We are joined by @_GraemeAtkinson, a contributor to one of Sunderland’s most popular fan podcasts WiseMenSay, to discuss the Black Cats’ chances in the Championship.
First, let’s remind everyone what happened last campaign
After four long years in third tier of English football, Sunderland finally got their promotion back to the Championship last season. The season started with Lee Johnson as manager, who lasted until January despite a poor Christmas period before a 6-0 romping by Bolton saw him sacked.
He was replaced by the passionate Alex Neil, who led Sunderland to 13 games unbeaten to see out the League One season and clinch a play-off spot.
A 93rd minute winner from Patrick Roberts in the second leg of the semi-final vs Sheffield Wednesday saw them book a Wembley showdown with Wycombe Wanderers. Goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart guided the Black Cats to a 2-0 win, sealing promotion back to the Championship for the first time since 2018.
So, what do the supporters think about Alex Neil?
@GraemeAtkinson (GA): Neil just feels like the right cultural fit. His arrival was slightly protracted following a rather public courtship with Roy Keane but in the short time he has been here the Scot has galvanised the club, building confidence which was fragile at best and achieving promotion under the arch at Wembley. As such I don’t feel there has been a manager/head coach here on Wearside with as much backing from supporters since Sam Allardyce.
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What key signings have been made this summer?
Daniel Ballard
22-year-old Ballard makes the switch to Wearside from Arsenal after spending the last two seasons on loan at Blackpool (promoted from League One to Championship) and making 31 appearances for Millwall on loan in the 21/22 campaign.
As well as previous Championship, he arrives with international experience and has made 15 appearances for Northern Ireland since his debut in September 2020. WhoScored’s Ben McAleer pointed out that “he has won more aerial duels than any other player in the UEFA Nations League this season”. He has joined on a three-year-deal worth around £2million.
And who’s headed out?
Aidan McGeady
Fan favourite McGeady leaves the club to join Hibernian on a free transfer. The Republic of Ireland international joined Sunderland in 2017, making 149 appearances and scoring 36 goals. The winger made 14 appearances last season on the way to his side’s successful promotion campaign.
What do the fans make of the transfer window so far?
GA: The summer transfer window has been slow and steady thus far. The arrival of Ballard from Arsenal as well as bringing Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts back is good business. Tying down Lyndon Gooch, Bailey Wright and Anthony Patterson to new contracts should also be applauded.
However, there are still some obvious gaps in the squad that need to be addressed and quickly. For example, there is currently only one recognised striker at the club in Ross Stewart and one senior goalkeeper. Everything can't fall into place overnight and that should be recognised but another five or six players are needed urgently in my opinion.
Who does oddschecker see as their star man?
Centre-forward Stewart will be looking to continue his scoring form in League One into the Championship that saw him win the league’s joint-highest scorer (26) with Wigan’s Will Keane.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club, potentially to Rangers, however Sunderland fans will be keen to have him leading the line for the upcoming season. The Scotsman can be backed at 25/1 to be the Championship's top-goalscorer next season.
And does Graeme agree?
GA: It would be nice to see midfielder Dan Neil make the step up into the Championship and perform well but it is hard to look past striker Stewart as being the likely stand-out performer. His form last season was outstanding, and he has the tools to be a force in the forthcoming campaign.
What should we expect from them in 2022/23?
As always, expect a season of ups and downs at the Stadium of Light, I don’t think anybody would be surprised if they won the league at a canter or were relegated bottom of the table.
Does that sound about right, Graham?
GA: I don’t think me or anyone at WiseMenSay see Sunderland AFC getting promoted to the Premier League next season. But that's not to say it can’t be a successful one, relatively speaking. Although the campaign is yet to get underway and we don’t know how well Neil’s men will perform, I would snap your hands off for 65 points right now.
Where do the odds project them to finish?
Sunderland are currently 12th favourites in the Championship winner betting market at a best price of 33/1 (20/1 shortest). They are 9/1 to be promoted and a similar 17/2 to be relegated.
Any recommended bets?
The similar prices quoted for promotion and relegation suggests that the bookies are undecided as to how Sunderland will cope with the step up from League One. Therefore, star man Stewart at 25/1 in the top goalscorer market could be where the value is.
