Vital Manchester City asked Baz, a Sunderland fan from Black Cats website www.safc-fans.com eight questions ahead of Sunday’s match at Eastlands.
VMC – If at the beginning of the season you predicted Sunderland to finish the campaign in their current position of ninth would you say that was a successful season and if so, why?
Baz – ‘I said at the start of the season that the top 10 should be the target and that was with Bent at the club too, so if we manage to finish 10th of higher I’d be really pleased. If I’m honest some fans are a bit gutted our European push died out but I’ve said all long we didn’t have the depth to sustain it.’
VMC – Niall Quinn played for Manchester City between 1990 and 1996 and many of us Blues have fond memories of the man; however what has he done to improve the Black Cats since becoming chairman?
Baz – ‘I think the key was persuading Ellis Short to first of all invest in the club when Quinn fronted the Drumaville Consortium, and that lead to Short eventually buying the club altogether. Short has been a breath of fresh air, he is a passionate owner with deep pockets but also admits he doesn`t know how to run a football club so leaves Quinn in charge. Quinny is also a great PR man and he has put the club on the map. He is a straight talker and loves the fans and area. He really is a true legend.’
VMC – Is Steve Bruce the man to take the club forward and what do the fans think of him?
Baz – ‘I’m still not 100%. Don’t get me wrong, he is a decent top flight manager but can he take us any further? I think this summer will be the making or breaking of him. His choice of transfers will be massive. We need to replace bent. The fans like him, he is a nice guy and respects the club and fans, but fans are also fickle and a bad run would see them turn on him.’
VMC – How is Manchester City FC perceived by others, especially since the club received a huge investment a couple of years ago?
Baz – ‘Unfortunately myself and others have lost a great deal of respect for a club who we could previously relate to as the poorer relation to our respective neighbours; Newcastle and Manchester United. Man city are the new Chelsea where money is seen as the answer to success. Yes I appreciate to an extent we all need investment to succeed but its not nice to see City just buying all the best players ‘because they can’ and a lot of people want them to fail. I like the fact the club has bought British though but the big transfer fees you have paid for them has pushed up the asking price for other clubs like Sunderland trying to sign British born players.’
VMC – Which two Sunderland players should MCFC be wary of on Sunday and why?
Baz – ‘Asamoah Gyan as Lescott found out on Tuesday! He is very skilful and a massive talent. Also our new signing Sessignon is still an unknown quantity but he is pacy and can strike a ball. If those two turn up you will have to be on top of your game. I know you only said two but a certain Danny Welbeck is a cracking young player too.’
VMC – If you had the chance to take any two current first team City players of your choice to the Stadium of Light for just one season who would they be and why?
Baz – ‘Adam Johnson without a second thought, local lad and we were gutted you outbid us for him when he was at Boro! We have lacked a real wide player since we had a certain Nicky Summerbee in red and white a long time ago, remember him? Also Tevez. He is a different quality if he drops the whole sulky whiner side of him.’
VMC – Which teams will finish the season in the top four and therefore qualify for next seasons Champions League?
Baz – ‘Man Utd to win league, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs again. Sorry but I think Man City will miss out and finish 5th by a whisker.’
VMC – Manchester City v Sunderland: Predict the score?
Baz – ‘I’m not deluded, tough game and if you guys turn up we will probably lose especially as we are going through a 6 game win less run. However I’d like to think the Ghana trio will still be buzzing from Tuesday so I’m gonna go for an action packed 2-2 and a strong and loud away following at your gaff as usual from us.’
VMC thank Baz and www.safc-fans.com for taking time out to answer our questions.
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