Wearside’s so wearing on Coleman
CHRIS COLEMAN is quickly realising that his new job at Sunderland is precisely the poison chalice he was warned about.
A confident Coleman arrived on Wearside last month upbeat about his hopes of sparking a Black Cats revival.
But, within three weeks, his mood and tone are noticeably more pessimistic.
A more candid Coleman (above) talked last week with a whiff of despondency about “running into brick walls” and ”sliding down banks” as he battled to find new players, minus any apparent transfer kitty.
As skint Sunderland flirt with back-to-back relegations, Coleman has publicly conceded players must depart if he wants to add new blood.
His first home game saw sorry Sunderland booed off after a 3-1 loss to Reading. Coleman was forced to admit he’d accept the booing as long as the dwindling fan base kept the faith.
The anger and desertion are understandable as Sunderland haven’t won on Wearside since December 2016 – English football’s worst-ever home run.
Coleman quit Wales, insisting his “eyes were wide open” to the financial constraints and the spiral of decline at Sunderland.
But many seasoned observers were staggered that, having so impressively taken Wales to the Euro 2016 semifinals, he’d quickly gamble with his reputation.
His predecessor Simon Grayson, left with an inadequate squad after a relegation firesale, was sacked after 18 games.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes rejected the job after doing his own due diligence.
The warning signs were there. But Coleman ignored them and decided to take on what is a massive challenge.
Sunderland’s problem isn’t the fans – they averaged 42,000 or so during their Premier League relegation battles. And it isn’t simply down to managers, coaches or players, though some must share responsibility. No, the overwhelming reason Sunderland are a failing club is weak, indecisive leadership from absentee American owner Ellis Short (above) and poor decisionmaking from a series of chief executives and boards of directors.
When a club like Sunderland keeps shooting itself in the foot, managers such as Coleman and Grayson are asked to undertake mission impossible.
Inevitably, they are destined to fail.
Only new owners can save the Black Cats.