I posted on here a year or so ago asking for suggestions as to how to persuade my lad (now 7) that a lifetime as a Sunderland supporter was preferable to being a follower of one of the "big clubs" (we live down south and can only get to a few games each season). All of his mates support teams who expect to win most weeks whereas we are a firmly red and white family! Firstly - thanks for the suggestions - not sure his mum would leave my gonads in place were I to "get him a sunderland tattoo"... Secondly - I am glad to be able to report (please don`t report me to the authorities) that the bug has now firmly taken hold of him... a season where 1. We went to Wembley (thank you Mr Fry) and, regardless of the result, he saw that we have a fantastic following, loved the atmosphere; and 2. We were doomed to go down and it became cool at school to not care as we`d bounce back; and 3. We put on a magnificent escape from the relegation zone with a game to spare - he was shouting at the dodgy internet link on the lap-top last night with his dad; and 4. He really began to understand the ups and downs of being a Sunderland fan I could not contain the huge smile on my face when this morning as he was leaving home he told me "Dad - we might not be the best team but we really are the best team to support" (he then showed his commercial awareness and wondered out loud if we might sign Messi this summer...) All that remains is to formally apologise to him for the pain, heartache and suffering that a life of supporting Sunderland will inevitably cause him!! KTF
Child services have been informed of this cruelty... Although I have just got my boy a season ticket for next season!!!
