What Absolute Twaddle

Now I know I said I was done with the hockey folks, but this has riled me beyond belief.

Today, as you must be aware, David Simms, Mike O’Connor and David Matsos have left the Sheffield Steelers, seemingly as a protest against owner Bob Phillips, and an attempt to force a change of ownership.

Now then, no problem with that, I commend their honour and pride.

What I have a problem with is Steeltalk. According to the top banner, the forum is unofficial and independent from the Steelers. So explain this, from board admin Mark Mettam:

“Folks , In view of the latest news I am locking the forum down for a
while until I get chance to speak to the management to find out what is
happening , I dont want the board full of damaging rumour and
speculation . I will post an update as soon as I can.”

I’d have no problem if it was run by the club. But a couple of weeks ago it was made very definite that it wasn’t, and that it was unofficial. So why should we be censored in what we say? In the interests of the club? Ah yes, Bob Phillips hasn’t already come out and knackered that in the past few months with some of his comments, has he?

Again, I would agree if it was an official forum. But it isn’t. So by making a comment as such, it smacks of inside intererence. You cannot ban free speech and independent thought. If you were an official outlet you might moderate some comments, but remeber: you’re not.

What absolute twaddle this whole lark is, I wash my hands of it.

SAFC Signing: Cristian Riveros

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has signed midfielder Cristian Riveros from Cruz Azul on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old Paraguay international has made 45 appearances for his country and will represent the side at the World Cup in South Africa next month.

“He is a very creative midfielder and a player that will enhance our attacking options,” Bruce said.

I have no idea who he is, to be frank with you. However, two years ago Bruce tried to sign him for Wigan and was quoted £12m. This time its meant to have cost him a lot less.

I trust Bruce’s transfer policy. He had a proven track record at Wigan with plucking south Americans and making them great – see Palacios, Valencia, Figueroa, and discovering Rodallega. Lets hope this is another one, we’re in dire need for an out and out winger who can put a ball in.

As for the settling in factor, which Bruce always brings up, I’m hopeful that having Paulo Da Silva there will help him settle quicker.

Early days I know, but I can only see positives in this deal so far.

Match Review – Wolves 2-1 Sunderland

In a game that meant absolutely nothing, Sunderland still managed to lose a lead, and have two players sent off, in what can only be described as end-of-season convention.

Steelers In Shock NHLers Move

In a move meant to irritate and shock, officials from the Sheffield Steelers met with counterparts from the NHL side Florida Panthers to discuss a never-seen-before talent exchange.

Talks are afoot to swap players and coaches, to give the Steelers NHL experience and to give the Panthers a season off.

Officials from the UK’s Panthers, in Nottingham, are said to be seething, and are looking at doing the same with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and switching sports.

This post is for Steelerblackmore straight from cloud cuckoo land, bless his/her little cotton socks

Game Preview: Wolves vs Sunderland

A game that means absolutely nothing, I don’t really have much to say. Could be a few players’ last game for the club, can only be a good thing but there’ll be a post about that in a few days.

Matt Jarvis will return in midfield for Wolves after having a thigh strain.

Last Wolves XVIII (L1-3 v Portsmouth, a): Hahnemann; Zubar, Berra, Craddock, Elokobi, Foley (Guedioura 78), Henry, Mancienne (Ebanks-Blake 56), David Jones, Mujangi Bia (Iwelumo 46), Doyle. Subs not used: Ikeme, Edwards, Stearman, Milijas.

Sunderland welcome back Alan Hutton from his silly suspension, who’ll play the last game of his loan before hopefully joining on a permanent basis. Lee Cattermole dislocated his shoulder in training so will miss the game, as will David Meyler who tore cruciate ligaments against Man United last weekend.

Last Sunderland XVIII (L0-1 v Man Utd, h): Gordon; Bardsley, Turner, Mensah (Kilgallon 17), Richardson, Henderson (Jones 74), Meyler (Cattermole 37), Cana, Malbranque, Campbell, Bent. Subs not used: Carson, Ferdinand, Zenden, Da Silva.

PREDICTION:

I couldn’t care less, end of season, we’re safe, it doesn’t mean anything…hmm. I’ll be watching Chelsea or United I imagine.

Wearside Steel’s #SAFC End of Season Report Card

One more game away at Wolves that means nothing for either side will make much difference to this, so I might as well do it now. Any problems with it, email me yours to liammccausland88@gmail.com

Match Report – Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United

Well, what did we expect?

United never had to step out of second gear, we didn’t take the few chances we had, and they could have had a hatful if they had a better striker than Dimitar Berbatov.

The Wearside Steel End Of Season Awards

This is football kids, apologies if you’re getting bored of it all.

Game Preview – Sunderland vs Manchester United

Our highest position on the football ladder since 2001. Our top scorer will have scored more goals than any other since Kevin Phillips’ 30-goal haul in 2000. We have beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham at home this season. It took a 94th minute own goal to deny us all three points at Old Trafford in October.

This weekend is our best chance of beating Manchester United in years.

Quite Upset About Losing Our Farmer

Robert Farmer has left the Sheffield Steelers.

The 19-year-old, already at GB level, has joined Tony Hand at the Manchester Phoenix after seeing his options limited at the House of Steel with the introduction of the 11th import.

I think this is a terrible terrible mistake on behalf of the entire Steelers organisation.

To me, Farmer is a more exciting prospect than Robert Dowd, looks as if he can contribute more all-round, and is a very talented young man.

However, it would appear there’s just not enough room on the roster for him.

People on the forum saw that signing Farmer would have meant the departure of Jason Hewitt (6 import forwards, 3 Brits already signed), something the fans were not willing to see.

Personally I did not see it as a battle between Hewitt and Farmer, and would have happily had the two of them. I would have needed, though, a 5-import D and the departure of Mark Thomas, who has never impressed me.

However, we have to respect the coach’s wishes, and he’s decided he either doesn’t want him, or can’t fit him into the squad.

It does say to me, though, that Matsos doesn’t want to change things from what he knows……….

This isn’t very logical or reasoned, I just think we’ve lost a damn good player, and hope to god he doesn’t go to his hometown club of Nottingham in 1/2/3 years time.