Anton Ferdinand says Sunderland never lacked confidence
Apr 22 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
ANTON Ferdinand believes Saturday’s crucial win over Hull City has lifted spirits at Sunderland – but the defender is adamant it was fortune, not confidence, the Black Cats had been missing as they drifted down the Premier League table.
Beating the Tigers was so important because it ended a run of seven matches without a win, Sunderland’s worst sequence of the season. But Ferdinand felt that the fact Lady Luck smiled on them that day was perhaps more significant.
The only goal of the game, from striker Djibril Cissé, ought to have been disallowed as Kenwyne Jones’ later effort was. Both men put the ball in the net from offside positions. But the Wearsiders could point to numerous other examples this season where they have justifiably felt hard done by.
“The win on Saturday lifts a big weight off us, definitely,” said Ferdinand. “It gives us more confidence. But the boys haven’t been lacking for confidence or belief – maybe we’ve missed that bit of luck, but not confidence.
“It’s just good to get back to winning ways for the fans and we can look at the table again.”
The win put Sunderland on 35 points – four points and three places above the relegation zone with five games to play. Some observers believe victory over West Bromwich Albion – which would bring their first back-to-back successes since the last time they played Hull and West Brom – would all but guarantee the Black Cats’ place in next season’s Premier League.
Ferdinand, though, is refusing to think in such terms.
“I’m not putting any kind of target or anything on it,” he said. “I don’t want to say one more win, two more wins. We’re just taking each game as it comes and looking to win every single game we play from now until the end of the season.
“It might not happen but that’s the kind of mentality you’ve got to go out on the pitch with.”
In recent weeks Ferdinand has revived his central defensive pairing with Calum Davenport, on loan from his former club West Ham United. The much-travelled 26-year-old partnered Ferdinand in Sunderland’s last two matches, the second of which brought their first clean sheet since February.
“I played with Calum on many occasions for a different club and he’s a fantastic player,” he said.
“The whole back four, including Craig (Gordon), was outstanding against Hull. It was professional – a really good team performance. That was what got us the win.” Saturday’s game at the Hawthorns will give manager Ricky Sbragia the opportunity for a close-up view of two of the men set to feature prominently on his list of summer transfer targets.
The Scot is reportedly considering moves for the Baggies’ former Middlesbrough pair of James Morrison and Jonathan Greening.
There are a whole host of imponderables to be overcome first but even then it looks highly unlikely Greening can be lured back to the North East.
The 30-year-old started his career under Sbragia at York City, and the pair think highly of one another. But Greening has publicly stated his desire to sign a new contract with Albion despite their impending relegation – and it is understood he is loathe to leave the club he captains.
Scotland international Morrison is a more realistic target, although Sunderland would face competition from other clubs, probably headed by Bolton Wanderers, for the services of the industrious right-sided midfielder.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s reserves can complete a league and cup double at Pride Park tonight. The Black Cats entertain Derby County in the final of the League Cup at 7pm.
Neil Bailey’s side won the Premier Reserve League (North) last week.
