DROP’S OWN
If we go down, then blame me says Sunderland boss Coleman
CHRIS COLEMAN has fronted up to Sunderland’s possible relegation this weekend and conceded: Blame me.
The Wearside chief has gone from European Championship semifinalist with Wales, to the brink of League One in 21 months.
He took charge of the Black Cats on November 19 last year, 20 games into the season, and says if the likely happens, and they suffer a second consecutive drop, it will be on his watch.
In reality, a catalogue of mismanagement and money wastage over a decade has led Sunderland to the brink of the third tier for only the second time in their history.
The list of cock-ups is lengthy. Owner Ellis Short cut his subsidy, which ran at £20-25million a season for several years, which meant the club had little chance of bouncing straight back to the top flight.
But even with a £35m parachute payment this season, sacked boss Simon Grayson and Coleman have been unable to lift an ailing squad.
Rock-bottom Sunderland face second-bottom Burton tomorrow in a last chance at redemption, six points adrift of safety.
Coleman said: “If we’re relegated, it’s on my watch. I knew that when I walked through the door.
“I know people maybe thought I was hasty in coming, with the position the club was in, but I came to manage Sunderland. That hasn’t changed.
“I’m right in the middle of this. If you are the manager of a football club and you walk in the front door, into this situation, if you have any type of experience, and I’ve got plenty, you know what you are walking into.
“The carrot of managing Sunderland was too big for me to concentrate on the problems that could come with it.
“But it’s my team now, whatever I’ve got, I’ve got. I’m not going to sit there thinking that I’m not a part of this. I’m right in the middle of it.
“It’s been an incredibly tough six months but, come what may, I came to manage Sunderland and that’s what I’m doing.
“I’ve been relegated as a player and it’s the worst feeling, it never leaves you.
“We’re not there yet, though, and, fingers crossed, it doesn’t happen. It’s on my watch, though, and it’s something that will stay with me, that’s for sure.”
Coleman, 47, has seen an upturn in form lately, and the defence is still leaky, but a win could keep it alive for another week.
He added: “The way this season has gone, it was always going to come down to this (match with Burton). Whoever loses could be relegated.
“We’ve won two games at home all season, our form has been indifferent, and a lot of times poor at the Stadium Of Light.
“I’m not surprised it’s come to this. It’s destiny, if you like. But it’s all on it and, if you get a result when it’s like that, it’s a great feeling.
“If we perform and get something, it’s great. That’s what we’ll be trying to do.”
If we’re relegated it’s on my watch. I’m right in the middle of this.