Following a fall-out with former manager Paolo Di Canio, Phil Bardsley’s Sunderland career looked to be in jeopardy. After being photographed lying on a casino floor swimming in money — along with publicly
mocking Sunderland’s opening-day defeat to Fulham — it was difficult to see a way back for the former Manchester United defender.
However, when Gus Poyet joined was appointed after Di Canio’s brief but chaotic time in charge, the Uruguayan didn’t waste too much time in getting him involved. Bardsley returned to the squad for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup round of sixteen game against Southampton — with a helping hand from new signing Andrea Dossena, who was sent off against Hull City in the league.
On his return, Bardsley still had his doubters and naysayers, who were still quite unhappy with his comments online, leading many to question his attitude and commitment.
As it transpired, those who expressed doubts were likely cheering his name just after the hour mark of the cup game, as the right back opened the scoring after a goalmouth scramble. His goal was the first in a 2-1 win for Poyet’s side, which took them into the last eight of the competition.
After the game, the new Sunderland manager spoke of his delight at Bardsley’s performance, his importance to the team and what he could bring to the side going forward.
I am not sure if it was a risk by me to bring him back in. When I arrived, I saw how important he was for the group and how much he wanted to play in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
The situation with Andrea Dossena at the time was that he was not fully fit. I thought it was a great kind of addition to have Phil in the group. He is part of the club and if he is good enough, he will play.
I am happy for Phil. We put him in to the box for the free-kick and to put his head on things. I had to try to take a risk by putting four defenders in to the box, we had other players who could stay at the back like Jack Colback. Sometimes you have to take a risk and this time it paid off.
Bardsley’s form became a key component of Sunderland’s season. He played a key role in our Premier League survival bid and made a Wembley appearance in the League Cup final against Manchester City after scoring against Manchester United in the semi-final at Old Trafford.
In actual fact, four days later the defender would score a goal against Manchester City in the league, further reinforcing his increasing importance to the team as we won 1-0.
