Andrew Taylor's firm message on Sunderland squad and managerial vacancy after Burton frustration

Andrew Taylor says he still believes this Sunderland squad is enough to win promotion from League One.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A frustrating 1-1 draw with Burton Albion means the Black Cats have now won just two of their last ten games in all competitions.

They have not beaten a team with eleven players on the pitch since a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on October 20th.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tuesday night’s dropped points have left Sunderland five points off the automatic promotion spots, but Taylor says he is convinced they have what it takes.

Caretaker boss Andrew TaylorCaretaker boss Andrew Taylor
Caretaker boss Andrew Taylor

“Can this squad win promotion? One hundred per cent, yes,” he said.

"I still believe in this squad. I think we’ve got a good squad, a good mixture of experience and a bit of youth. It’s tough playing for Sunderland because you’re the big club in the league.

"People raise their game when they play against you. But you’ve got to rise to the challenge. I’ve said it to the lads constantly this season, and again yesterday. We all have to rise to the challenge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Yes, we’ve got a bit of a different challenge now with the manager going and the uncertainty around that, but even previous to that, we all have to rise to the challenge of being involved with Sunderland.

"I certainly believe the players are good enough to achieve the goal of promotion. There’s still a long way to go, and we’re not a million miles off it, and we’ve got to keep believing.”

Taylor is currently unsure whether he will be in charge when Wigan Athletic visit the Stadium of Light next week.

The caretaker boss says he is convicned there will shortage of quality applicants for the vacancy.

“One hundred per cent it’s an appealing job,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This is a massive club, it’s a Premier League club. If Sunderland Football Club does not appeal to you as a player or as a manager, in terms of wanting to challenge yourself and have the pressures of a Premier League club on your shoulders, then there’s something wrong.

"It’s a huge club, and I’m sure it will attract a lot of people who will be interested in the job. It’s just up to the people above, the board, to decide what the plan is going forwards.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor