malcolm

Born in Hetton le Hole, deputy editor Malcolm Dawson's first game at Roker Park was the three all draw with Leicester City at the beginning of the 64-65 season. Having spent more than thirty years living in the East Midlands, he was Chairman and Information Officer of the Heart of England Branch of the Supporters' Association but has now returned to live in County Durham.

Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Man Utd, Sunderland and the window of opportunity

by

Salut! Sunderland’s Pete Sixsmith can remember the time when the transfer window was just an empty space covered in an old potato sack. Now the latest window has been closed, Peter gives his thoughts on the last minute activity that brought a further three players into the club …

Sixer by Jake
Sixer by Jake

The great day has gone and Sky Sports can put Jim White back in the cupboard until the end of January. The gossip columns go quiet for a couple of weeks before the next batch of rumours start, while the Football League loan market opens next week. And to think that I once thought that the transfer window was a good idea!

Read more

Sixer’s Palace Soapbox: it’s grim down south!

by

A trip to South Norwood was a trip too far for the intrepid Sixer. Having had a few days in the deep south before the Southampton game, followed by three days watching Durham revive their County Championship hopes at Scarborough, Salut’s Pete Sixsmith chose to watch his local Northern League team take another step along the road that leads to Wembley followed by Sky’s coverage of the latest counter revolutionary action at Selhurst Park. It had the makings of a good afternoon but alas the real ale bars of Darlington took a hammering on Saturday night. At least Durham CCC won!SoapboxPALACE

Read more

Sixer’s Sevens Crystal Palace 3 SAFC 1: no honours at the Palace

by
Jake says Pete is the star man
Jake says Pete is the star man

Sessegnon’s drinking spree and Altodore’s hamstring provided both Ji and Wickham with the opportunity to silence their doubters at Selhurst Park. This and another poor first half performance saw an early return to action for Steven Fletcher. He scored of course, but to no avail. As is usual Peter Sixsmith sums up our day in only 7 words….

"Oh dear" says Jake - or words to that effect
“Oh dear” says Jake – or words to that effect

(2013-2014)

August 31 2013 Crystal Palace (1) 3 SAFC (0) 1

Nowhere near good enough for this league

August 27 2013 Capital One Cup 2nd Round: SAFC (0) 4 MK Dons (1) 2

Outplayed, outclassed, somehow got out of jail

August 24 2013 Southampton (0) 1 SAFC (1) 1

The point was better than the performance

August 17 2013 SAFC (0) 0 Fulham (0) 1 Ultimately little difference from previous two seasons

Read more

Sixer’s Fulham Soapbox: false dawn or just a blip? Let the readers decide

by

Malcolm Dawson writes: to me yesterday was a microcosm of life as a Sunderland supporter. The mood around the ground was one of excitement and anticipation of a new season ahead. The early signs were positive. It was apparent that the new players had qualities their replacements lacked and the attack minded approach was refreshing after the dross of recent seasons. As the half time whistle blew there was nothing to dampen the optimism, except perhaps that despite the pressure and dominance the Fulham goal was rarely threatened. That those hopes were dashed by an opposition snatch and grab and that the subsequent resignation of those around me that defeat was on the cards summed up my 49 years of following The Lads. But I was encouraged by the approach and what is undoubtedly a stronger squad than the one that finished last season. Peter Sixsmith can appreciate my view but asks the readership whether this is justified or just more false optimism …

SoapboxFULHAM

Read more

They say we’ve got a revolution: Sixer previews the new season

by

They say you want a revolution. Well all right. As illustrated by Jake
They say you want a revolution. Well all right. As illustrated by Jake
Yesterday a disappointing SAFC side lost 2-0 at home to an energetic, workmanlike Crook Town who showed flair when needed and took their chances well, making light of a disorganised defence. To cap it all their keeper saved a potentially game changing penalty which would have made it 1-1. Peter Sixsmith was there watching the Railwaymen of Shildon make a less than impressive start to the season and the discussion around the ground amongst those who follow the other SAFC focused on what kind of season was in store for the revamped Sunderland team. Hoping no doubt that the Fulham defence might be as kind to our new American striker as were the Bosnians (see clip in footnote*)…

Read more

Le Parole di Paolo: unhappy in victory

by
Jake's Italian job
Jake’s Italian job

Malcolm Dawson writes: we are used to hearing managers make excuses and tell us to take the positives from defeat so it comes as something of a surprise to hear the current incumbent tell us he is not happy with a win. It was, as Spurs fans will be quick to point out, only a pre season friendly but it tells us something about the personality of the man in charge that he is taking every game seriously. Ten days to the opening game of the new season. M Salut will be expecting some interesting things to come in Paolo’s personal e-mails …

Read more