Cats star on taking move to Wearside over Clarets
DANIEL Ballard has explained why he chose a move to newlypromoted Sunderland over a switch to Championship promotion favourites Burnley last summer.
The Northern Ireland centreback was on his way out of Arsenal 12 months ago and had the opportunity to join Vincent Kompany’s Clarets.
While Kompany was keen to bring him to Turf Moor, Ballard instead opted for a move to Sunderland - who began the season looking to re-establish themselves in the second tier after winning promotion from League One via the play-offs - because he believed he could become a more ‘pivotal’ part of the team on Wearside.
“He was very complimentary,” Ballard said of Kompany.
“He said it was one of the positions he wanted to nail down and he felt I could perform what he wanted to do on the ball.
“Burnley had just come down from the Premier League and Sunderland had just come up from League One but felt I could play more of a pivotal role at Sunderland.
“Burnley have had a great season getting promotion but I feel I’m a big part of the Sunderland team.”
The 23-year-old joined when Alex Neil was head coach, although the Scot left at the end of August to take over at Stoke City and was replaced by Tony Mowbray, who has an excellent reputation for developing young talent.
Ballard said of Mowbray: “His man-management is his big strength.
“We all feel like he’s backing us and he gives us that confidence to play freely. The football we played is really good to watch.
“He knows we have great young technical players and he plays to our strengths.”
Sunderland far outperformed expectations as they finished sixth and secured a play-off spot, where they lost in the semi-finals against Luton Town who went on to win promotion.
Ballard added: “Last year maybe surprised us but the football we played and the talent we have is exciting.
“Hopefully we keep hold of the players we have and add some. “I feel a very good Championship player when I’m fit but hopefully we will have a great season again and this time reach the Premier League.”