5-0, live on Sky, a packed Roots hall, can it get any better? (Though have we seen a more horrible team than QPR since Chester a couple of years ago?) The Blues message boards mood has swung, we are now certain to stay up; well, maybe. As I've continued to say the trouble with our poor start is that we now have to keep up promotion form until May. The force is with us but we are still second from bottom and a look at the present form table shows what a tough task faces us on Saturday. Sunderland, under Roy Keane, are not the side we dismissed back in August. We may be 4th but Sunderland are top!
Pos Team P W D L F A Gd Pts
1 Sunderland 6 5 1 0 11 2 9 16
2 W. B. A. 6 5 1 0 12 7 5 16
3 Derby Cty. 6 5 1 0 8 3 5 16
4 Southend Utd. 6 4 1 1 13 4 9 13
5 Crystal Palace 6 3 2 1 11 6 5 11
6 Cardiff City 6 3 2 1 9 6 3 11
7 Wolves 6 3 2 1 8 5 3 11
8 Southampton 6 2 3 1 6 4 2 9
9 Preston 6 3 0 3 8 7 1 9
10 Leeds Utd.6 3 0 3 10 11 -1 9
Keane has signed six players in the January window, to add to the several he has attracted to the club since his appointment. The latest, Stern John from Coventry will join countrymen Carlos Edwards
and Dwight Yorke at the Stadium of Light. So the team we will see on Saturday may change from the one that beat Plymouth 2-0 away:
Fulop, Simpson (Liam Miller 89), Evans, Nosworthy, Collins, Edwards, Whitehead, Yorke, Hysen (Stokes 66), John (Leadbitter 74), Connolly. Subs Not Used: Carson, Cunningham.
Goals from Stokes and the evergreen David Connelly won the game and they are sure to fight all the way, the toughest test yet in our recent good run, arguably more so than Birmingham away, this team are in a fairly good run themselves!
With no injury problems from Friday, though the immense Sodje and Freddie went off early showing slight problems, Tilly should stick with the same team that thrashed QPR, and has seen Royce replaced as QPR keeper, as Hammell is at least a week away from full fitness. Super Che Wilson is back from Brentford and could be on the bench as cover if injuries hit the central two but reports from the club hint at him going as quick as he came back!
We have played the Black Caps 13 times with a pretty good record, winning 6 and losing 7. (No draws, so 0-0 on Saturday then?)
Sat 19 Aug 2006 seems a long time ago now when we won 3-1, Barrett(2), Bradbury scoring in front of a sun baked 9,848. The first time we played them resulted in an embarrasing 0-7 on a cold November night twenty years ago. Two famous wins were on Nov. 30 1991 when Angell and Scully scored at the old Roker Park, 2-the final result. Fat Fry's first game in charge on the 3rd of April 1993 led to a 4-2 away win, Stan, Andy Ansah and Scully and Angell again, all scoring to start the charge away from relegation. A similar result with a similar end to the season would be very welcome!
The home ground, the Stadium Of Lite, (or 'Shite' as nicknamed by their much loved Newcastle neighbours!), was opened in 1997, after the Club left their former home of Roker Park where they had played for 99 years. The stadium is totally enclosed and is truly magnificent. I would say that it is one of the best stadiums in England. It is composed of two three tiered stands (at one end and one side of the pitch), whilst the others are two tiered. Unfortunately, sitting at the back of the highest tiers means a limited view of the majority of the stadium, hence the feeling of being a bit cut off. The West Stand also has a row of executive boxes (which you can sit outside if you wish). There is a large electronic scoreboard at either end. You really have to experience not only the stadium but also the occasion that is Sunderland to believe it. Away fans are housed at one end of the stadium, in the two tiered Metro FM (South) Stand.
Currently, with half the stadium being larger than the other, it looks a little imbalanced from the away end. However, looking at the larger stands, one feels that if the Club added a tier to the remaining sides an even more remarkable stadium would emerge.
The club have secured planning permission to add another 7,200 to the Metro FM (South) Stand, which would take the capacity to 55,000. The club have not yet confirmed when (if ever) they will go ahead with this. If the club then proceed after this to add another tier
to the McEwans Stand the the final capacity would be around 64,000!
