John McCormick writes: Another cup weekend means we can take a break from the “Guess the score” and “Who are you” features which signal our build up to games. We have a chance to look at some other aspects of our club and of football in general.
Which brings me to Wrinkly Pete and a thought producing opinion on the loan system. It was written before we beat Man United. I wonder if that game will have made Pete want to add Dame N’Doye to the list.
John McCormick writes: I’m not sure if the title line will make sense to you but when I was putting it up a song was going through my head and I thought…
“…why not, Martin Bates deserves a bit of appreciation”.
The only problem is I couldn’t fit Toronto in, so he’ll have to make do with Montreal.
Here’s the final part of Martin’s trilogy. By now he should have have winged his way back across the Atlantic but, after this game, he probably didn’t need a plane. What a send off.
Hope you enjoyed the trip, Martin, and thanks for the reports.
John McCormick writes: I could get used to this. Sitting at home with the bairn laughing, me laughing, and looking forward to match of the day. It’s aal reet, it’s better than aal reet.
I might even have a beer or two between now and then. First, though, I’m intercepting Colin’s post to bring you the letter that Sam has written to him, and perhaps to one or two others
John McCormick writes: Ed posted that his lift to the game had been delayed because of the snow. I hope he got there in time for the start.
Sam’s transfer dealings appear to be paying off and we might, just might, be in with a chance.
What does Pete Sixsmith think? We’ll have to wait for his more considered opinion but now, while we’re still exulting over our first home win against Man Utd since Micky Gray, here’s his instant seven-word verdict:
The main thing for Sunderland fans this week must be the cancellation of Adam Johnson’s contract. The club has said it will make no further statement and nor will we. Instead, you can have my ramblings and a mini-tour of the NorthWest.
With our regular Boro-supporting visitor Smoggie in mind, this is essentially a repeat of the SAFC v MUFC ‘Who are You?’ (see our exchange at https://safc.blog/2016/02/manchester-united-who-are-you-maybe-newcastle-not-safc-for-the-drop/). If you have already read it, feel free to move on. But Smoggie noticed that while Monsieur Salut had conscientiously chopped away at assorted references to ‘s**t’ and ‘p***’, he had overlooked a stray ‘f***ing’. That meant, as it does in the slightly odd world of the web, that prudishness on the part of A N Other stopped the otherwise excellent Q+A reaching much of an audience.
Which would have been shame as we received a great set of replies from Chas Banks*, a committee man with MUDSA, the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association. He’s Old Trafford born, not remotely a Glazers man and even followed the breakaway FC United of Manchester for a year until he found the just couldn’t give up MUFC. His disability is a result of ‘a weird thing called Transverse Myelitis’ which he contracted in 1996 and is tricky to diagnose. In those days, waiting lists to see a neurologist were running at around 22 months. A ‘natural organiser’ with a history of pop music management – see the Teenage Fanclub above and the Pixies below – Chas has plenty to say, most of it spot-on (we’d part company on the cheating question).
Chas had us down for relegation in his initial response but changed his mind a little after watching Newcastle at Everton on the TV.
So here we are again with Chas Banks, and – promoted to greater prominence – the bands he’s been involved with …
Chas: ‘See if your readers can guess which trophy is the heaviest and which is the lightest’
Another Who are You?, another great set of replies. Step forward Chas Banks*, a committee man with MUDSA, the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association. He’s Old Trafford born, not remotely a Glazers man and even followed the breakaway FC United of Manchester for a year until he found the just couldn’t give up MUFC. His disability is a result of ‘a weird thing called Transverse Myelitis’ which he contracted in 1996 and is tricky to diagnose. In those days, waiting lists to see a neurologist were running at around 22 months. A ‘natural organiser’ with a history of pop music management, Chas has plenty to say, most of it spot-on (we’d part company on the cheating question).
Chas had us down for relegation in his initial response but changed his mind a little after watching Newcastle at Everton on the TV …
OK, we usually offer a few random thoughts on the forthcoming game as we invite readers – whoever they support – to Guess the Score.
Cue a break with tradition.
For this week only, our illustrator Jake provides not only the image but the only four words that really concern Sunderland supporters. He repeats them many times, but there are still, essentially, just the four words.
John McCormick putting in his sixpenneth, which LFC will willingly snatch from his hand.
I have to start by saying I think Liverpool’s a great place to live. I’ve no intention of leaving and wouldn’t swap it for a return to the North East, not for a minute. Other people appear to like it too, it’s increasingly a tourist destination, with the river, nightlife, national museums, the Beatles and the Grand National all playing a part in attracting visitors.
