This was a typical end of term affair. For Chelsea, the equivalent of sweets and board games was in saying goodbye to Petr Chec and Didier Drogba and blue paper darts. Sunderland meanwhile, had the kind of teacher who intended to keep his students working right until the home time bell. That the players bought into it says a lot about the man in charge. It seems like they want him to stay. The fans definitely want him to stay. The Little General’s tears in his pre-match interview with Nick Barnes told us a lot about what managing Sunderland and steering us to safety has meant to him. He says he’ll decide on Thursday where his future lies – pipe and slippers, Dutch-style, as decreed by Mrs Advocaat, or a stab at doing what our other Great Escapologists have failed to do, propel the club to something greater than annual survival battles. Is there a hint in here that this could be his last post match e-mail to the great, the good and M Salut? I’ll leave you to read into it what you will.
Dear Colin,
It was a very positive performance. We played some good football and we had opportunities to score goals, but you can see the difference in quality and that is why they score easier than we do.
They had most of the possession but the way we work and control the passing is getting better and better every week.
I really enjoyed the game because the players tried to play more than we have before. We were very organised but we gave away two easy goals when there was no need to. Tiredness definitely played a part but the pressure wasn’t there today and sometimes having it can be a good thing.
What I saw today was good for the future. I have really enjoyed my time at the club.
We have great players and they have all worked hard to get the results we needed.
Thanks for your support,
Dick Advocaat
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“What I saw today was good for the future. I have really enjoyed my time at the club”
Sounds a bit ominous. I’d rather he said he was enjoiying his time at the club.
Looking too closely perhaps.
In the last three seasons we have become world beaters with ten games to go. This season it was more organised and less bull at a gate. If Dick stays he will take us forward in balance and planned way in a short time he understands what the Club stands for and it appears to have gotten under his skin. If he doesn’t stay as manager he may have another role, but he will probably regret leaving he enjoyed himself and isn’t ready for the rocking chair just yet
As I listen to the 1969 band Rare Bird, I just thank that we stayed up yet again. Newcastle, Sunderland and Hull all deserved to go down. Thankfully Hull took the final place.
Rare Bird are nicer than Sunderland’s game on the pitch and they are 45 years old. C’mon. Bring us into today!
Thanks Mr Advocaat, reading between the lines it seems that your retiring . I don’t blame you , you’ve earned it .Enjoy it sir and please tip us off about the next generation of Dutch superstars !
If he really thinks youve got great players he’s kidding himself and everybody else. Sentiments all very well but this is not the feller you need any more, let him be away to get his pipe
I’m not going to give you a thumbs down. You are just a tiresome troll.
At least he can get wins in crucial games. Enjoy your derbies with Leeds next season, and good luck