If you can only get to one stadium this season, then go to this one. I found the stadium almost overwhelming, the PA system deafening (especially when the classical piece 'Dance Of The Knights' from Prokofiev's 'Romeo & Juliet' is played before the players come on to the pitch at the start of the game and Republica's 'Ready To Go', as
the teams come out of the tunnel) and the Sunderland supporters exceptionally friendly. But bear in mind you are not allowed to smoke or swear inside the stadium. If you persist with either you may find yourself being ejected from the ground!
DRINKING; There are bars inside the ground, however they get really crowded. Recommended is the William Jameson (Wetherspoons pub) in the centre of town for a drink before or after the game, as it has a great atmosphere. Also the new Yates's bar opposite Wetherspoons or Idols on High Street West, in the city centre, which has good beer and scantily clad barmaids and dancers. The beer is not bad too! Away fans are welcome. The Albion pub, on Victor Street is a five minute walk from the ground, with some parking nearby. Always friendly and the landlord even puts on complimentary snacks after the game. Otherwise there is a chippy a couple of doors away. There
are also another couple of bars worth mentioning, both a five minute walk away form the stadium, on the road approaching the Wearmouth bridge on the North (Stadium Side) of the river. There are two social clubs - The Sunderland Companions club, and the Democratic Club, which both get very busy, and will offer a warm welcome to
away supporters, and serve cheap beer.
DRIVING; Exit the A1 at the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the Sunderland slip road onto the bridge over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go
straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland. Then go through two sets of traffic lights and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the
city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground is solid so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT; Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). From the train station, exit between W.H.Smith and the bakery. Turn left and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised
ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead.
The Metro stations called the 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serve the stadium. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and the South of Sunderland. Both stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, although away
supporters should alight at St Peters Station as that is closer to their entrance. This provides an alternative to the regular rail services. Please note though that after the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (i.e. towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (i.e. towards Sunderland centre).
For those coughing up £280 the nearest airport is Newcastle which is located 24 miles away. However the journey is pretty straightforward as both the Stadium Of Light and Newcastle Airport are both served by the Metro transit system. There are frequent departures to Sunderland and the journey time is just under an hour.
WEATHER FORECAST; Wet, Windy and 8 degrees, so wrap up warm!
HISTORY OF THE CLUB; Sunderland A.F.C. was founded by Glaswegian school-teacher James Allan in 1879, to provide "recreational amusement" for the area's schoolteachers, under the name of 'Sunderland & District Teachers Association'. The club's first competitive game is thought to be against Ferryhill Athletic on the November 13, 1880, with Sunderland losing 1-0 and wearing an all blue strip, in a sharp contrast to the now famous red and white stripes. The club's first ground was the 'Blue House Field' in Hendon, close to James Allan's boarding school, and would change their home a further four times in seven years before settling at the 'Newcastle Road' ground in 1886. in 1881, in order to relax financial troubles, the name was changed to Sunderland Association Football Club and non-teachers were allowed to join. S.A.F.C. turned professional in 1885, the same year they recruited a number of Scotsmen, their first international players.
In 1887 the club was split in two due to the influx of paid professional players pushing the local men out of the first team. In protest over this many of the best local players (and club-founder James Allan) left the club and formed their own team, Sunderland Albion F.C. A brief rivalry began, peaking in 1890 when The Football League promised admission for just one of the teams. A deciding playoff was held; SAFC won. Sunderland Albion remained an amateur club, and gradually faded into obscurity. Sunderland AFC joined the Football League in time for the 1890/91 season, which was only the league's third season. Stoke City F.C., one of the twelve Football League founder members dropped out after two seasons. Sunderland took their place, effectively making them the 'thirteenth' team in English football.
In the early years of the Football League, SAFC were the most Northern top-flight team and often had to pay opposing teams' travel expenses. Over six seasons "the team of all the talents" lost only one home game and became the first side to win the league three times.
The club shared this period of dominance with Aston Villa, and the battles between these clubs were immortalised in a famous Thomas MM Hemy painting of the two clubs in action during the 1894/1895 season, the first ever painting of a competitive football league match. Entitled 'A Corner Kick', the painting now stands in the doorway of the club's current stadium, The Stadium of Light.
