Durhamfootman wrote:I wish Sunderland well, but I think Sunderland would get crushed next season if they somehow made it back into the Prem. It's incredible that they've made it to the play offs. I think they only have one striker and he has been out for a while. The owners would probably have to make a Chelsea sized investment to become even remotely competitive and whoever they are (think it might be a young chap from a monied family) they haven't done that yet. Still..... that might happen if they got into the cash rich Premier League.
Middlesbrough would be better placed to give it a go, of the two Northern sides. Michael Carrick has done a terrific job since he took over and the owner (presumably still Steve Gibson) has history of backing his managers to the hilt with his cash.
Yeah, I spoke to my old man (Sunderland fan) the other night about whether he was excited for the playoffs, and he said exactly the same thing - If Sunderland win, they will be annihilated in the PL. He was saying all their best players are on loan, small squad, would be hell on Earth in the PL.
Steve Gibson is still the Middlesbrough owner, but he is no longer rich enough in the context of modern football to give Middlesbrough any spending power. Having a 150 million in the bank 20 years ago meant you could splash a bit around, but one Forest sides transfer window would bankrupt him in 2023.
I think Coventry, Luton and Sunderland are better stories for me, no offence to the smoggies intended!