Malcolm Dawson writes……after another abject performance and the one result we didn’t want, it looks as if the writing is on the wall. Well let’s be honest, there were already a few daubings on the brickwork but now the whole thing is covered in graffiti and it doesn’t make for pleasant reading. Unlike Pete Sixsmith’s […]
Moyes on the Boyes at Stoke: right to feel SAFC deserved more, or deluded?

To many of us who, one way or the other, saw the 2-0 defeat at Stoke City, this was a Sunderland display that insulted those occupying another sell-out away end and suggested the record for the lowest number of Premier League points, currently 11 and held by Derby County, will be returning to Wearside. For […]
Hutch’s one-word verdict after Stoke shambles: ‘wretched’

He uses words sparingly, does our Rob Hutchison. After today’s woeful display against – let’s face it – a not-very-good side, he said: ‘Well that was wretched. Gone backwards since Sam departed. Should we play the long game?’ … (more…)
Sixer’s Sevens: Stoke City 2-0 SAFC. Or Sixer’s Three: ‘down by Christmas’

Monsieur Salut writes: I had a good stream and watched a poor Stoke side made to look efficient by as inept a display as I can recall (well at least since the last inept display). Pete Sixsmith had a tougher day, up early to travel to the Potteries and see yet another abysmal performance which, […]
Stoke City ‘Who are You?’: SAFC ‘doomed with Swansea and Hull’

Malcolm Clarke* is the latest in a long line of amiable, forthcoming Stoke City supporters to grace these pages. He is realistic enough a supporter, as well as being a passionate representative of fans generally as chairman of the Football Supporters’ Federation, to recognise the the odds are probably against his beloved Stoke winning the […]
A gift from New Zealand makes Stoke City v SAFC a prize Guess the Score

We’ve had far too many must-wins and crunchers and season-deciders. They usually they turn out to be nothing of the sort. So let us just say the Guess the Score for Stoke City v Sunderland is open to all, Stokies included, and carries a prize. (more…)
Sunderland v Crystal Palace prize Guess the Score. Duck-breaking time?

Let’s throw another mug into the ring and hope it doesn’t shatter into many pieces. A prize Salut! Sunderland mug – design to suit the allegiance of the winner so Palace fans can enter – is on offer for the Palace game. No one was correct on the QPR score (except our QPR interviewee, John […]
Not quite Real Madrid, not quite Barcelona. But better than Swansea and Stoke

It’s been a few years since I’ve done a timely review of Deloitte’s “Money League”, which usually comes out in January or February (it was January this year). But when there’s a battle to be fought there’s not much room, time or inclination to give some thought to a little piece of meaningless self-publicity, which […]
Sixer’s Stoke City soapbox: One point gained by a nervous team

Pete Sixsmith provides a grim read after his return from Stoke. All is not lost, and we are still in control of our destiny. Yet we have Chelsea up next and we’re not playing well. Read on for Pete’s analysis of a game we were within seconds of losing and where a last-gasp effort kept […]
Seasonal Adjustment Disorder syndrome. It’s October, so SAFC fans are SAD
Around this time of every year, there are certainties we take for granted. The calendar will tell us it is October, trees shed leaves, shops advertise Christmas as if it’s only next week and Sunderland supporters still await a first win of the season. We generally don’t draw too much comfort for we have actually […]