Cats are pulling in same direction
Mar 17 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
PHIL Bardsley insists Sunderland's first-team squad is still united as they look to banish the lingering spectre of relegation following the weekend’s home defeat by Wigan Athletic.
The Black Cats’ inability to beat either Tottenham Hotspur or Wigan at the Stadium of Light means the recovery under manager Ricky Sbragia has come to a shuddering halt.
That has helped re-ignite rumours that things are not going well behind the scenes, with dressing room splits and a lack of respect for Sbragia from some high-profile individuals.
The situation has also not been helped by captain Dean Whitehead’s decision to air his frustration in a post-match interview regarding the fans’ lack of backing against Wigan.
Although his comments were kept quiet by the club’s media department, they had already been aired on BBC Radio Newcastle and were subsequently picked up on internet sites, with many supporters incensed by Whitehead’s attitude towards them.
With just three points separating the Black Cats from the relegation places and with away games at Manchester City and West Ham – as well as a home game against reigning Premier League champions Manchester United – coming up, nerves are jangling again on Wearside.
Bardsley, though, is a cool head in an heated environment as he insisted the bond between Sunderland’s players would not break under the strain.
He said: “We are heading in the right direction and we are doing
the right things, we just have to make sure we keep doing them and try not to let our concentration slip.
“As long as we keep working hard, improving, then it can only stand us in good stead in the league.
“You get punished if you make mistakes at this level, but we are all in it together.
“We win together, draw together and lose together.”
