By George! Fan favourite
SIMON Grayson says George Honeyman’s infectiousinfectio personality has help helped as Sunderland’s new manager tries to spread positivity. With seven signings and more to come, Grays Grayson has over overhauled the squad rel relegated fr from the P Premier L League. Six have b e e n hea heavily involved and could all startst at Norwich City today. Of those he inherited, 22-year-old22-y midfielder Honeyman has arguablyar made the biggest impact. Maybe it is significant Hon Honeyman did not feature much under David Moyes, only starting three league matches, but much more important is a bubbly personal personality and an enthusiasm to take on the workload Grayson demandsdema as standard. It has made him popu- GEORGE Honeyman fulfilledfulfill his dream by scoring in front of the Sunderland fans and he has promised to keep putting in the work that is allow allowing him to live it.
Honeyman’s was the only go goal of the game as the Black Cats beat Bur Bury 1-0 to progress to the second round of the League Cup.
The 22-year-old from Prudho Prudhoe is the only boyhood fan in the side wh which has started the new campaign, and he has played with a determination thatth highlighted that.
“It was pretty special to score right in front of the (away) fans,” he said after his goal. “It was just pure joy. It’s so something I’ve always thought about.
“It was just pure emotion. I’m so happy.
“I’ll not forget the night – I kno know probably lots of people will! I’ll never forget it because it’s not often you score a winner.”
Having only started three league games last season, Honeyman’s motivation is to nail down a regular starting spot for the first time in his career. “When I found out I was in the team against Derby, all I wanted to do was stay in the team,” he said. “Every time I play I’m going to give it everything to make sure I’m in the team next week and take it one performance at a time. I’ve got to just keep producing and not thinking about what I’ve done.
“I’m not fussed where the manager plays me, I just want to be out on the pitch. He gives me good licence to get on the ball and try to make things happen.
“I still want to be better in the final third – I had a few crosses went in to the keeper and it wasn’t ideal. There’s definitely still stuff I can work on but as long as I keep trying to produce stuff for the manager, I can hopefully keep adding to it.”
And just as he wants to build momentum, so he hopes his team can, with a Championship trip to Norwich City today.
“The teams we’re playing at the minute are hopefully going to be our rivals at the end of the season so if we can get a