Today, we draw attention to an intriguing new project with the clear target of having something to show for its efforts before noon on Jan 16, when Sunderland AFC must address the small matter of avenging the 5-1 defeat at St James’ Park ….
Still we can’t beat Everton. A good game, in which we had an excellent spell after their opening goal but could hardly complain about the final result. Pete Sixsmith’s considered view will doubtless appear before too long.
But to what extent can the fervour of the crowd spur on a team to greater things? The correct answer, probably, is not always but sometimes.
Pre-match build-ups, with entertainment on the pitch and distraction to be had in the pub or concourse, have certainly produced a more subdued atmosphere in the half-hour before kickoff at the Stadium of Light than I recall from Roker Park.
Last night, our crowd seemed from TV coverage to be in good heart and voice. It’s a two-way process. The players were doing pretty well, challenging seriously good opponents and showing themselves capable of winning; the fans responded as you’d hope.
But anything that lifts the levels of passion and enthusiasm even further – and has the potential to give the players that extra psychological boost that makes the difference between 2-2 and 3-2 – is to be welcomed, and that is why Salut! Sunderland is giving a bit of plug to the Haway the Flags project.
