McCormick’s Craic: Paolo Di Canio and another view

by
John McCormick: exploring cultural distinctions
John McCormick: exploring cultural distinctions

M Salut writes: Anyone who reads Salut! Sunderland regularly should know that nothing here is cut and dried. There is little by way of cast-in-strong editorial policy beyond passionate support for Sunderland AFC. Often enough, contributors quarrel with one another’s views. That’s as it should be. In the torrent of mainly non-SAFC abuse and bile I received at ESPN for offering my (fairly even-handed) response to the Paolo Di Canio appointment, there was little hint of a coherent counter-argument (honourable exceptions include the reply by Phil Johnson, disagree as we do). Here, John McCormick explores some of the nuances I referred to while admitting that his own head is spinning …

Read more

West Ham, Lazio, Swindon and now Sunderland: bring in the accused

by
Jake asks the question of the day
Jake asks the question of the day

Monsieur Salut was watching/nodding off to a French crime reconstruction programme, Faites entrer l’accusé (see headline for translation) when news reached him that Paolo Di Canio had been appointed head coach of Sunderland. Di Canio may feel like the accused when he takes his place in the dock at the Stadium of Light for the press conference. He must speak for himself.

David Miliband’s decision to stand down in protest as vice-chairman may be taken as a part principle, part expediency. He’s off the the US anyway. But there are plenty of others among Sunderland supporters who find this a disturbing move on Ellis Short’s part. M Salut has been roundly condemned by a noble jury of readers over at ESPN for voicing his own reservations (see http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/sunderland/id/1322?cc=5739. There is something so – oh what is it? – fascistic, about implying that an individual has no right to express strongly held views whether that individual happens to be Di Canio or M Salut. Pete Sixsmith feels more strongly still and has the stirrings of rebellion in his heart…

Read more

Adieu Martin O’Neill: Celtic and Villa star, Sunderland failure

by
Thanks Jake!
Thanks Jake!

First the official Sunderland AFC statement: ‘The club has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill.
Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill this evening. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future. An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.’

And now, quickly rattled off for ESPN – the link, once it appears there, will be http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/sunderland?cc=5739 – and repeated here with its permission, these are Monsieur Salut’s first thoughts on the Martin O’Neill dismissal ….

Read more

Sixer’s Sevens: SAFC 0 Manchester United 1. No shame; no menace either

by
Jake gives Sixer star billing
Jake gives Sixer star billing

This is where Pete Sixsmith records his instant verdict, in seven words, on each Sunderland game. He judged this match beyond us even at one-down and missed the end to scamper back to Shildon in hopes of seeing Wembley-bound FA Vase glory (3-1 up, but only level with Tunbridge Wells on aggregate, soon after HT; perhaps someone can post a comment updating that little side issue). As for the Stadium of Light, it is probably true that putting loyalty and passion aside, few of us seriously expected to win and only a handful really thought a draw likely (whatever scorelines we predicted). The display was determined enough, with some bright interludes, but once again lacked quality and threat. We cannot blame bad luck (Bramble’s deflected own goal; Kevin Friend’s excessive respect for United as witnessed by harsh booking for N’Diaye, dodgy free kicks and no card at all when Young scythed down Sess). Prepare for a gloomy and/or nervous few weeks unless you’re a United fan uncorking the Premier title champagne or glorying in SAFC’s ominous predicament …

Read more

SAFC, Manchester United FC and a Poznan tantrum that won’t be calmed

by
Jake fancies a Wickham hat trick
Jake fancies a Wickham hat trick


Hear the pre-match SALUT! SUNDERLAND Podcast: https://safc.blog/2013/03/salut-podcast-man-utd-preview-and-craic-with-ex-player-darren-williams/

This may be a controversial view but I like Scott the Red from the Republik of Mancunia website. We have a healthy intersite relationship – and a healthy difference of opinion on Poznan. I believe Manchester United fans are babyish to bang on about mildly funny (for us and neutrals), mildly annoying (as it should have been for them) antics at the end of last season. He thinks it is the height of common sense to be so aggrieved about such a trivial issue that he’s gone from quite liking SAFC to wanting us relegated. It would, of course, be equally babyish to deny him his right to such views. Scott came calling ahead of SAFC v MUFC to get Pete Sixsmith‘s thoughts on Poznan, the game, life in general …

Read more

Sunderland v Manchester United: wise babies say guess the score

by
Who couldn't my dad be a Man Utd supporter?
Same colour so why couldn’t my dad be a Man Utd supporter?

Guess the score in Sunderland v Manchester United and you could win a life-changing prize or, if we’re clean out of stock, a mug …


Xuana does not know it – she was only one this week – but her dad is hoping against better judgement for big things this weekend from the reason for that scarf.

Read more