I think it's fair to say that 2011 started on a high, pushing for a top 8 finish with some good results behind us and a tasty thrashing of the mags to look forward to, it ended up being our Annus Horribilis. That January Sunday is still fresh in my memory and looking back it was a day that Bruce never recovered from, a lucky 1-1 draw, the ill advised promise by Bruce that the victory music was ready and Bent walking away. Somehow we managed a tenth place finish and I don't think any of us understand how but at least we had the promise of a rebuild and Bent replacement. The Summer transfer window started great, good seasoned pros joined and we knew that the missing links a left winger and top striker were about to join. Neither did but we tried hard to believe Bendtner was the answer, that faint hope was to last one game, a good draw against Liverpool but what was to follow, defeat by Newcastle and striker number two walking out. I remember well the time to gel, two for the future who overnight became savours of the present, Gardner our missing midfield goalscorer and Vaughan our midfield creator, neither could get a game. We did however have some cheer, Westwood looked good, Brown surprised us all and Larsson was indeed that dead ball specialist we had been looking for. In amongst the gloom on the field we had sad times on not606, Joe and his constant battle to bring a better quality of life to his lady, Steve and the sad loss of his child and then of course Billy and the loss of his Janie. It was these sad times that showed the best of our north east footballing community with local rivalries put to one side as we became one to offer comfort and support, there truly are more important things than football. Back on the field, with relegation looking a real threat and doom and gloom rampant, all became brighter with the appointment of Martin O'Neil and hope at last. We don't really ask for much at Sunderland, no clamour for top 6 or top 4 finishes, no signings of a Messi or even a Parker, just effort and hope. If the club could give us half the effort and hope we give them we would be premier champions by now. We are still far from safety but at least we have hope and in the two short weeks under MON we can see an improvement in effort. I hope Joe finds that relief he is seeking, Steve and his lady are smiling again and Billy will learn to smile again. I hope we all have a better 2012 and that MON can bring us a little of the success we crave. Enjoy your Christmas and new year, red and white or black and white, but especially red and white.
Cheers syd Hoping for a better 2012 for North East football! Would be great to see 2 North East teams in the top half this year (as long as a certain one finishes above a certain other ) and a more competitive derby
Cheers syd, yep its been a trying year, Real Life and football wise, lets just hope 2012 is better (and those bloody Myans and Nostradamus are wrong)
well I can see Newcastle going in for the French fella and the S American will take a year to adjust, so I heard
Best hurry up he's only got a year....oo wait window don't open till Jan...guess they're fooked then. Or maybe he can make a massive impact and score a single goal and live of it...ala Ben Arfa.
