Monsieur Salut writes: I often envy the lifestyles of Pete Sixsmith and Malcolm Dawson, enjoying the North East without any longer the need to do much work – though both, in their own ways, remain active – and free to pop along to any match they choose. Then I read their accounts of afternoons or evenings wasted watching SAFC and, remembering too many similar experiences from my own life, start to feel a lot less envious.
Sunderland games have not always been Malcolm’s first choice in recent times. But he has stuck by the team through thin and thinner and is now encouraged by the new regime. He describes his return from the brink quite magnificently. Please read on …
Jack Ross
In conversation with Charlie Methven: (4) what is the least Sunderland should expect?
It is time to conclude our series based on (mainly) electronic conversations between Salut! Sunderland writers and Charlie Methven, executive director of the club and a minority shareholder.
We thank Charlie for his time and full, diligent responses. Not every Sunderland supporter is yet convinced, either that the takeover from Ellis Short leaves Stewart Donald, Charlie and their team in a strong financial position or that bargain acquisitions from Scotland will win us League One.
We will see. For now, the right noises are being made and the level of communication between club and fans is healthier than in the past, possibly healthier than at any time in the history of Sunderland AFC.
In conversation with Charlie Methven: (3) ‘missing out on promotion would be a failure’
Our question-and-answer discussions with Sunderland’s executive director, Charlie Methven, continues with a series of detailed points put to him by Salut! Sunderland‘s deputy editor, Malcolm Dawson. I called Malcolm’s efforts speeches followed by questions, Charlie thought “lectures” the more appropriate description while appreciating the depth of his thinking.
And each ends with a highly pertinent question. Let the pair of them speak for themselves (and see the series in full at this link). Many thanks to all the readers who came here yesterday to see what Charlie had to say; we wish only that a few more had also taken the trouble to put their own views across or respond to
his comments …
Welcome to Sunderland, Dylan McGeouch, Reece James and Jordan Hunter
Update: there is also news on possible and thoroughly welcome departures . Neither Papy Djilobodji nor Didier Ndong reported back for duty as expected – and, presumably, contracted – so while they or their agents hawk their services around other clubs, SAFC can perhaps save a little money by fining them each two weeks’ wages for any indiscipline that cannot be explained by the need to visit sick aunts. Lamine Kone was also absent from the team’s training camp trip to Portugal, also having no wish to prolong his stay at Sunderland, though he did at least make it back to Wearside. Which of them, in all honesty, will be missed?
The day started with a great series of questions and answers with Charlie Methven – check it out here and for the next two days – and now we have news of further signings.
It began with news of the arrival of the Scottish international and former Hibs midfielder Dylan McGeouch and, for Elliott Dickman’s Under 23 squad, Jordan Hunter, on a free from Liverpool. And it continued – see below – with the announcement of another import, defender Reece James from Wigan.
For now, let safc.com tell the story:
Welcome to Tom Flanagan
The 4th signing of the summer revolution has been announced on the official website just as most of us were …
Happy birthday, Charlie Methven and (belatedly) Jack Ross: but the presents should be ours
Monsieur Salut writes: I know it is Charlie Methven’s birthday today because we are Facebook friends, though he doesn’t seem …
What a difference: the hope we cannot stand rises again at Sunderland
[polldaddy poll=10001532]
Monsieur Salut keeps his promise (threat?) to repeat the obvious poll as developments present themselves. You can check the results for yourselves but as the number of votes cast reached 600, we were just above 82 per cent not just wanting but believing in promotion …
Salut! Sunderland’s associate editor John McCormick has already bagged naming rights should Jack Ross – could a Sunderland manager be blessed with a better moniker? – restore the tradition of post-match managerial e-mails. They shall be called Ross on Why, and wye not?
Jack Ross, the new boss. Just one of many changes as Pete looks back on the week
John McCormick writes: you’ll have read about our goings-on in all or some of the Guardian, the Evening Chronicle, the Sunderland and Northern Echos, various websites and possibly even the Daily News, and you’ll no doubt have felt so energised and enthused that you could have knocked a horse out, had you been inclined to punch one. But this has been but a mere bagatelle – nothing more than a taster. I promised a short while ago that Pete Sixsmith would provide the Salut take on our new manager and here is the master himself, with this and more; you can leave the front page news to Wishbone Ash, there’s no need to go elsewhere.
It’s Official – “I read it in the Daily News” (and everywhere else)
John McCormick writes: In keeping with the character of this website, I’ve used a line from a quite well-known song in the headline. I’m sure M Salut will recognise it, as will Wrinkly Pete, which might give you some clue as to its age.
There’s no competition, so no mug, but if you think you know the artist(s) and title just pop in your answer as a comment. The non-mug will not be posted to the first person to get it right but she or he will have the satisfaction of being able to look (s)mug her/himself for a while.
Donald’s ducked in, Jack’s the lad: what now for SAFC’s League One prospects?
For what it is worth, the bookies are already putting Sunderland among favourites to go up from League One next season. But as you’ll see at Betway sports betting they are naturally more concerned just now with flutters on the World Cup.
Unless we count Wahbi Khazri, whose form since going on loan to Rennes has won him a place in Tunisia’s provisional World Cup squad, the only Sunderland player who may feature in Russia is Bryan Oviedo, with Costa Rica. Senegal obviously had Papy Djilobodji watched while he was at Sunderland, where he was wretched, and not on loan at Dijon where he was a lot less accident-prone. In any case, none of the three seems remotely likely to be at the Stadium of Light when the League One season kicks off …