Simon Grayson addressed the media this morning at the Academy of Light ahead of Saturday's home clash against Leeds United.
- Interview: McGeady wants to make the SOL a fortress.
- Cash turnstiles will be in operation for home fans tomorrow.
- Matchday uncovered: A look back on how the lads performed at Wednesday.
Streamed live on Facebook, the gaffer talked about the arrival of his former club on Wearside, the 1973 FA Cup final and transfers.
Here are the key talking points...
UNBEATEN AND HUNGRY FOR MORE
SG: “We have had a tough start with the schedule we’ve had with Derby at home and then Bury, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday away, to remain unbeaten is a positive start for us. We are pleased with it but we still know we have got things to do to improve. Ask any manager after three league games and a cup game (if they would like to remain unbeaten) then they would take that. You have got to deal with that (expectations) all the time. You have got to deal with people being negative when you lose a couple of games, that’s just part of being at a club the size of Sunderland. We try to remain level headed, the staff and the players, but you have got to allow people to enjoy themselves when things are going well because sometimes that’s been something that has been missing at this football club.”
OLD TEAM LEEDS UNITED COME TO TOWN
SG: “These are the games players want to be involved in and look forward to. It will be a great atmosphere. Leeds will have a great following, they have started the season well and are unbeaten so we are expecting it to be tough. I watched them on Tuesday night against Fulham and they have got some talented players. But again, any team will realise we are a decent outfit and that we have started the season well. It is a game we want to enjoy, thrive on and keep the run going that we have maintained so far.”
GRADEL & SNODGRASS LINKED
SG: “We want to bring players in. We missed out on Max Gradel the other day which was unfortunate because the young lad wanted to come three weeks ago. We had a deal agreed with Bournemouth but he started pre-season so well which meant Bournemouth wanted to keep him around. It just shows you the calibre of player we are looking at. He would’ve been a good player for us but we move onto other targets now. As things stand if any money came from players going out then maybe there would be an option to go and spend some money. If we are left with the squad we have got on September 1, with one or two additions, then I would be more than satisfied. We have got some good players, strength in-depth but ultimately, who knows what’s going to happen in the next 10 days or so. When people like Snodgrass come available you would be foolish to not consider it. Again, that would be a deal that would be dictated by finances. He is a good footballer who I enjoyed working with at Leeds. Would he be a good addition to Sunderland? Of course, he is a good footballer. Can we do it? Who knows but we might ask the question.”
