Mike Dodds has now echoed one particular Michael Beale comment at Sunderland.
Dodds takes charge of his final game as Sunderland interim boss this weekend, and it could well be his final game as part of the club.
He’s now in his third spell as interim boss and it’s certainly been a difficult one.
Sunderland will hire a new manager in the summer and they could bring in their own staff, too, so for Dodds who’s now had a taste of management, whether or not he steps back down to his previous role remains to be seen.
So he’ll be desperate to lead the team into the summer with a win.
Though their opponents Sheffield Wednesday are in need of a point to secure their Championship safety in dramatic fashion, and having won their last two now, compared to Sunderland’s two wins in 14 and back-to-back defeats ahead of the weekend, it’ll be tough for the Black Cats.
Dodds spoke to the press on Friday and gave some thoughts on the summer ahead, telling Kristjaan Speakman one thing that the club needs.
And it’s something that Beale said as well.
Mike Dodds tells Kristjaan Speakman what he needs to do at Sunderland
Dodds often speaks openly and candidly about the club and what’s needed.
And speaking on Friday, Dodds admitted that the club is lacking in experience; something Beale said just last month.
Appearing on Sky Sports following his Sunderland tenure, Beale said:
“The big thing with the Sunderland squad now is it’s very talented and technical, but needs a little bit more experience within the team to get over the line.”
As quoted by journalist Matty Hewitt, Dodds said ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday:
“There may be a need for experience. Not 30 plus but someone with 2/300 Championship appearances.”
Kristjaan Speakman must avoid repeating one player mistake at Sunderland
Sunderland held a Supporters’ Collective meeting earlier this year.
The notes from which were very interesting, with Speakman discussing his transfer policy and also addressing the fears of a lack of experience in the side.
Speakman said that the likes of Luke O’Nien and Patrick Roberts provide experience, whilst summer arrival Nazariy Rusyn and Adil Aouchiche all brought experience, with both arriving with 100 appearances to their name.
But neither had played in the Championship.
Dodds makes a very good point that Sunderland don’t only need experienced players but ones who know the rigours and demands of the Championship.
Rusyn especially has struggled to settle in.
The Championship has maybe been a bit of a wake up call for him and Speakman needs to take note of that, and give the next manager players who can handle the league.
Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday.