.
Lincoln are sitting deep and most of our efforts are from distance. At half time, it's still 0-0.
The second half starts slowly and then a defensive error by our usual defensive pairing lets in Davis to put Lincoln in front...
We just aren't doing anything with the possession we have,so on 66 mins, I bring on Gibson and Khazri for Kirchoff and Lens.
Not long after that Mathews picks up an injury. He tries to continue, but it's no good and I bring on Sessegnon to take his place.
Chance after chance goes begging. Our young strikers lacking the composure needed to get us back in the game. We lose 1-0.
I don't blame the team selection, but there were certainly some players that didn't turn up!
After the game, I get news that Alexander-Arnold is back in training. He's still a week or so away from fitness, but it's promising news.
#382339 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
Firstly, appologies for the double post previously. Not sure how that happened!
To try and help spread the burden on my strikers, I made an approach for Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool. I'd have been tempted to sign him permanently, but they want far too much!
Djilibodji agrees to his new deal.
Valencia make an offer for Kone. The promise I made to sell him for £13m still stands, but their offer is only £6.5m, plus a possible £3m in add ons, so I reject it.
Cole Dasilva returns from his loan spell. He's improved slightly but still not good enough, so I'll look to loan him out again.
While looking for a striker (and making the Woodburn loan offer), I come across Elie Youan at Nantes. I managed to pick him up for £1.3m, which I think will end up being a steal. He's already as good as Asoro, so the Swede will be making a loan move.
Meanwhile Alerrandro completes his loan move to Jaen in the Spanish Segunda, While Dasilva opted for TNS.
As far as the match goes, Gibson is suspended, so we line up like this.
On the bench are; Mannone, Oviedo, Matthews, Dozzell, Lens, Anichebe and Youan.
It only takes us 5 mins to take the lead. Ndong finding Borini on the edge of the box, who turns his man and scores.
Ndong himself make it 2 a couple of minutes later. He receives the ball 25 yards out and just hits it. It goes in off the inside of the post.
The third goal comes on 12 mins. A corner is half cleared and played back into Borini. He pulls it back for Khazri to slot home from the penalty spot.
It takes just over 6 minutes to get a fourth. Khazri returns the favour and sets up Borini to score from just outside the box.
It goes a bit quiet after that. In the last few minutes of the half, Borini and Defoe both manage to hit the post. Then United hit us on the break and John Fleck pulls one back just as the whistle is about to go. 4-1 at half time.
As we are comfortable, I bring Youan on at half time for Defoe so he can show what he's got.
We just waste chance after chance in the second half. All sorts of players getting in good positions but putting shots wide or over.
After 70 mins I replace Cattermole with Dozzell. Lens replaces Khazri 10 mins later.
After the first half, the second proves uneventful and we end at 4-1.
Still 2 points behind QPR
#381756 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
After our cup win, Djiibodji comes to talk to me as he wants a new contract. He feels his form deserves it and I can't really disagree.
The FA Cup fourth round draw gives us another home tie. This time against league 2 Lincoln, who beat Oldham in round 3.
Marquinhos completes his loan move to Joinville in Brazil Serie B, while Seb Larsson completes his £675k move to RB Salzburg.
On his 18th birthday, Alerrandro arrived. He's another Brazilian who doesn't get a work permit, so he's offered out for loan.
He hasn't improved much since I agreed to sign him. Hopefully he'll kick on now.
Just before the match, I receive that the takeover has collapsed. At least that means the embargo's lifted.
I keep the same starting 11 for this game.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Defoe.
The first half is frustrating. We have 63% possession and 13 shots to their 0, forcing 6 saves. But we go in at 0-0.
The second half seems to be going the same way, so on the hour mark, I bring on Defoe and Lens to replace Borini and Khazri (who's been surprisingly poor).
Late on, things get worse as Gibson is show a second yellow. With Cattermole also on a yellow, I replace him with Dozzell to make sure we end the game with 10 men.
We manage to create a few more chances, but can't find a breakthrough. It's just one of those games...
QPR won, so we lose top spot. We do receive a nice £1m post match though from Crystal Palace as part of the Wickham transfer.
#381755 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
After our cup win, Djiibodji comes to talk to me as he wants a new contract. He feels his form deserves it and I can't really disagree.
The FA Cup fourth round draw gives us another home tie. This time against league 2 Lincoln, who beat Oldham in round 3.
Marquinhos completes his loan move to Joinville in Brazil Serie B, while Seb Larsson completes his £675k move to RB Salzburg.
On his 18th birthday, Alerrandro arrived. He's another Brazilian who doesn't get a work permit, so he's offered out for loan.
He hasn't improved much since I agreed to sign him. Hopefully he'll kick on now.
Just before the match, I receive that the takeover has collapsed. At least that means the embargo's lifted.
I keep the same starting 11 for this game.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Defoe.