From 1886-98 SAFC's home was at Newcastle Road; ironically, Newcastle United are their main rivals. In 1898, the Club moved to what would become their long-standing home, Roker Park. Initially the ground had a capacity of 30,000, but over the following decades it was continually expanded and at its peak held an official crowd of over 75,000.
In 1904 the club was rocked by a financial scandal involving the club's right back Andrew McCombie, in which Sunderland's board of Directors gave the player £100 in order to start up in business, with the view that his benefit game would see him repay the money. McCombie however saw the money as a gift and refused to pay back the club. The Football Association launched an inquiry and agreed with McCombie, stating that it was a "resigning/win/draw bonus" and furthermore the books of Sunderland showing financial irregularities, and so violating the rules of the game. Sunderland were fined £250, with six directors being suspended for two and a half years. Furthermore, Alex McCombie would go onto sign for Newcastle United, and be instrumental in Newcastle's spell of league dominance of the era. The club were shook heavily by this and began to struggle in the league, the only true bright point of the remainder of the decade being a 1-9 hammering of Newcastle United away in 1908, which is still the biggest away victory of any team the top flight. Also, in 1905 the club were involved in the first ever £1,000 transfer fee for a player when Alf Common signed for Middlesbrough.
On April 19, 1913 Sunderland narrowly missed out on becoming one of the first clubs to win the double when they were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa in the final of the FA Cup at Crystal Palace. The crowd that day was 121,919; the second-highest ever to watch an FA Cup Final, behind the 1923 White Horse Final.
This decade in the clubs history also saw the goalscoring prowess of Charles Buchan, who played in the 1913 cup final and would go onto score 224 goals for the club, which means he stands today as the second highest marksman in the club's history after Bob Gurney's record of 228.
World War I saw the break-up of the Sunderland team as men went off to fight on the continent - many not returning.
Bobby Gurney is one of Sunderland's all-time greatest goalscorers, netting 228 goals in 388 games.The team was rebuilt and in the 20's and 30's the club fielded some of its greatest ever players, including Bobby Gurney, Charlie Buchan and Raich Carter. Bank-rolled by wealthy shipyard owners, Sunderland broke regular transfer records bringing the likes of Dave Halliday to the club. Despite the investment, Sunderland failed to win any trophies until 1936, when they won the league championship for the sixth (and last) time. The following year, they eventually won their first FA Cup in a 3-1 victory over Preston North End in front of 93,495 at Wembley. The goals were scored by Gurney, Carter and Eddie Burbanks. The team looked set to win many more trophies in the seasons ahead before the misery of the Second World War broke out. The football league was suspended.
When the League restarted after the war, Sunderland's fortunes took a turn for the worse. In 1949 they suffered one of the greatest shock results in the history of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 to non-league Yeovil Town F.C..
Sunderland was known as the "Bank of England" club during the 50's due to its reputation for high-spending (breaking transfer records to bring in the likes of Trevor Ford and Len Shackleton). Despite high-spending on transfer-fees, the club's hands were tied regarding player wages due to a FA-imposed £15-per-week wage-cap. In January 1957, a letter was delivered to the FA from a 'Smith', in it, the author made allegations that Sunderland were making illegal payments to players. The FA sent an investigation team to the club, who found evidence of illegal activity in the club accounts, including a £3,000 bill for 'straw' to cover the pitch. The team uncovered a string of similar accounting glitches; Contract companies were purposely charging Sunderland excessive fees for services, and later sending credit-notes to redress the balance. These credit notes were passed on to players. In total, just over £5,000 was handled in this way. The club Chairman and chief financier along with three club directors were permanently suspended. The club was fined a record £5,000, manager Bill Murray was fined £200, and a number of players, including record-signing Trevor Ford were temporarily suspended. The punishment was severe, and sent shock-waves through the world of football and sent Sunderland into disarray. Ironically, the wage-cap was removed in 1961.
