Last month, Sunderland defender Dan Ballard made his return from injury, reflecting on the numerous managerial changes the club experienced last season. Ballard acknowledged that the constant turnover in management was far from ideal but emphasized that there is now a strong sense of optimism at the Stadium of Light, fueled by Sunderland’s impressive start to the Championship campaign.
The previous season was a challenging one for the Black Cats, who started well but lost momentum after Tony Mowbray’s departure. Michael Beale, Mowbray’s successor, struggled to find his footing, securing just four wins in 12 games before being replaced by interim manager Mike Dodds. After an extensive search for a permanent replacement, Sunderland appointed Regis Le Bris, a decision that appears to be paying off as the team is the only side in the Championship to start the season with four consecutive wins. Ballard, who spent the pre-season sidelined with an injury, made his comeback by coming off the bench in a home victory against Burnley, and later started in Sunderland’s 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
When asked about the impact of last season’s managerial changes, Ballard described it as “not ideal,” noting the continuity in the squad from last year. He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the club, where players have stepped up and performed well, aided by a clear and effective playing style under the new manager, which has bolstered their confidence. Regarding his own recovery, Ballard mentioned that his knee feels strong again, and he’s focused on getting more game time to regain full match fitness.
Ballard has also been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for upcoming matches against Luxembourg and Bulgaria. Following an injury to Manchester United’s Jonny Evans, Ballard captained Northern Ireland in a friendly win over Andorra this summer. With Evans now retired from international football, Ballard is ready to take on more responsibility within the team. He acknowledged Evans’ irreplaceable presence, given his over 100 caps and the high level at which he played, but expressed confidence that the younger players are starting to grow and elevate their game. Ballard believes that with time, the team will gel further, and they’re poised for success in future qualifying campaigns.
Leave a Reply