Paul Summerside doesn’t mince his words. He calls himself a ‘lapsed SAFC fan’ but is one of 20,000+ longing to resume active support. Ellis Short and Martin Bain may throw up their arms in proclaimed innocence, but what can either of them actually offer those who can take no more? As ever, the pages of Salut Sunderland are open to the owner and/or chief executive. As ever, don’t hold your breath …
At church this morning, the crew of Fulwell 73 (oh the irony) were filming for a forthcoming documentary on this season at SAFC, called Keep the Faith.
This particluar section dealt with the links between SAFC, and its chaplain, Father Marc.
It got me thinking about the similarities and parallels there are in “keeping both faiths”.
Every week, a group of dedicated believers assemble to worship. We enter with hope, we are given a programme, we sing songs, we pray and we sit and stand at appropriate times. Some leave early but we ALL believe in miracles.
A prayer was said by Father Marc Lyden-Smith today for SAFC. Yes, it really is that bad!
However, having witnessed the events of the last three years, I fear our beloved club has finally used up its quota of miracles.
Today is the first day of Lent, the time when Jesus walked into the wilderness (and how I wish Ellis Short would!).
Barring a further miracle, footballing wilderness is what lies ahead for us.
But Keep the Faith….for faith and hope are truly all we have left.
Sell the bloody club, Short. For Christ’s sake!
I am beginning to think that my getting a free bus pass will coincide with Sunderland joining Hartlepool and Darlington in non league football, making it easier for me to go see them at Blyth, Spennymoor, Gateshead etc.
I’m not going to criticise Ellis Short but just because I’m fed up with doing so. Short’s name will join those of Churchill and Thatcher in the Wearside hinterland when future generations discuss those most reviled in the region, although even now he still has a way to go to catch up with the billionaire clown Ashley.
Faith, hope….and, erm, hopefully, the charitable defences of a few teams so we can score some goals.
I fear divine assistance is our only hope after Saturday’s first half.
We discussed the performance after the game and I concluded that in over fifty years of watching this club’s teams, yesterday’s was the weakest and worst I’ve seen.
And it’s hard to blame the manager who not only has a poor squad but has found it almost impossible to recruit.
Look towards the owner and his minion where blame must be laid.