When Sunderland fans remember Howard Wilkinson, it's easy to forget that he was on Wearside for a whole 27 games (20 in the league), not just a tragic few weeks. He had time to turn around the team's fortunes, but his reign proved to be utterly farcical, and guided the Black Cats to just two league wins between October 2002 and March 2003. In 2012, Sunderland cult-hero Julio Arca opened up to the Daily Mail about his experiences under Wilkinson: "I never got on with him. I dont think I ever spoke with him. I dont know why he never really liked me. "We had a psychologist for a week doing crazy things like building clay models, writing things down, walking round the pitch, watching videos of birds flying. The experienced players were not happy. Can you imagine sitting with a psychologist for a week with Gav McCann and Kevin Phillips?"
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
