Don Goodman yet to make mind up on Sunderland after ‘mess’ of last season
Don Goodman admits he does not have the “foggiest” exactly where Sunderland will finish in this season’s Championship.
The Black Cats endured a disappointing campaign last time out, but they made a bright start to 2024-25 with a 2-0 win away at Cardiff City.
Goodman was impressed by the manner of their victory, but says tougher tests await – starting with the visit of early pacesetters Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday (18 August).
“They’re one of 12 to 15 clubs that I have not got the foggiest idea what to expect from them,” he exclusively told Mackem News.
“They had a great away win at Cardiff – differently to how they’ve done it in recent years – but does that mean they should be aiming for a play-off spot?
“Honestly, I haven’t got a clue. I’ll see them up close this weekend against Sheffield Wednesday, and that’ll give me a better understanding of where they’re at against an impressive Sheffield Wednesday side.
“Hopefully they can have a fantastic season, but after the mess of last season, it’s hard to know exactly what their ambitions are.”
Sunderland should aim for play-offs
Former Sunderland striker Goodman is not wrong in that it is hard to predict exactly where Sunderland are right now.
With this being the Championship, though, you are seemingly only ever a few good results in a row away from breaking into the play-offs.
The opposite is also true, of course – a few losses on the spin and all of a sudden you’re certain to be relegated.
Sunderland are ultimately in a group of teams in which it could go either way. The first competitive game under Regis Le Bris was hugely encouraging.
Next up is a difficult home test against Sheffield Wednesday, who thumped Plymouth Argyle 4-0 in their opener.
Even after that game we will still not be all that clear what the aims are for the season, but there is no reason why finishing in the top six should not be in the thoughts of Le Bris.
In other Sunderland news, a youngster looks set to move to Aston Villa.
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