In 1958, in the aftermath of the illegal-payments scandal, Sunderland were relegated from Division One for the first time in their history. Sunderland's 68 unbroken years at the top flight was at the time a record in English football; since then, it has been surpassed by Arsenal. The local sports newspaper, the "Football Echo", had always been pink - but after relegation it was sold in white, headlines claimed the colour change was "due to the shock".
Despite losing the remarkable Brian Clough to injury in the early 60's, Sunderland were promoted back to the top-flight in 1964; after six long years in the second division. Unfortunately, Sunderland failed to make an impact in the top-flight - they never finished higher than 15th and six years later in 1970, they were eventually relegated for the second time. Despite the poor league showing, during this time Sunderland had some notable players: Jimmy Montgomery in goal, Charlie Hurley in defence, George Herd and Jim Baxter in midfield and George Mulhall on the wing.
On May 5 1973, second-division Sunderland ended a fairy-tale cup run by beating cup-holders Leeds United in the FA Cup Final. A first-half goal by scotsman Ian Porterfield was the only goal of the game - in no small part thanks to an outstanding double-save by goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery, first from a Cherry header, and then a powerful follow-up by Peter Lorimer. It is often described as one of the greatest saves of all-time. At the end of the game, Sunderland manager Bob Stokoe ran on to the pitch to embrace his goalkeeper, an enduring image in FA Cup history. It was the first time a team from outside of the top-flight had lifted the cup in over 40 years.
In 1976 Sunderland were once again promoted to the first division. They only lasted a season but returned in 1980 for another five-year stint in the top flight. During this time the club never managed to finish higher than 13th place and were perpetual league strugglers.
1985 proved to be a cruel year for Sunderland fans; they reached their first League Cup final, but lost 1-0 to Norwich with Clive Walker missing a penalty. At the end of the 84/85 season they were relegated back to the second division.
Sunderland reached their lowest ebb in 1987 when they suffered relegation to the Third Division, losing in a two-leg play-off to Gillingham F.C.. Even the return of '73 cup hero Bob Stokoe following the sacking of manager Lawrie McMenemy couldn't keep Sunderland up. It was the first time in the club's history that they had fallen in to the lower divisions. Under their new manager Denis Smith, promotion was gained at the first attempt as Sunderland went back up as champions in 1988.
Two years later they reached the Second Division playoff final after beating Newcastle United in the semi-final. Despite losing 1-0 to Swindon Town F.C. at Wembley, Sunderland were promoted a few weeks later in place of Swindon - who remained in the Second Division after admitting financial irregularities.
Sunderland went back down after just one season in the First Division, and failed to get anywhere near the playoff zone in 1992. One small consolation was a run to the FA Cup final - where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool. Smith had quit as manager during the season and was replaced by his assistant Malcolm Crosby, who in turn resigned after less than a year despite success in taking the club to only the fourth FA Cup final in their history. Crosby was replaced by Terry Butcher.
Before the end of 1993, Butcher's short-lived reign as manager came to an end and he was replaced by Mick Buxton. Buxton fared a little longer, being sacked in March 1995. At this stage, Sunderland were in real danger of relegation from Division One. The club's board turned to Peter Reid as manager and his target was simple - to keep Sunderland clear of relegation. That objective was achieved within weeks and he was rewarded with a permanent contract.
Peter Reid's first full season as Sunderland manager was a huge success. They cruised to the Division One title and gained promotion to the Premiership for the first time since the league re-structuring. But a shortage of goals sabotaged their chances of success during 1996-97, and they were relegated on the last day of the season at Selhurst Park.
1996-97 also marked the end of Sunderland's 99-year tenancy at Roker Park. That summer, the club relocated to the 42,000-seat Stadium of Light at Monkwearmouth - the largest club stadium to be built in England for more than 70 years. Its capacity has since been expanded to 49,000 seats and is currently the fourth largest club stadium in England. The name was derided by fans, not least because it's a corruption of the name of Benfica's stadium, Estadio da Luz, translated into English - and also because it gave fans of Newcastle United, Sunderland's arch rivals, a chance to give the stadium a 'comical' nickname of their own.
