ACTUALITE |
07.03.2002
Reid pays tribute to mourning Mboma
Peter Reid was full of praise for Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma, after he made his home debut in Sunderland`s 1-0 victory over Bolton at the Stadium of Light just three days after learning that his close friend Jason Mayele had died in a car crash.
"That shows that he`s got tremendous character, physical character and mental character," said Reid.
Mayele, who played for DR Congo and Chievo, was a good friend of Mboma during their time in Italy and was killed in a road accident in Verona on Saturday evening. Mboma made the decision to play himself.
The victory, courtesy of Jason McAteer`s first goal for the club, came as welcome relief to Reid, as it was Sunderland`s first win at home in 2002.
"Everyone knows that the result was the most important thing this evening and we got it. You`re always worried when you`re looking at games and you`re missing chances that could get you in front and get you started.
"Bolton had one or two chances in the first half but it was a massive boost for us, Jason getting the goal when he did.
"Goals have been at a premium for us. Kevin Phillips is a top-class striker but it just isn`t going in for him at the moment, but sooner or later, he`s going to start sticking them in, which will be a massive boost for us.
"We`ve had a great result, but there`s a long, long way to go. You look at the fixtures and we`ve got Arsenal and Chelsea away in the next three games, so we need to try to get as many wins as we can to get us up that league, and that`s what we`re looking to do."
Sam Allardyce, who played alongside Peter Reid in the last Wanderers side to retain their top-flight status, was despondent after both Michael Ricketts and Mike Whitlow picked up injuries.
"The disappointing thing is not just the result, but the loss of two very important players for us on top of Fredi Bobic," said the Bolton coach.
"The loss of Mick Whitlow, which looks like a broken rib, and Michael – who damaged his knee when he fell – really is a damaging blow for us if they`re going to be out for any considerable period in the last nine-game run-in.
"We had enough chances today to get something out of the game, and unfortunately, we haven`t taken them.
"I`m not saying Sunderland didn`t have a chance or two either, but that`s what`s going to happen. When you get them, you`ve got to put them in the back of the net.
"They`ve managed to put one away, which was a good goal from Jason McAteer and we haven`t, and the bottom line is that leaves us in a very pressured situation now.
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