‘I don’t think…’: Sunderland’s ‘big asset’ is not the ‘problem’ despite critcism – journalist.
Kristjaan Speakman has been protected after receiving harsh criticism from Sunderland supporters recently.
Kristjaan Speakman has faced criticism for Sunderland’s quick collapse this season, with the team currently ranked tenth in the Championship due to questionable actions.
After Tony Mowbray’s dismissal in December, supporters expected a better replacement, but were disappointed when Michael Beale took over.
The former Rangers manager won four of his 12 games in charge, and the Black Cats finished five points out of the playoffs. Mike Dodds has led them to further defeats against Swansea City and Norwich.
Speakman has also been criticism for allowing more experienced players like Danny Batth and Alex Pritchard to leave while hesitating to recruit a proven striker.
Many fans have asked for the sporting director to leave the club following a succession of dismal transfer windows. However, journalist Michael Graham has maintained that he is not the issue.
Graham posted on X: “FWIW, I do not believe Kristjaan Speakman is the issue at #SAFC. Of course, he is not perfect, but I believe he is a valuable asset.
“As I’ve previously stated, I believe the club and supporters are on totally different timescales. I’m not sure what the solution is there.”
Does Kristjaan Speakman deserve this criticism?
Kristjaan Speakman joined Sunderland in December 2020 and was there during the appointments of Lee Johnson, Alex Neil, Tony Mowbray, and Michael Beale.
He also oversaw the arrivals of Ross Stewart and Trai Hume. Patrick Roberts, Dennis Cirkin, Jack Clarke, Amad Diallo, Dan Ballard, and Aji Alese.
However, there is no disputing that he appears to have entirely lost the plot since our promotion to the Championship.
Over the last year, Speakman has signed Isaac Lihadji, Eliezer Mayenda, Nectarios Triantis, and Mason Burstow. He has had three different window to bring in a proven goalscorer, but the only one with Championship experience was Joe Gelhardt in January.
Speakman has done some fantastic work for the club, but there is no doubting that what he has done since is truly costing us. Taking us back five steps has nothing to do with a’very different timeframe to supporters’.
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