In their first season at their new ground, Sunderland overcame a bumpy start to finish third. After beating Sheffield United in the Playoff Semi-Final, they reached the final at Wembley. Over 40,000 fans travelled from the North-East to see an incredible game against Charlton Athletic which ended 4-4 after extra time. After a phenomenal season of goalscoring, new striker Kevin Phillips scored here as well, meaning that he broke Brian Clough's post-war single season goalscoring record with a tally of 35. Charlton, however, went on to win the game on a penalty shootout, as Michael Gray had his penalty saved by Charlton stopper Saša Ilić. It is often regarded as one of the best games seen at Wembley in recent years.
Sunderland returned to the English Premiership in 1999/00, after running away with the Division One title in 1998/99 season with a record 105 league points. Kevin Phillips had another brilliant season, again passing the 30-goal mark.
Over the next two seasons, Sunderland finished seventh — just missing out on a place in European competition both times. With a team containing many international players, included some capped for England (Kevin Phillips, Gavin McCann, Michael Gray), Sunderland fans began to believe that the club had finally come out of the dark era and were re-established as a permanent top-flight club. Phillips won the European Golden Boot in his first top-flight season with Sunderland, scoring 30 goals. Average attendances at the Stadium of Light were some of the highest in the club's history.
In 2001/02, however, the club narrowly avoided relegation. They were the lowest scoring team in the Premiership with just 28 goals. Despite this, nine more points would have seen them finish seventh. First hurdle exits from both cup competitions built up the pressure on Peter Reid.
In 2002/03 they finished bottom, with an English Premiership record low of 4 wins, 21 goals and 19 points. Peter Reid had been sacked in October and been replaced with Howard Wilkinson, with Steve Cotterill as his assistant. Wilkinson's reign was catastrophic, and he left the club after only six months charge. Although Sunderland were outside the relegation area at Christmas with 18 points, poor performances (they only picked up one more point) and a series of 17 straight defeats (only better by Darwen in League history with 18 straight defeats) saw Sunderland relegated with a then-record low points total in the Premiership of 19 points.
Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy came to the club in mid March, and all he could do was make plans for the future as Sunderland's final 15 Premiership games all ended in defeat. In addition to relegation, heavy activity in the transfer market (including £10m paid for Tore André Flo and Marcus Stewart shortly before Reid's sacking) meant that Sunderland found itself in debt for more than £35 million, and the club was forced to sell many of its best players and close a number of club shops.
In their first season back in the second-tier, McCarthy began to rebuild the squad with players mainly brought in from lower divisions. Despite the transition, Sunderland finished a respectable third, and only a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace prevented them from reaching the playoff final. In the 2004/05 season, Sunderland finished top of the table in the Coca-Cola Championship, returning to the Premiership.
2005-06 was a torrid time for the Wearsiders. Sunderland, for the first time in their history, failed to win a home game before Christmas. Embarrassment was compounded when they were knocked out of the FA Cup at the 4th round stage by League One side Brentford. Manager Mick McCarthy was sacked in March, and replaced by caretaker manager Kevin Ball. Ball, a former fan favourite, became the 30th man to take control in Sunderland's history, but the fourth in the last 4 years. He faced an almost impossible task of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League. The Black Cats' relegation to the Championship was sealed on Good Friday (14 April) by a scoreless draw against Man United at Old Trafford, leaving them on 12 points with five matches left to play and 17 points from any chance of safety.
Sunderland won their final home game of 2005-06 with a 2-1 win over Fulham, which prevented them from the suffering further humiliation of becoming the first English professional club to have gone a whole season without winning a single home game in the league.
Sunderland began the 2006-07 with new backroom staff, as former player Niall Quinn, backed by the Drumaville Consortium, completed their £10m takeover of the club. Out-going chairman Bob Murray left Sunderland A.F.C. after two eventful decades in charge; above all else, he was responsible for the club's move to the Stadium of Light.
Quinn tempted former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane to take his first managerial post in charge of Sunderland amid national media frenzy. The gamble is looking increasingly likely to pay off, as Sunderland had climbed to tenth in the Champions by 2 January 2007. This puts them a mere four places and three points within the playoff zone - a far cry from their position on Keane's appointment some four months earlier, when they occupied bottom places after losing their opening three games of the season.
(Thanks to all the usual suspects for their help with this article.)
