I suppose the referendum on Scottish independence was the starting point for this post, that and my trip up for …
Keir Bradwell was late but not as late as the editor suspected. Just in time for it to appear before the Birmingham City game, his player-by-player assessment of Sunderland’s home debut landed. Here, then, are one young fan’s marks out of 10. Try to remember, this is a subjective exercise. You are not required to agree with all or even any of them …
Malcolm Dawson writes…..Fifty years ago, Peter Sixsmith, M Salut and myself were all at the opening fixture of the 1964/5 season. I wasn’t to meet either of them until many years later, but here the three of us are half a century on, still hoping that the first home game of a new season will bring some long awaited success. Our golden anniversary coincides with Match of the Day’s own 50 year celebrations and it came as a bit of a shock to discover that in all that time only 11 sides have won the Football League/Premier League title. Sunday’s opponents were to finish top of the pile for the sixth time in 1964/5 but it is doubtful that they will do it for the twenty first time this campaign. At least Pete doesn’t think so based on what he saw at the Stadium of Light. Here is how he saw things.
Gus Poyet, in his post-match e-mail, strikes a justifiably optimistic note. He also singles out a really bright positive to take from the game: the sparkling wing play of Will Buckley. Our new boy’s battle with Blackett was intriguing, but Buckley was its winner. Now let the boss speak for himself …
Pete Sixsmith sees another Sunderland draw, but one most of us would have accepted before the game. Jack Rodwell, after his disappointing debut at WBA, powered in a splendid header to equalise after Mata had put United ahead much against the run of play. Mata’s tap-in capping a clinical counter-attack after Connor Wickham ought to have scored at the other end when when played in by a superb Will Buckley pass.
Despite a few nervous moments at the end, it was a thoroughly deserved draw in a game where Sunderland never looked second best. Oh, and Ashley Young proved something about leopards and spots. Here, as usual, is Pete’s instant seven-word verdict. He’ll have more to say about the encouraging signs that were there for all to see …
There used to be a feature here called Salut! Sunderland’s Week. As you see, Jake even came up with an image for it.
In the end, it seemed too much like hard work, regurgitating the best of the offerings from these pages over the previous seven days or so, especially for those too busy or disinclined to visit the site daily.
Rarely, we unearth the series. Today’s an example for the simple reason that the first home game of the season takes places tomorrow and is against Manchester United.
Tony Park* stood out among Manchester United supporters on Twitter, and elsewhere for that matter. I had not heard of him but his historian’s interest in the MUFC youth scheme and what becomes of its graduates marked him down as a someone with special rapport with the club and its tradition of nurturing young talent.
As a product of Tony’s knowledge and research, last year saw the appearance of Sons of United, a pictorial history of 80 years of the MUFC Youth Team which he co-authored with Steve Hobin. He seemed a great candidate for ‘Who are You?’ ahead of Sunday’s match and I am delighted he agreed to answer our questions …
Few pundits expect Sunderland to emerge from a game against Manchester United, even a home game, other than as a …
From the Republik of Mancunia came Scott the Red‘s customary questions. Not so much about Sunday’s match, more on last season and this one’s prospects. The first three comments attracted by Monsieur Salut’s interview for his site all cockily predict a United win on Sunday. More responses may be expected once the USA and Far East get up and running today or tomorrow …
I quoted a Dutch journalist, Peter Zantingh, in the piece I wrote for The National, Abu Dhabi on Louis van Gaal – the image above is copyright of “>John de Grooth and used with his consent – , but formed an instant dislike of him.
Zantingh has written an open letter, only semi-lighthearted, addressed to sportswriters who will cover van Gaal’s progress in his new job in charge of Manchester United. “From this moment on, you will be patronised, looked at with disdain, and haunted by a constant doubt [whether Mr van Gaal is making fun of you or being deadly serious],” he warns them.