We must all be so excited, says Monsieur Salut. The break from football caused by one of this season’s Sunderland failures – an embarrassing and historic early exit from the FA Cup – is behind us. Sunderland are back in action and where else but at the scene of that recent crime, Gillingham.
Will our defenders suddenly show they can defend, midfielders create and strikers score? Will the Lads produce football of a quality and style to warm the cockles of the heart? Answers on a postcard to Phil Parkinson.
Guess the score but you cannot, owing to our infamous technical glitches, do so here. With Salut! Sunderland in extinction rebellion mode, winding down for an end to active service from Dec 31, it would be expensive and frankly stupid at such a late stage to pay someone to fix our inability to publish comments. Go to the Salut! Sunderland Facebook group – pushing 900 members now and it’s easy to join – if you have something to say.
And on to a happier topic.
My old friend and colleague Alan Sims is from Ouston and is a lifelong Mag. Work took him to Teesside and his grandson Adam is a Boro fan. But when it came to seeing whether and where Adam’s footballing skills could be developed, the answers were obvious: yes they could – at the Academy of Light.
Alan tells me:
‘It’s a great set up and very supportive.
He’s 11 now but from six years old, he was picked up by Newcastle and Boro. Despite being a Boro fan he’s opted for Sunderland because of the set up. Loves it there.
And when I’ve watched him play Newcastle academy, there’s been no dilemma. I choose the kids over the multi-millionaire pros every time. Though it still seems strange supporting Sunderland kids and Newcastle big’uns.”
I cheekily asked whether Adam might be available for selection at Gillingham? “He’s super fast,” came the reply. “Plays wide or up front. Let’s give him a go”.’
Over to Parky …