Andrew Taylor's firm message on Sunderland squad and managerial vacancy after Burton frustration
and live on Freeview channel 276
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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTuesday 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.
“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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
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.”