The first half is frustrating. We have 63% possession and 13 shots to their 0, forcing 6 saves. But we go in at 0-0.
The second half seems to be going the same way, so on the hour mark, I bring on Defoe and Lens to replace Borini and Khazri (who's been surprisingly poor).
Late on, things get worse as Gibson is show a second yellow. With Cattermole also on a yellow, I replace him with Dozzell to make sure we end the game with 10 men.
We manage to create a few more chances, but can't find a breakthrough. It's just one of those games...
QPR won, so we lose top spot. We do receive a nice £1m post match though from Crystal Palace as part of the Wickham transfer.
#381212 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
We received offers for Seb Larsson from RB Salzburg and Trabzonspor. Salzburg offer slightly more money, but want a partial wage contribution. I accept both offers.
As expected, Marquinhos doesn't get a work permit. I offer him out for loan, but the only offers are from Brazilian clubs. I accept them so that he'll get some game time and then I'll revisit this in the summer.
Lynden Gooch returned from his loan at Real Salt Lake. QPR immediately offered to take him for the rest of the season, but I don't want to strengthen my nearest rivals. I might keep him and use him as back up for Khazri in the AMC role and see how he does.
Still looking at potential signings. If anything, I could probably do with another striker that's at least good enough to make my bench. However... an approach has been made for the club by dutchman Michiel Pieters and we are under embargo. Sounds like he wants to replace me with Claude Makelele too.
Onto the match. Defoe still not fit enough to start, but everyone else is ok.
On the bench are; Mannone, Mathews, Kirchoff, Rodwell, Lens, Kluivert and Defoe.
After an even opening, we take the lead on 13 mins. A cross from Jones eludes Randolph and Anichebe heads home from close range.
Borini makes it 2-0 just a couple of minutes later as he turns in a Khazri free kick.
West Ham start to come back into the match, but we hit on them on the break and make it 3-0. Khazri this time finishing off the move after some good work from Sessegnon down the left.
West ham do pull one back on 38 mins. A Lanzini cross finding Valencia unmarked. But we go in at half time 3-1 up.
We see plenty of the ball in the second half but West Ham are defending better. On 65 mins, Defoe comes on to continue his return to fitness, replacing Borini.
He almost gets an assist with his first touch as Khazri forces a great save. Shortly after tho, West Ham counter and we go 3-2. Kouyate finishing the move off.
I replace a tired Gibson with Kirchoff as we look to see the match out. It get's easier when Khazri sets Defoe through with only the keeper to beat. He does so with ease and makes t 4-2.
Turns out to be an easier game than I was expecting and it ends 4-2.
Khazri picks up a deserved Man of the Match!
#381133 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
I've had enough complaint from Dortmund about Bruun Larsen's lack of game time. I think I'll just terminate his loan so he can develop elsewhere. He just doesn't fit my formation.
Kluivert picked up young player of the month for December, while I came second to Ramon Diaz (Aston Villa) in the manager award.
As the window opens, the board give me the option to change my objective to winning the league. They are prepared to give my an extra £3.5m, but it's not a risk I want to take.
Marquinhos and Rzepecki arrive. This is how they currently look.
Marquinhos needs a WP which I've applied for but isn't likely, so he'll probably be heading out on loan. Rzepecki can probably hang around the 1st team squad for the rest of the season.
We switch back to our usual formation for the trip to the iPro. Defoe still not fit enough to start, while the games are too close together for Gibson.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Mathews, Gibson, Lens, Anichebe and Defoe.
We get off to a great start and take the lead after less than 3 mins. Khazri setting up Borini who remembered his shooting boots today.
We get chance after chance, but Carson is on form. Borini beats him again on 18 mins, but is denied by the post.
At half time, we've had 14 shots with 7 on target. Derby haven't had a single one. It's only 1-0 though.
The second half starts the same way, with Carson saving everything. We still haven't scored again by 60 mins so I chuck Defoe on to replace Kluivert who's been disappointing today.
Before he even gets on though, it's 1-1 as Vydra scores from close distance. It's their first shot on target.
On 75 mins, I switch to the 4-5-1 that worked last time out and replace Dozzell with Gibson.
A late change sees Kirchoff replace Djilibodji, and then the goal comes. 89 mins on the clock and Gibson plays a ball out to Jones who'd made a run to the edge of the box, he gets his cross in to the penalty spot where Defoe is waiting to smash home. We sneak a 2-1 win.
QPR win too, so we're still only top on goal difference.
#381126 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
After the last match, we received £500k from Crystal Palace as part of the van Aanholt deal. Also, Ndong and Rodwell picked up their 5th yellow card of the season, meaning they will both miss the next match.
Jermain Defoe is cleared to play 45 mins. So I'm comfortable enough to put him on the bench. It looks like we are up against a flat 4-4-2 again, which was a struggle last time out. So I take the risk and start how we finished the last.
On the bench are; Mannone, Sessegnon, Jones, Khazri, Lens, Dozzell and Defoe.
