Really looking forward to the new season. Got some great players now. I was having a sort out earlier and found the programmes for the Checkatrade final vs Portsmouth and the playoffs vs Charlton. Horrific looking at some of the players there and really galling to see Grigg on the front cover of the Checkatrade programme. We've come a long way.
Thanks once more RTB for the match day thread, so iconic is it, I didn't even notice the hiccup at the start and am expecting non tomorrow either as your team lives up to it.. OaU.
Every man, woman and dog who "know" anything about the championship think Ipswich are either going to finish top 6 or get promoted. I know I'm tempting fate, but I'd love us to put out a marker tomorrow. I think we're being underestimated, and hopefully teams do all season. Wouldn't be surprised if we put it up to the 3 relegated teams and lush top 2
This is one of the hardest games we could have had for opening day in my opinion. They were a free scoring team in League one last year and had the kind of season that suggests a back to back promotion is possible. They have a talented young manager, a squad full of confidence and some excellent players. Broadhead, for one, has the ability to cause us problems, but he's not their only, or even their main attacking threat. Conor Chaplin scored 26 goals for them last season and will be a constant danger. One of their main outlets will be the left back Leif Davis bombing down that side. He got 14 assists last season. Roberts will have to be aware of his defensive responsibilities. Tough one to call this, I wouldn't be shocked with the result going either way and both teams have the ability to capitalise on early season mistakes and really punish the other. I'm going for a draw, but I won't read much into a big win or a heavy defeat.
The sun is shining, the excitement is building. Meeting the branch lads at 1 in the local before the coach leaves at 2 then a few beers with my cousin and her family before the game. Should be 44k in attendance all with hope amd expectation. Let's get at them right from the start and a couple of early goals. Haway me bonny lads
Marcus Stewart has just been on BBC Breakfast talking about being a guest at today's game and having MND (having been diagnosed in January last year) . . . . he'll be introduced at half-time to a massive round of applause from both sets of fans, no doubt
Needless to say cracking matchday thread RTB, thank you. This kick off time allows me to take in a rare home game. Just about to jump in the motor and head up. Hope everyone has a cracking day. Hard to predict first games of any season but hopefully this will be a good footballing match. Whether it is a high or a low at full time it will be good to see these young lads in our shirt again.
Words from Mr Sunderland ❤️⚪️ Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Stadium of Light as we return to Wearside for the new season. Last season was a huge success for the Club reaching the Play-Offs in our first season back in the Sky Bet Championship. Although we fell short, our sixth-place finish shows how we’ve made huge strides in recent years and our progress has been incredible. But it doesn’t stop there, and we want to keep on improving as a team. As always, the pre-season campaign brings an intense schedule, and this summer has been no different as we look to improve on our top six finish. Our trip to USA put us through our paces in extremely high temperatures but it was also amazing to see so many of you make the long trip out to see us in action. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed. I recently celebrated my fifth anniversary with the Club and I can’t thank you all enough for your support and love over the years. We have made some incredible memories together and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life. But I am determined to make some more memories with this wonderful Club and we, as a squad, are not resting on our laurels. You all know how much I love Sunderland and I want to see the Club get back to where it belongs in the top-flight. Another journey begins today against a tough Ipswich Town side where we hope to bring you a result with the help of your backing. The whole squad know that you never fail to bring the noise at the Stadium of Light. Let’s keep building on our success in recent years and attack the league from the very first match. Enjoy the game and Ha’way the Lads! Luke
please log in to view this image Pre match drink before we head off to our lift to town. Hawayyyyy the lads !
Just home from running Darlington 10k. Shower, get sorted, grab some food then get to Sunderland for a pint with my boyo. Can’t wait
Ready to set off with my youngest son to pick up my middle son and 2 grandchildren, then meet up with my oldest son and third grandchild - can't wait In the meantime just had a quick look at the odds for today's games and surprised to see Ipswich favourites at approx 6/4 with us at approx 2/1
