O’Neill: ‘A big effort by players & supporters’

Despite a 1-0 reverse by Manchester United to finish the season, Martin O’Neill was in a buoyant mood as he spoke to the press.

Despite a couple of blood-and-thunder spells, the Black Cats were unable to halt a run of eight games without victory as they went down to a Wayne Rooney goal.

Stephane Sessegnon and James McClean had the host’s best (half) chances during a tense affair.

Speaking afterwords to The Official Site, O’Neill said:

‘Overall I’m delighted because naturally I was concerned back in December whether we’d still be in this league.

‘It’s been a big effort by the players and a big effort by the supporters.’

The gaffer continued:

‘We had a spell in the game where we could have equalised just before half time, but overall it was a tough afternoon for us.

‘Simon Mignolet made some great saves for us. We just lack a cutting edge, but overall it’s been a really great effort by the players.’

Congratulations on an excellent second half of the season lads, and here’s to a more consistent showing next season!