The first half is a cagey affair. We get few chances and Pickford makes one great save. We go in at half time 0-0.
Early in the second half, Borini has a one on one chance but fluffs it and it's an easy save for the keeper. After an hour, I take him off and give Defoe a chance to get his sharpness back.
We take the lead almost straight after this. Defoe isn't involved though. Gibson plays a 1-2 with Kirchoff following a throw in and then another with Kluivert before scoring from the edge of the box.
The lead doesn't last long. Forest hit us on the counter with Assombalonga setting up Osborn to score.
With Djilibodji getting tired, I switch to a 4-5-1. Bringing on Lens to replace him.
The switch seems to work as Kluivert (now playing from the left) gets free and is brought down in the box. Penalty! Gibson steps up and tucks it away.
Gibson has a chance at a rare hattrick on 83 mins as he finds himself with just the keeper to beat. But he puts it over.
Forest hit the post late on, but we hang in for a 2-1 win.
The top of the table at the end of 2017 looks like this.
#381116 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
It's Christmas, and Lescott wants a present... Me to play him more. I tell him that he can leave. After all, he's 35 now and he'll never be good enough for the Premiership again. Hopefully somebody will pick him up in January.
I got myself a little present too. Finalising a deal for Josh Donaldson.
He'll join on a free at the end of the season. It's a risk as my scout isn't sure he'll amount to much, but he has decent base attributes, and seeing as he's free, I thought it was a risk worth taking.
As far as the match goes, Jones and Kone return, while Anichebe starts after being cleared to play 60 mins.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Oviedo, Cattermole, Lens, Kluivert and Asoro.
We almost go a goal down after 14 mins, but Kone manages to clear the ball off the line. On 28 mins, we get lucky again. Pickford handles the ball outside the box, but thankfully only gets a yellow.
The first goal comes on 35 mins. An Ipswich corner is headed in by Berra.
Before half time, it's 2-0. McGoldrick getting onto a Vela through ball. We are struggling to cope with their basic 4-4-2.
At the break, I try and switch things up. Going 3 at the back to stop any further goals. Sacrificing Paterson for Kirchoff.
On 60 mins, Anichebe comes off for Kluivert. I don't want to risk him getting injured again.
We keep on top of possession, but struggle to create real chances. My final change sees Khazri replaced by Cattermole.
I'm starting to think we won't score, but on 80 mins Borini sets Kluivert through one on one and he smashes it home. 2-1.
After that we get a few chances to equalise, but it just doesn't come and our 5 match unbeaten run ends.
We've got one more game left this year. I'll post a league table after that.
#381112 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
I must remember to add league table pictures occasionally!
#380542 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
After the last game, Kluivert picked up a wage rise after making his 20th appearance.
Anichebe has resumed training, while O'Shea and Larsson have both complained about their lack of football. I've told them both that they are free to leave, although I'm not convinced there'll be many offers.
We've had a week to prepare for this game, so tiredness isn't an issue. Jones isn't fit enough to start, while Kirchoff drops into defence to replace the suspended Kone.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Anichebe.
We take the lead less than 2 mins in. Khazri cutting in from the right before squaring it for Borini to knock home.
The rest of the first half is quiet. We see a lot of the ball but don't do much with it, while Pickford has a couple of easy saves to make.
The second half has an even start until the 56th min when Norwich equalise from nothing. Murphy left one on one with Pickford and coming out on top.
Anichebe replaced Kluivert after this, but the chances we were getting were all from distance.
I made a few tweaks and replaced Borini with Asoro with 10 mins to go and Paterson for Dozzell.
We can't find another though and it ends 1-1.
It's puts as top as QPR lose to Villa. Only on goal difference tho!
#380431 Saving Sunderland (Youth Project)
Jon Harrod
After the last match, I thought we better go back to a full strength side for the Wolves match.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Matthews, Dozzell, Watmore, Lens and Asoro.
After just 8 mins, Jones picked up an injury and needed to be subbed off. Matthews coming on to replace him.
Shortly after, we take the lead. It's a stunning strike from outside the box by Ndong after a knock down by Cattermole.
2 mins later and we score another. This time, it's a cross from Matthews turned in from close range by Borini.
Both teams have a few long range efforts, and then, just as I think we're going in at 2-0, Khazri slides a great ball into the box at the feet of Kluivert, who lifts it over the oncoming keeper for 3.
We start the second half strongly too, forcing a few saves. On the hour mark, I take off Cattermole, who's on a yellow, and bring on Dozzell.
Wolves hit the post on 69 mins, while Kluivert looks like scoring a couple of mins later only to be caught offside. As we go into the last 10 mins, Kone picks up a second yellow card. I was about to sub a tired Ndong, so still do so but bring on McNair to sit where Kone should be.
The 11 men see more of the ball for the remainder of the game, but we see it out 3-0.
Jones will only be out for a week with a slight chest injury.