As Lars Knutsen says, the season’s not over yet, writes John McCormick. But we’re all walking just that bit taller and smiling just that bit wider. The reason, according to Lars, is that we have a manager who is not just up to the job of keeping us up but who is also capable of taking us forward …
Lars Knutsen
The Lars Word: six things Big Sam has brought to Sunderland
Malcolm Dawson writes…….Lars Knutsen might sound as if he was brought up on gravadlax and smorgasbord but with his East …
The Lars Word: from Keano to Advocaat – and then Big Sam?

Lars Knutsen has had about as much ‘excitement’ as a Sunderland supporter can take. He wants the S word – stability – along with enhanced Premier status. Here, he looks back with some admiration on Roy Keane’s time at the club and ponders Dick Advocaat and succession. His choice for the Dutchman’s successor, assuming his stay is limited to one season, will divide fans …
Dick Advocaat did well for us, and won the hearts of the fans. Those tears at the Emirates told us that the club had got under his skin. With the right signings and his more attacking tactics we can do a lot better in 2015-16.
The Lars Word: Sunderland is in England too ye knaa!
Malcolm Dawson writes…..whilst we are waiting for those who could get to The Cottage last night to send us their …
The Lars Word: instilling style and identity at SAFC
Wembley and Safe (6): Sunderland fans – long term lovers of pain
Malcolm Dawson writes…..Fans of the radio show “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” will know that one of the long …
The Lars Word: the golden dream of midtable obscurity for Sunderland
The Lars Word: sorry Steve Bruce and Hull, we’ll have last laugh
The Lars Word: as the screaming subsides, beware the late-night Beretta
The Lars Word: take heart, PDC, things can only get better

Lars Knutsen remembers Sunderland managers he has met, with especially fond memories of seeing Peter Reid and his players at what people rightly still call the Seaburn Hotel, celebrating a famous win at St James’ Park, and looks briefly at the records of those who had to make do without meeting him …