End Of Season Views From... Mal Robinson

Continuing our end of the season round-up, we turned to Mal Robinson, the Editor-In-Chief of brand new Sunderland Fanzine "Seventy3" to get his thoughts on what was a very up and down season.

Mal was kind enough to answer our questions and put forth his views on the season past.

For further information on Seventy3, head to their website - www.seventy3magazine.co.uk and follow them on Twitter - @Seventy3Fanzine.

For now though, lets take in Mal's opinion of the previous 9 months in the world of Sunderland AFC...

Player Of The Season?

Mal: Phil Bardsley – Sheer commitment. He has been a breath of fresh air this season and good to see him at the club after he was nearly out the door at the start of the season. Also, where did those goals come from? Brilliant stuff!

Young Player Of The Season?

Mal: Jordan Henderson – England debut and a non-stop engine. Was a bit overrawed on his Wembley appearance, however what a season! People forget just how young he is still., and would love to see him at the club for a long while yet.

Best Signing Of The Season?

Mal: Asamoah Gyan – His attitude is second to none. His goals too have been invaluable and it was a pity that mercenary Darren Bent left as those two could have been a force in the top flight. Was world class for Ghana against England too.

Worst Player Of The Season?

Mal: Craig Gordon – He has cost us points too many times, particulary the Stoke City away game which was important to get the team back in the swing of things. Hopefully Fergie or Wenger will have him away when he's fit again.

Most Disappointing Signing Of The Season?

Mal: Marcos Angeleri or Cristian Riveros for obvious reasons! Surely Mr Bruce must know how good these players are mind you. Riveros had a great World Cup, but it just shows how tough the Premier actually is. Stick to the UK from now on Brucey!

Goal Of The Season?

Mal: Nedum Onuoha against Chelsea away - cool, calm and classy finish which has Stamford Bridge and the cucumber sandwich brigade in shock - for that alone it deserves top spot, but it was also a fantastic win.

Game Of The Season?

Mal: Chelsea 0 Sunderland 3 - need I say more?!? Well go on then! It was priceless to see people's reactions to our result and it's not often Sunderland hit the headlines across the modern world for upsets. The thing is it could have even been more than the three we scored.

Out of ten, what would you rate Steve Bruce’s performance as manager this season?

Mal: 4/10 - A decent start but poor, decisions have cost us dear, like playing Nedum up front? Then again in his defence, the list of injuries has been horrific. Would still keep him at the club and if he hasn't learned from his mistakes then it's time to go.

Which one moment summed up SAFC’s entire season?

Mal: Selling Darren Bent – Pros and cons, for and against, but ultimately cost us in the end.

Of the loanees this season, which if any would you like to see stay permanently?

Mal: John Mensah – About time we signed him, best defender by a country mile, perhaps if we treat him like Spurs do with Ledley King, then we could see the best of him.

Which player should be first out the door in the summer?

Mal: Marcos Angleri and Cristian Riveros. Both are a waste of money and space. Cash in whilst their reputations in South America are still hot.

Give us one player you think SAFC simply must buy this summer (within reason)...

Mal: Kevin Phillips – One more season even if hes on the bench to come on for the last ten mins would lift the club and I reckon could turn the game complimenting another world class player beside him and Gyan.

What was your personal highlight of the season, something we might not know about?

Mal: Launching a new SAFC magazine – Seventy3 – a proud personal ambition achieved, and proud to serve the Sunderland fans and provide them with a new platform on which to voice their spleen.

And finally, any other thoughts or comments on how you feel the season went?

Mal: Typical bloody Sunderland! Great prospects then it all dies a death as soon as someone mentions Europe! Still we are in a much better position than the days of Mick Buxton and Terry Butcher, and people should still remember this. Still we must push forward!

Thanks very much to Mal Robinson & Seventy3. You can subscribe to Seventy3 magazine online through their website, where you can check out their blog and their shop too!