Sunderland director rebukes Doug King and makes Dan Ballard play-off reference | OneFootball

Sunderland non-executive director Leo Pearlman has responded to Coventry City owner Doug King’s claim the Black Cats had lost their identity after a busy summer, saying in a LinkedIn post that he rejects the suggestion.

He dismissed the remark as a bizarre swipe made while Coventry discussed promotion hopes and recruitment, but also offered congratulations on their campaign.

Pearlman argued a club’s identity is not set by the team sheet, with personnel changing while the shirt and the bond with supporters and city endure. In his view the shirt defines the club.

He reflected on the home defeat to Brighton and the wider picture of a first Premier League season after play-off promotion. Momentum helped for long stretches, with late equalisers, injury-time winners and narrow games tipping Sunderland’s way.

He credited a young team, a fearless manager and a fanbase, while acknowledging every season brings a tough run and the Premier League can be unforgiving. He highlighted home form, with only three home defeats across the season.

Survival was the clear objective and he stated it will be achieved. The remaining nine games are a bonus to enjoy while building foundations for what follows.

As proof identity endures, he noted continuity from last season’s play-off win over Coventry, with three starters against Brighton who also featured then and six players on the pitch by full time. He welcomed renewing the rivalry next season if Coventry complete their push.

Source: Sunderland Echo