What a fantastic morning. Strange things we humans, out at 5 in a frosty park, everything with that white covering of frost and crisp underfoot. The cold biting at my face and Osca deciding he wants to sniff every blade of grass so it was slow, slow, slow-slow-slow. But it felt good, I felt alive and the early morning quiet was wonderful, yes I blame O'Neill for all of that, along with a few weeks of back to back football. With the Swans and the Canaries coming to town and the Smoggies squeezed in the middle it could be triple orgasim time, there again it could be oh dear me time, lets hope for option one. All three will be tough games and I respect all thre teams, however, we really should be going into all three games conident of victory, hard fought and nervy yes but victory all the same. I see we are being linked today with a 10 mil bid for Cissie, no not that one, the young one, will we wont we, who knows. Enjoy your day and remember, we never ever do it the easy way at Sunderland so dont be surprised if those three games throw up the odd surprise.
There'll definitely be a few surprises syd but, I too am confident of getting through those games unbeaten. If I'm honest I reckon 4 points against Swansea and Norwich and a very hard fought game against Boro but just come out on top. Reckon we should start hearing about new faces soon so that'll give us something to moan about or crow about you never know which way it will go at SAFC.
Sounds like a lovely way to start the day Syd. I don't think either are easy games but 6-8 weeks ago they would have been a great deal more daunting. Swansea have not been great away and I think Norwich have surprised everyone with how good they have been. 4 points would be nice..... 6 even nicer.
Yeah cold cold cold - I took my dog for a walk at 6:45 and it was exactly the same at the park in Fram mate!! Enjoyed the walk (was well wrapped up) and the dog had a playmate (a collie called Dippy!!) who was just mental - it felt good this morning - regardless of defeat I saw a good performance on Saturday (footy first) - and a game where only Chelsea had chances (MOTD!) but I was pleased with most of the lads performances - but for a finisher we would have got something from that game... I too blame MoN for the way I'm feeling as a SAFC supporter now - for the positivity I take from each game regardless of the result - long may it continue. We need to look for 6 points from the next 2 league games - the cup, as much as I would like a decent run, is the least important thing and the league is much moreso - but our "Squad" is showing how well it can cope with a few injuries and illnesses - all good IMO and watching the lads that play raise their game the way they do is excellent. Hope Gardner can sort out his "homesickness" and settle up here as I like the lad - good player and great attitude. Looking forward to the weekend now...
Best times Syd mate. A cold winter night in the pitch black under the lights, 113 layers on, footy heaven. **** I miss it!
no, my boy is tough, mind he hates the snow, his little todger hits the snow and it brings tears to my eyes.
Aye. There's just summat about that walk up the access ramp, pitch actually glowing off the lights. I always think somehow the atmosphere is better, or at least rowdier, at a midweek, maybe people shouting there anger from days at work out? Love it.
Will Fraizer take part? no rushing him.. Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell has stressed he won't be rushing his return to senior action. A recent goalscoring appearance for the reserves had raised fans' hopes of seeing the quicksilver striker back in the Barclays Premier League fray - but Campbell insists he's in no rush until the time is absolutely right. The forward, who has battled back from two severe cruciate ligament injuries, says he's completely focused on ensuring the knee is completely ready for senior action before donning his number nine shirt in the top flight once more. Campbell's preparations took a step forward last week when he found the net in the reserves' 3-1 win at Blackburn. Reflecting on the game, Campbell said: "It's always good to get a goal but the most important thing is making sure the knee is alright. "I've been training for a while and the big thing is that these things take time. As much as I want to be back playing, I know everyone's got to be talking to each other to make sure the knee is sound. "I'm almost having to hold myself back; this is one of the worst parts. Those final few weeks just seem to drag but I know I have to take it steady." Campbell's cause has also been aided by playing in behind-closed-doors matches at the club's Academy of Light training base. And while the games have whetted Campbell's appetite for competitive action, he knows he must remain disciplined. "The training-ground matches have helped me; I haven't felt sluggish or anything," Campbell said. "But rushing things results in niggles. When I come back I want to be at my best; I don't want to be half-hearted." Meanwhile Campbell says confidence is high within the squad, with the arrival of Martin O'Neill having ushered in a super run of form. Last weekend's defeat at Chelsea was only Sunderland's second defeat in eight games and snapped a run of three straight wins in all competitions. "It's brilliant being around the place," said the striker, who scored against O'Neill's former Aston Villa side during the 2009-10 season. "We've had a great run of form and the lads are playing really well, so there's a buzz. "A lot of football is confidence and if you're winning games it makes you feel like a different person. "I'm desperate to be a part of it. We're full of confidence week in, week out and it's spreading."
Listen to what the docs say, mate, and don't rush back. We saw what that crap did for us last year. Good luck.
