Gibson’s Ramside rant pays dividends
SIMON Grayson was not 100% sure how Darron Gibson’s pre-season video nasty would play out but he hopes it can now be confined to history.
Gibson was secretly filmed at Ramside Hall Hotel apparently the worse for wear for drink after Sunderland’s final pre-season fixture, openly criticising the lack of commitment from some team-mates.
While Gibson has accepted his behaviour was wrong, his comments arguably needed saying, and looking back, manager Grayson thinks they may have helped to get dressing-room grievances out in the open.
Certainly there have been no question marks about the effort the Black Cats players have put in since – least of all Gibson, who ran the game on Thursday as they beat League One Bury in the League Cup.
“Possibly it helped to clear the air a little bit,” said Grayson when asked. “Nobody knew how it was going to pan out after the incident happened, but the club dealt with it as quickly as possible and in the right manner. Everything has been accepted by the parties involved and ultimately we’ll move on now.
“It’s part of the history books and it’s something players have got to learn from.
“Hopefully we’re not talking about it too often.” Having been an unused substitute on the opening night of the Championship, it was important Gibson backed up his X-rated words with actions.
He was excellent at Gigg Lane, showing passing skills to match his industry.
With Lee Cattermole likely to return at Carrow Road having been wrapped in cotton wool on Thursday, Gibson has made a strong argument that he should not be the one to make way.
“I had no hesitation in playing Darron,” said Grayson. “It’s all part of football that when you’re given an opportunity you take it, and both players showed what they’re capable of.
“There’s been no fall-out from the incident. We’ve dealt with it and moved on and I think you’ve seen a team committed to getting a positive result and performance.”