Sunderland: 10 Most Costly Mistakes In Black Cats History
8. Mick McCarthys Admission
Given the players that he had to ship out and quality he had to work with, McCarthy worked minor miracles in his time at Sunderland, though only at Championship level. His record in the Premier League as Sunderland boss was terrible. He does have a reason though, apparently, as his hands had been tied: there wasnt the money to spend what he would have liked, while Sunderland got rid of players whose contracts were expiring only to shell out transfers fees to replace them. Lack of judgement in the transfer market cost the club dearly, as in aiming for the best of the rest outside the Premier League, Sunderland had been saddled with average players with little heart for the fight. By McCarthys own admission, Sunderland after two seasons in the Championship were again planning ahead for another season down in the lower tier even before a ball was kicked in the Premier League. By the standard of signings it could quite easily be believed. Though it was still poor, excusing the club's position at a time when Sunderland had actually spent more up to January than the other two sides they'd been promoted with, but Sunderland were bottom of the league looking up at both Wigan and West Ham who were on course to stay in the league comfortably. Relations between manager and chairman were never the same after McCarthy had opened his mouth, and only months later he was sacked and by that summer, Murray too was gone, as Quinns magic carpet ride began.
