Sunderland underwent a challenging season in the Championship, finishing 16th and narrowly avoiding relegation after initially being considered as play-off contenders. The team struggled towards the end of the season, winning only one of their last seven matches and finishing just six points above the relegation zone. This disappointing finish came after high hopes following their League One play-off victory in 2022, which saw them return to the Championship after four years in the third tier.
The club has been through significant changes since their relegation from the Premier League in 2017, experiencing their second successive relegation to League One during the 2017/18 season. Despite nearly bouncing straight back up to the Championship, they suffered play-off heartbreak in the 2021/22 season, losing to Charlton in the final. This season, with multiple managerial changes and a young squad, Sunderland failed to deliver on expectations and finished well off the top-six positions they were initially competing for.
The club legend Gary Bennett voiced his concerns about the lack of experience in the squad and the need for a new manager who can deliver immediate results rather than focusing on a specific style of play. With a young and talented squad, Bennett believes that the addition of experienced players could help Sunderland achieve a successful season in the Championship. The club is still searching for a permanent manager after having three different managers last season, including an interim appointment till the end of the campaign.
As speculation surrounds their next manager, Sunderland will be looking to find someone who can lead the team to better results next season. The club’s focus is on building a competitive squad with a good mix of youth and experience to ensure a successful campaign in the Championship. Sunderland finished the last season with a disappointing run of results, but the foundation is there for a potentially strong season if the right balance can be achieved within the team.
With a young squad and promising talent like Jobe Bellingham, Pierre Ekwah, and Jack Clarke, Sunderland has the potential for a bright future if they can find the right blend of players. The focus for the upcoming season will be on getting results on the pitch, regardless of the style of football played, to ensure a successful campaign. Frontrunners for the manager position include Bo Svensson, Rene Maric, Danny Rohl, and Will Still, as Sunderland aims to bounce back from a disappointing season and compete at a higher level in the upcoming Championship campaign.
In conclusion, Sunderland’s 2021/22 season was filled with ups and downs, ultimately leading to a 16th-place finish in the Championship. The club is looking to regroup, appoint a new manager, and build a competitive squad for the upcoming season. With the right balance of youth and experience, Sunderland aims to improve on their recent performances and compete for a higher position in the Championship. The club’s fans remain hopeful for a successful campaign and are looking forward to seeing how the team will fare under new leadership in the upcoming season.
