Hopefully AN has changed the clubs mind on this and they are getting a new contract offer to him. His versatility is worth him being in the squad minimum. I'm not the most complimentary of Gooch most the time but that's down to believing he is not reaching his potential. Recently though he has upped his game and been top drawer!
Despite his current form he's always been a jack of all trades type player, master of none, and also been part of various squads that have bought many bad memories over the last 6 years so a change for both parties is probably needed. If we get promoted i expect us to bring a higher calibre player in anyway.
I think Gooch is that type of player that you only miss him when he is gone. Always gives his best and never hides when he is having one of his off days. Foolish to get rid of him as he covers quite a few positions so is a very good "squad player" .
the lad loves the club and is everything we ask for as fans in terms of work rate, effort and getting what it means to play for Sunderland. I don't think he's good enough for the championship, but I wouldn't begrudge him a new deal whatsoever. On the other hand, I also trust Alex Neil to make an assessment on whether he's worth keeping either way. I back the club to do what is right.
I would have agreed with him not being good enough for the championship until current form, now I wouldn't be surprised to see him do well there. One thing for certain he loves this club!
I really like him and think some of the criticism this season has at times been completely unwarranted. Other players can have piss poor games and not get half of the stick he gets. I also think he'd thrive with better players behind / ahead of him. When you think about some of the wingers and full backs he's played with its unsurprising that he's not fulfilled his potential.
I love him. He loves the club and the area but he needs a move. He's gone stale here Was on the verge of joining Wigan on transfer deadline day. Not sure if it was him or the club that pulled the deal
Wasnt is Shrewbury, along with Flannagan? I am sure it was Gooch who refused to move even though the club did the deal.
Think the lad should stay, covers a lot of positions and his heart is definitely with the club. Over here Cole Stockton is also being linked with Portsmouth...perhaps it's all paper talk.
Always liked him myself. Got a very good attitude and will never hide. When we first came down he was a very effective winger. Seemed a lot stockier then he would generally bully his way past a man. I don't know if he's trimmed down to add a bit more pace but he hasn't been as effective as a winger since. I'd be happy to see him stay but also wouldn't begrudge him a move if he felt his playing time would be limited.
Oh you might be right. Am sure a mate of mine said Wigan came in last min. Having said that, I'm so ****ing tired I could be making that entire stuff up
All this "not good enough for the championship" stuff is a bit odd. He's the last remaining of the Premier League squad, and always gave a good account of himself at that and Championship level. Hope he stays as I suspect he may look better at a higher level. Just after Moyes came, there was a pre-season in Austria against Borrusia Dortmund. After the game he was one of only 2 or 3 players that bothered to come over and speak to the supporters that had made the trip. Always had a good attitude.
If it’s decided that he won’t be good enough for the championship then we shouldn’t be giving him a new deal, or anyone else for that matter. The club should however show respect and gratitude for his effort and contribution and help him by facilitating a move that will be good for him. The important bit is ensuring that any replacements are a genuine upgrade otherwise there’s no point in letting him go. Let’s get to the championship first though
Yep. I like Gooch and was happy he stayed. Of course he isn't perfect, but we are a League One club. The enthusiastic attempt to sell him was a very bad sign about the running of the club. I would hope AN has a proper say in these matters, though if he himself is still on a one year rolling deal, I doubt he will have.
This has always been my opinion of Gooch, Watmore too. Had many a 'debate' on here about the two of them being good enough for the prem simply because we've all seen with our own eyes that they have done it there in the past. Despite his horrendous injuries Duncan wasn't far off from making the playoffs this season with Boro. If you started a genuine league one level player in the premier league they'd be lucky to get to half time before being subbed.