Ross welcomes criticism after Sunderland fans jeer manager in draw with Bolton

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Sunderland boss Jack Ross shrugged off fans’ criticism after the Black Cats left it late to snatch a 1-1 Skybet League One draw at bottom-of-the-table Bolton.

The Scot was jeered in the second half, with his side trailing to Jack Hobbs’ 50th minute goal, after substituting Chris Maguire with Charlie Wyke.

And some of the 4,000 strong Wearside following also chanted ‘Sacked in the morning’ in the direction of their manager.

However, Aiden McGeady, who missed a midweek penalty against Rotherham, converted a 92nd minute spot-kick to ease the pressure on Ross.

“It’s football, it’s no problem,” said the Sunderland manager. “I am a 43-year-old man, I have been through a lot in life to earn the right to work and deal with things in family life.

“Trust me, it’s not a flippant remark because like every human being, criticism is not nice for any person, irrespective of what walk of life they are in.

“But the strength of character to deal with it is a different thing. Any criticism give it to me. That’s my job.”

On the substitution, Ross countered: “You make decisions on how you think players are performing at the time. We then find an equaliser. Whether that justifies it I don’t know.”

He also praised McGeady’s character of stepping up to the plate when Yoan Zouma handled in the area to give the visitors a lifeline.

“We spoke during the week who would have the responsibility and he wanted to take the next one,” Ross added.

“I think had he missed it would have become a different conversation.

“But he deserves to take the next one because of his record and his character and temperament.

“We didn’t play well first half but we still created chances.

“Our response to going behind was good, we created more opportunities and on another day could have scored more goals.

“The players kept pushing to the end because it looked as though it wasn’t going to happen.

“But they got their rewards eventually in terms of the penalty.”

Wanderers boss Keith Hill, still waiting for his first victory since succeeding Phil Parkinson, said: “It is great to see the players are showing so much effort.

“It is a skill that costs nothing and there is a willingness in all the players.

“There is a tinge of the disappointment because of the scoreline. But an enormous amount of pride that the players who have come from no training, no games, no pre season hardly, are now looking like a team that can eventually win football matches.”

Hill had no complaints about the penalty decision but said: “It was a naive, stupid decision. But Human League said: ‘Born to make mistakes’.

“It is difficult for me to smile when the ramifications are so big on that silly decision.

“But he has to learn. If he doesn’t learn, he doesn’t play. And if he does learn quickly, he plays.”