Moyes plays down Short’s appearance in the stand
DAVID MOYES CONTINUES TO HAVE SUPPORT OF OWNER ELLIS SHORT WHO MADE RARE VISIT TO STADIUM
David Moyes played down the rare appearance of Sunderland owner Ellis Short at the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats’ relegation woes deepened.
Saturday’s 0-0draw with Burnley did little to boost the Wearsiders’ survival hopes, with Moyes admitting this was a game he had earmarked as one to win.
Sunderland are now seven points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League, with the Black Cats the only team in thebottomsixnottochange manager this season after Aitor Karanka’s departure from relegation rivals Middlesbrough on Thursday.
Moyes spoke with Short before and after the game and insists their relationship is fine.
The Echo understands that Moyes continues to have the support of Short and chief executive Martin Bain, despite the club’s struggles.
The American owner sat next to Bain in the directors’ box at the Stadium of Light, seeing Sunderland waste several good openings in the second half.
When asked about Short’s visit, Moyes said: “I spoke to the owner. Everything is fine.
“I suppose if you own a football club you are entitled to come and watch it!
“He is allowed to do that, yes.
“He was here and I saw him this morning. He is entitled to come along, it is all good.”
Moyes was remaining upbeat after the match despite his side’s failure to beat a Burnley side who haven’t won away from home all season.
And he said there is no doubt the players are still giving him everything – as he wouldn’t expect anything less.
“They are, definitely,” said Moyes when asked.
“I am a bit disappointed in the question: ‘they look like they are still trying and fighting for you?’
“I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”
The Scot added: “In my head, I had games that we have to win and games I would hope to draw in the run-in.
“This was one I’d hoped to win.
“It just means one of the games that I have down to get a draw, I will just have to turn it into a win.”