JACK UNLUCKY TO GET SUCH SHORT SHRIFT
IT IS a tough task to be a football manager in 2019. And if evidence was needed, just take a look at the case of Jack Ross. Sunderland may not have made the best start to the new League One season by the standards expected for a club of their size. But after two Wembley appearances last season and an early top six position this season too, he simply must feel very harshly treated. Don’t get me wrong, the club will have their reasons for making the decision. And it is important to respect those. Owners have the ability and the right to make their own decisions. It doesn’t matter whether everybody understands those decisions or not. Football is a very public arena but, trust me, it is also an arena in which truths are often very well hidden. Both clubs and managers are very discreet about realities. Whatever the truth, I feel for Jack. His record at Sunderland was that he won just over 50 per cent of his 75 games in charge at the Stadium of Light and that cannot be described as anything but an excellent record. The club look well set to build on last season and deliver promotion back to the Championship. If anybody was in doubt about their intentions, this sacking most certainly announces just how determined they are to deliver. With or without Jack, I’ll be shocked if they don’t go on to achieve their goal now. They have the players, they have the fans and stadium, and they clearly have the most serious, ruthless edge. I hope that Jack’s clearly positive contribution to this point is well remembered as his job search begins.