Good afternoon and welcome back to Wearside for today’s game against Coventry City.
I’d like to start by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From me, the staff and all of the players.
I’m immensely proud to have been named Head Coach of this great Club. I have visited the stadium a number of times and always feel the warmth of the staff behind the scenes on arrival and then the huge strength of support from the stands.
Watching from afar over the past week or so, it’s clear to see how much good work has gone in at the Club, both on and off the pitch.
Mike Dodds, Michael Proctor, Alessandro Barcherini and the rest of the staff did a great job in preparing the team for back-to-back wins against West Brom and Leeds United. They are two of the better sides in this division and it’s testament to the hard work everyone put into those performances.
The Club is in a great place at the moment and I’m hugely optimistic about the future. We have a squad that is full of potential and who are striving every day to fulfil that promise.
Looking at today’s game, we know it’s going to be a tough test against a strong Coventry City team - I have huge respect for Mark Robins and his assistant Adi Viveash, who I worked with at Chelsea. They had a terrific season last year and will have similar ambitions this season also.
After a hugely exciting and enjoyable first week, it would be great to cap it off with three points today to continue the excellent home form so far this season – we will need to be at our best and I have no doubt you will get behind the team and make it an incredible atmosphere.
I can ensure you that we’re going to do all we can to make 2024 a fantastic year for the club.
Enjoy the game,
Michael