I did not see sack coming
EX-BOSS OPENS UP ON DEPARTURE – AND WISHES CLUB’S FANS WELL
FORMER Sunderland boss Michael Beale says he wishes the club well and admitted he didn’t see his sacking coming just a week after a win against Plymouth Argyle.
The 43-year-old was dismissed from the head coach role after only 12 games in charge in what can be described as an ill-fated time for him.
Beale had arrived from Scottish giants Rangers to take over from Tony Mowbray and conceded it was a switch in management that the fans didn’t want, which put him on the back foot.
That 3-1 Plymouth success on February 10 is the last time The Black Cats won at home, and since then they have gone on a shocking run of results which has seen them sink to 13th in the table. Speaking on Sky Sports,
Beale opened up for the first time about his departure. “It was a disappointing period for everyone, not just myself, for the people inside the club, the players and the fans,” he said. “Everyone went into it with the right intentions, of course. In terms of the league results we were always between sixth and ninth position. We were always within three points [of the play-offs].
“The weekend before I left we had a fantastic home result against Plymouth and won 3-1. You wouldn’t have thought at that moment I would be leaving a week later.
“The owner there [Kyril Louis-dreyfus] has got a real unique way in which he wants his club to work. I think he should be applauded for it because it’s with young players.”
Beale wanted to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window and added: “There were a few discussions inside the club and we weren’t able to bring in one or two that might have helped us a bit more.
“But I think there’s a lot of good things happening at Sunderland. The passion for the club from the fans is fantastic as well.” His relationship with the supporters was not a good one, and he remarked: “It’s difficult when you go into a club but I think you have to acknowledge the fans probably didn’t want the change.”
“They are ultimately not in control of that. The change was made with Tony Mowbray leaving after doing a good job.
“But I think the big thing is now with the Sunderland squad, I think it’s very talented in terms of technical ability but needs a bit of experience within the team to get over the line.
“Even in the games since I’ve left and Mike Dodds has taken the team, the results have not been probably what they’ve deserved from their performances and a little bit of nous and experience could probably help the group.
“Last year they certainly had that, I think, in the forward positions.
“And that has been an area where the team has struggled this year and I think moving forward everyone at Sunderland would like them to bring in an established number nine who can lead the line for the team. I really wish them well.”