Ahead of our final home game of the season we spoke with Tom Wicks from the Golden Pages Fanzine for a preview of what is a massive must win game for Sunderland.
How would you review the season as a whole? How come when the league is so tight, you’re down in 13th with nothing to play for?
Apart from August (wins against Sheffield United, Burnley and Middlesbrough) and the 4-0 derby day thrashing of rivals Luton in October, it has been a bad season which has perished with time. The pivotal moment was when the owner threw in the towel on the Rob Edwards project. It’s heartbreaking to see what he is doing with our bitter rivals.
We have a talented but gutless rabble of individuals. Watford are a laughing stock, and rightfully so given the owner’s propensity to sack managers. There is disharmony in the stands about the way the club is being run, which goes far deeper than the results.
What do you think of manager Chris Wilder? His contract expires at the end of the season, will he be gone in two games’ time or would you keep him?
Most managers would have trouble getting a tune out of this bunch, Wilder being no exception. He has done Watford supporters a big favour by being the first manager to publically voice the problems behind the scenes, mixed in with a bit of self-preservation. He knows he won’t be with us next season. And frankly, after seeing the mess the club is in, he wouldn’t want to. Whether it is Wilder or another, the Watford owner needs to back the manager and allow them time to build a team.
How does Wilder like to set the team up?
It looks as though he has settled on 4-3-3 (or a variation of). But there is very little cohesion and zero team spirit, which means that players frequently go off-script and go alone. That isn’t necessarily Wilder’s fault, although it does seem that he has burnt his bridges in the dressing room
Pedro and Sarr are the standout players in your squad. Just how good are they? Will they be playing in the Premier League next year?
Pedro is an incredible talent and at just 20 years old he has the world at his feet. Newcastle almost signed him for £30m in the summer. He is beautiful to watch when he is in full stride and is balletic with the ball at his feet. But a captain he is not. He’ll be playing for a move to a big club. AC Milan seems a likely option.
Sarr is a good player who probably should have moved last summer. He has pace to burn, technique and an eye for goal. He just has to be in the mood, which he rarely is at Watford. His strike against West Brom (which won EFL goal of the season) was a masterpiece and he’ll thrive elsewhere. There’ll be the lower-half Premier League clubs sniffing around for a bargain, as he has a year on his contract and the club want to cut their losses.
Other than those two, which Watford player should Sunderland keep an eye on come Saturday?
I like the hustle of Hamza Choudhury (on loan from Leicester) and 19-year-old Colombian Yaser Asprilla is an interesting prospect.
Similarly, which Sunderland player worries you the most?
I caught a bit of the win over West Brom and was impressed. The attacking unit looks great with Diallo, Clarke and Gelhardt. Patrick Roberts is also one I always watch out for.
What’s your score prediction and goalscorers?
Crikey, it could be a bloodbath. We might grab a goal, but I’m expecting a comfortable Sunderland win. 3-1 to the Black Cats.
Finally, as the season comes to an end, where do you think both teams will finish?
It’s great that Sunderland are pushing for the playoffs after a few rough years. I’d like to see Sunderland in the top six and there seems to be two spots up for grabs. As for Watford, a mid-table finish will have to do.
