LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Sunderland legend claims relegation for former club could be blessing in disguise

Michael Gray in action for Sunderland against Newcastle (Reuters)
Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland are firmly rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Michael Gray - Sheffield Wednesday substituteMichael Gray during his time at Sheffield Wednesday

Sunderland legend Michael Gray has urged his former club to stand by David Moyes, but made the bold claim that relegation may be a blessing in disguise for the Black Cats, when speaking to talkSPORT.

The Wearside outfit have been abysmal so far this season, and their return of two draws and seven losses from their opening nine Premier League outings leaves them rock bottom of the table, five points adrift of safety.

Gray, who made 412 appearances for the Black Cats during a 12-year spell with the club, discussed Sunderland’s current predicament when speaking to talkSPORT:

“I just don’t see where it’s going to change. That’s not down to David Moyes. He didn’t really have the opportunity in the summer to bring in a lot of players because he took over so late. Maybe dropping down to the Championship would be a blessing in disguise. Then David Moyes could start building from the ground up, from the foundations to what he needs to get us back in the Premier League and then move forward.”

Sunderland manager David MoyesSunderland manager David Moyes

There is certainly something a miss at the Stadium of light. Sam Allardyce leaving to take on the England manager’s job so close to the start of the Premier League season would most definitely not have helped, but it is hard to fathom how a team with so many quality players are in the position they are currently in.

Maybe Gray has a point. Do the players, despite their quality, possess the necessary attributes to help Sunderland scrap their way to safety?

Sunderland manager David MoyesSunderland manager David Moyes

It is highly doubtful to say the least. Moyes should be given a chance to prove himself, and it will most likely take at least another two transfer windows for him to get it right.

Things don’t get any easier for the Black Cats, next up – a home game against second placed Arsenal.

Sunderland manager David MoyesSunderland manager David Moyes