Wembley and Safe: (8) Borini stars in Keir’s ratings for a crazy season

Jake is sleeping soundly
Jake is sleeping soundly

The Wembley and Safe series has produced some excellent reads but even good things, maybe especially good things, must come to an end. Pete Sixsmith’s series-closer has arrived so, unless any dawdlers who really, really meant to write something do so pretty smartish, they’ll find themselves left on the harbourside, the boat duly missed. Here are young Keir Bradwell‘s season-long ratings. His thoughts have been a refreshing addition to Salut! Sunderland’s reflections on the mysteries of life and we very much hope he returns with more of the same next season …

Read more

Keir’s Player Ratings: a four-point harvest from Manchester City and Chelsea

Jake: maybe life is looking brighter, Keir'
Jake: ‘life is looking brighter, Keir’

Nic Wiseman, fresh from being told on Twitter by Sky’s SAFC-supporting David Jones that It’s The Hope I Can’t Stand – co-created and co-edited by Nic – was ‘the best name for a SAFC fanzine ever’ – tonight made his debut in the Salut! Sunderland editorial set-up, editing and posting Keir Bradwell’s Easter-delayed ratings from Man City and Chelsea. Welcome on board, Nic …

Read more

Player Ratings: Keir’s hardy hero digs in at Spurs

Jake: 'save yourself from a lifetime of misery, Keir'
Jake: ‘save yourself from a lifetime of misery, Keir’

Keir Bradwell doesn’t like games that end 5-1. I imagine that it’s because he thinks we always end up on the wrong end of the 5 but he’s young and he’ll learn.

While we’re focusing on the number five, did anyone get that (out of 10) in his ratings? Yes, Adam Johnson, but someone else did even better. Read on to find out who that hero is:

Read more

Keir’s Player Ratings: ‘amid the frustration versus Crystal Palace, Arise Alonso’

Jake: 'save yourself from a lifetime of misery, Keir'
Jake: ‘save yourself from a lifetime of misery, Keir’

Young Keir Bradwell‘s ambition is hardly extravagant. He’d like Sunderland to be in the Premier League when he reaches his 14th birthday in September. He assessment of the players’ performance in the ominous goalless draw against Crystal Palace is either wildly extravagant or he’s been listening to Gus Poyet’s post-match praise for the effort shown. Feel free, as ever, to disagree wit him …


Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace – Player Ratings

Read more

SAFC v Manchester City: Keir’s Player Ratings

Our lot: outclassed City
Our lot: 10 out of 10

Keir Bradwell, our youngest columnist (not yet 14), offers the first edition of what may become a regular feature: his marks out of 10 for each Sunderland player involved in the action . Where better to start than at Wembley? There is bound to be disagreement. If that means you, say so …

Read more