And so another season draws to a close. It’s fair to say the contrast in the campaign’s two managers couldn’t be greater, in both playing styles and in their individual personalities writes Stephen Goldsmith. The overwhelming opinion of Di Canio appears to be that he is either going to be a resounding success or rip-roaring failure of an unparalleled kind. Football never gives you a respite from its uncertainty and excitement. That’s why we all love it, right? You do. You love it.
Gareth Barker joins myself in the studio as always, as we discuss the fall outs from the whole season. As I’ve mentioned previously here, the show always has a loose agenda to follow. The idea behind this is to just give it some direction and a focal point for people to comment on, which in turn, gives others the opportunity to divert away from. This week’s, however, was the most spontaneous and improvised yet. And it was great.
I’d like to thank all the guest that have appeared on the show in the three months it has aired. Without them and their enthusiasm and interest it would be a non starter. I can honestly say that the standard of guests has amazed me and I’m extremely grateful. Many’s former favourite Martin Smith was a highlight last week, as was speaking to his former team mate Darren Williams on the phone. Journalists Richard Mason and Gary Foster have
given up their time to help us out, as has writer Andy Dawson – yet all three also asked if they can return. Must be doing something right. The standard of guests we’ve had on the phone in representation of each of our opponent’s fans have been the most surprising, and nothing short of tremendous. Thanks to each and every one of them. Roker Report paid us the ultimate compliment by throwing their support behind the podcast and I can’t thank them enough for that, while Michael Graham was a great guest himself of course. This week we’ve had bloody rock stars on man, it’s a huge climb from Gareth and I sitting in a pub – having first laid eyes on each other – with a shared idea.
But I have to say that a special, special, special thanks goes out to Tom Lynn and Simon Patterson who have also given up their time and helped us out when we really needed it. Tom must have been sick of me texting him and hounding him those first few weeks. Both were excellent and will be back on next season if they so much as wish. Onwards and upwards, hopefully.
Back to this week’s podcast, we had:
- Gary Foster from Shields Gazette giving his thoughts to all the discussion points.
- Frankie and Michael from Frankie and the heartstrings, just one of a fine group of bands representing Sunderland in modern times. We hear their latest single Nothing our way.
- A debate on what went wrong for O’Neill, as we critique his playing style and question his signings.
- Speak about what we think the future holds with Di Canio and whether his ‘hand grenade’ approach is the right one.
THE NEW RSS FEED: wisemensay1973.podomatic.com/rss2.xml
OR STREAM IT AND HAVE A LISTEN HERE: https://soundcloud.com/wise-men-say
I have just emailed Goldy and Gareth to thank them for their superb efforts with the podcasts, which have added a welcome new dimension to the site.
The same thanks go to every single contributor – too many to list these days – for the sparkling text and imagery all season.
Recent convert to the podcasts just because I recently upgraded my phone .My first one was just prior to the Villa game so blame me for that one! Have made a point of going back to listen to the whole series and have found them a great listen . Interesting to hear how a couple of genuine SAFC fans views have generally mirrored those of myself and my mates as events unfolded .like the contributors to this episode I predict another struggle next season but expect us to be ok.Podcast wise, keep up the good work .