Simon Stays: Martin Bain backs his manager, believes that Sunderland will improve

Sunderland Chief Executive Martin Bain has spoken today about the situation the club finds itself in and believes in Simon Grayson to improve our fortunes.

Many supporters have been calling for Grayson’s dismissal after the 3-3 draw at Brentford over the weekend, however Bain has explained that he still believes in the manager. Pointing out the hard work that Grayson has been putting in, Bain said: “When you see the hard work, determination and endeavor that Simon and we all bring to the party, for me that’s a tick.”

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Bain said that the fact its still early in the season means there is no reason to push the panic button and told the media that our senior players still have the drive to recover the situation.

I look at that and I look at my calendar and I see it’s October. We’re in October with a long way to go in the season with a squad of players who are committed. I spoke to Lee (Cattermole) and John (O’Shea) the other night and they’re two gentlemen with determination who don’t like being where they’re at. The fact that we’re in October, the fact that I’ve got committed people at this football club working alongside me, I’m sure we’ll climb the table.

His words come with the club currently 23rd in the Championship and with much of the fanbase feeling completely uninspired by the performances and results, reflected by our home attendance dropping by around 20,000 people this season.

Bain also pointed to the fact that there has been huge change at the club over the summer and believes that is the reason for the clubs slow start: “Its been well documented that there’s been an awful lot of change in recent times, 15 players leaving, ten new ones coming in, completely different coaching staff. For any club that's a big transition.”

He also assured fans that everyone involved in the club are pulling in the same direction, something that you’d think is a given.

Everybody at the football club is determined to start climbing the table, I have a belief that everybody working alongside me does care about the football club, including myself. So its just a case of putting the hours in, people can be rest assured that we’re doing everything we can.

Today’s quotes will have been an attempt by Bain to reassure fans, who are becoming increasingly restless, ahead of an important double-header at the Stadium of Light. But they will also have served as comfort for Grayson, a man who is currently struggling to make many friends on Wearside. Hopefully Bain’s optimism is justified and we can start to see some improvements all around the club and particularly the league table.