Moyes on the boys v West Bromwich Albion: “We’re not too far away”

Jake’s take on this season’s manager

John McCormick writes: Were there any positives to take from today? I’m trying to think of some but I’m struggling. I suppose, with Palace losing, that we’re not out of it, which is something David Moyes alluded to on “Radio 5 live” after the game. If I remember correctly he said we’re not too far away [from safety], which is true, but in every area of the pitch West Brom, with whom we’ve contested many a promotion challenge and with whom we’ve shared many a relegation battle, were giving Ellis Short a lesson in how to run a club.

I suppose another positive is that we do have a manager with a Premiership pedigree, although I think he might well be trying to rebuild a relegated side next season. Anyway, here’s what he thinks after yet another defeat:

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Wrinkly Pete says what we’re thinking: ‘beginning to look a lot like Christmas’

Peter Lynn, aka Wrinkly Pete.

John McCormick writes: Wrinkly Pete is quite prescient. I was thinking of doing a relegation review before the end of the week and might still do so, depending on what comes down the Salut chimney in the next few days. I know there’s a “Who are you?” due but there may well be other posts – and you can take that as an invitation to send us something of your own if you wish. Like our esteemed manager we’re always on the lookout for young talent and not above taking on a good old’n.

Which, I suppose, returns me to Wrinkly Pete himself:

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Playing the sub v Watford: the view from the lower North Stand

Ed was away; he left me his season ticket and thanks to his generosity I watched the lads for free if I don’t count the 8 gallons of petrol, the couple of bottles of wine for Susan (my sister, who put me up) and a couple of pre-match pints for designated driver Paul.

John McCormick: bored
John McCormick. Subbing, but not for Sixer

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Bournemouth banter: (2) just one win but already part of Sunderland folklore

Olivia
Rob’s daughter Olivia would have loved this souvenir, but had to make do with dad taking a photo of another girl’s prize acquisition

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Bournemouth away was an occasion to remind supporters of Sunderland AFC, from nippers to long-in-the-tooth codgers, why they care so much about football. And this lovely piece from Rob Hutchison, the perfect complement to an excellent Chapman Report, captures our part of a special day …

“Which is the away end mate?” asked Colin, aka Monsieur Salut, as we approached the stadium. “Follow the voices”, the young friendly steward replied “They sound nothing like us!”.

We’d just been putting the world to rights in the Sir Percy Florence boozer with a few hundred other Mackems who had started drinking when the coaches left at 6am by the sound of the place.

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Hutch’s Patch. Arise Sir Victor: Bournemouth reveals a new colossus

Rob Hutchison: life suddenly feels better
Rob Hutchison: life suddenly feels better

Monsieur Salut writes: it was a pleasure seeing Rob Hutchison, purveyor of one-word wisdom, in the away-friendly Sir Percy Florence Wetherspoons – and his charming daughter Olivia – before the game. Olivia, 18, has seen every away game so far so deserved the victory we secured. She sent dad’s one-word ratings as he shouted out his verdicts while driving home. ‘Well that was emotional,’ he told her to add, ‘about time we got a break’. Like everyone in the away end, Rob was taken with the mighty performance of Victor Anichebe …

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