Colin Randall writes: election day and we probably all deserve a break. Let us turn away from Brown, Cameron and Clegg, think about Sunday’s last game of the Premier League season …. and welcome Jody Craddock*.
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Jody served Sunderland well, earning the lasting affection of our supporters before moving on. At Wolverhampton Wanderers he has been a pivotal figure in getting the club up and keeping them up and won effusive praise recently for a man-of-the-match display against Stoke. He has also continued to develop his gift for painting. Salut! Sunderland was honoured that he was willing to answer questions – set by Pete Sixsmith, me and subscribers to the Blackcats e-mail list – ahead of that final game: Wolves v SAFC. Here’s part one …
PART ONE
Salut! Sunderland: What is your view of the reasons for things going wrong after Sunderland’s two seventh place finishes under Peter Reid?
When safc finished 7th twice I feel it was all about balance with the majority of the team being British and a scattering of quality foreign players. The following seasons before we got relegated I feel the balance wasn’t quite right. Vague I know, but we were all to blame as we didn’t play well enough.
Who is the best professional Yorkshireman; Howard Wilkinson or Mick McCarthy?
I can only answer this based on my experiences and I have been managed by Mick McCarthy longer so have a better relationship and understanding with him.
How embarrassing was the 19 point season and did all the players feel it equally – go on, slag someone off. Don’t be a nice guy all your life.
Being relegated is not only embarrassing but seriously tests you as a person. The blame cannot be pinpointed onto individuals but on the whole squad…..
My mate called his German Shepherd Jody in tribute to you. What are your views on that and dogs being named after footballers?
No problem at all being named after a dog as long as its not a poodle or chihuahua.
Do you envisage playing in the lower leagues when you finally leave Wolves or will it be pack-up time?
I don’t mind playing in the lower leagues … it’s where I started as a player it all depends on how the body feels when my time at Wolves is up.
Wolves having stayed up, do you see Mick McCarthy moving towards a more expansive style of football next year?
I feel the gaffer’s style of football will remain pretty much the same. Why change the recipe if it works?
Who is the most entertaining and amusing player you have worked with at Sunderland. And who was the most miserable?
The funniest person was Mick the masseur. And as for miserable I can’t think of anyone – unless we lost then Peter Reid wasn’t best pleased.
Sunderland fans have a big place for you in their hearts not least because they see you as an antidote to the flash buggers in the Premier League. Are those feelings reciprocated and how do Wolves fans compare? I find them a bit moany.
Both sets of fans have been great towards me. Sunderland fans are always fantastic when I return up there. The Wolves fans after a unsteady start have, I feel, warmed towards me. I would be foolish to compare them.
What are your most treasured memories of your time in Sunderland.
Beating Newcastle…. wahey….
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW (FRIDAY MAY 10)
* Jody Craddock’s art can be viewed and purchased at his website by clicking this link