Just reading the latest edition of the Legion and came across this embarrassing statistic. Since our first ever promotion in 1964 and subsequent 2nd relegation in 1970, this latest stint in the top flight and our 6th in a row, is the longest time we have spent without a relegation or promotion? Staggering evidence if it were needed, to show the pitiful recent history of this great club but a fact all the same, however painful. In our 6th season coming up, which in itself is the longest time I've ever seen us remain a top flight club, we are in the safe hands of Martin O'Neill and Ellis Short and I can remain optimistic that a 7th, 8th and many more seasons at this level can be at least hoped for, although this is the 3rd manager in 4 seasons to take up the task. We need stability and some long term planning now and as we move into these uncharted waters, a sense that we are not just treading water but really belong here now. We've shed the yo yo tag but we have yet to really push on. This last year was by far and away the most comfortable season since Reids 1st season back in the top flight when we finished 7th but it still ended poorly in reality, when better could have been achieved. With 3 or 4 good signings, I expect a good season next year and a top 10 place for sure and as a given, I expect to see a 7th consecutive season of top flight football the season after. Heady days indeed for us 40 to 50 somethings, with 40 years of nothingness behind us, to celebrate and drink to.
6 season, stability seems to have been achieved, and that's a good thing... But SAFC can't rest on their laurels, each season reach that invisible safety target first, and then push on.
I like the Seville link story in there. Another La Liga team that's history is linked with the banks of the wear.
No the aim is to reach that magic 40 pts first, and then push on for the rest, a bit like what looked like was going to happens this season, before it fell flat.
we should not be looking to reach 40 point that should come naturley but been sunderland we know that it will not come easy
its important that we continue to aspire to a higher finish each year, we have the right people at the club now, i'm 100% convinced about that, MON has been their and got the T-Shirt and i couldn't be happier with his appointment. A couple of signings, that will probably be a curve ball that none of us expected, and hopefully next season should prove more fruitful than the last
