Cats boss needs the time, says Leadbitter

Apr 15 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Leadbitter’s loyalty to the manager is understandable – he has been involved in all seven of Sunderland’s most recent games, one of his best runs in the team since the Black Cats were promoted to the Premier League.

But he knows victory is required in a game of huge importance for everyone at the club.

“It is the biggest game since the play-off final back in the 90s. It is the biggest game I can remember. It is a massive game for the club. It’s a six-pointer and we have to win,” he said.

“People might say I’ve been fine because I’ve played games but it’s not like that. I’ve not had a bad run over the last five or six games but we haven’t won games and that’s really all that matters.

“Football is all about the team – it’s not about individuals. Now we need to get 10 or 11 points and we can only do that as a team. We need to do it for everyone at the club. We’ve got to win – simple as that.”

Leadbitter believes the home crowd have a vital role to play against Hull.

After the frustration of the Wigan defeat, when Dean Whitehead expressed his displeasure with some sections of the crowd for turning on the team, there was a greater feeling of unity for the visit of Manchester United.

And the 23-year-old wants to see that replicated on Saturday. “We need the fans to get behind the team for 90 minutes, like they did on Saturday, not just for spells,” he said.

“I know they have been frustrated with us before but that’s gone. The fans need to get behind us – they need to create a good atmosphere.

“We need the supporters to be like they once were and help make the stadium into a fortress for the next few matches.”