Yes, yes I know. You all thought this had been quietly binned like Richard’s newsletter but some of us forgot we had a game on Easter Monday. Anyway, we’re back now so stop crying. So what do we have? Ah, great, West Bromwich Albion away at *squints* 12pm on a Sunday, lovely stuff.

How Do I Get There?

It’s a pretty straightforward drive down to West Bromwich. Take the A1(M), M1, A42 and M6 down to Birmingham exiting at junction 1 for The Hawthorns. There’s parking available around the stadium at Sandwell Academy School.

Sat nav losers: B71 4LF

While it is impossible to get to the north east to The Hawthorns by train in time for kick-off on Sunday, if you happen to be in Birmingham the night before then just hop on a train from Moor Street or Snow Hill station and get off at The Hawthorns station.

What’s the Ground Like?

You surely know what The Hawthorns is like by now? We’ve played there literally thousands of times. However, if you’ve never been before, Sunderland fans are housed in the Smethwick End where, as usual, it’s a lovely sell-out.

Yer thirsty?

Yet again, the EFL and Sky have torpedoed what is ordinarily one of the best away trips in the country. However, you’ll be in luck as The Vine on Roebuck Street (around a ten-minute walk from the ground) will be open so you’ll be able to get a pint and a succulent Indian meal. Elsewhere around the ground, The Sportsman is alright as The Park Hotel.

For those of you with some time on your hands in Birmingham afterwards, then a Cans & Megabus staple is The Wellington on Bennetts Hill, close to Birmingham New Street. While the Post Office Vaults on New Street is another favourite.

What’s happening in Birmingham?

There’s loads of gigs happening in Brum on Sunday night, you’ll have a veritable feast of music goodness. For example, hit Deadwax and a cavalcade of metal including stellar acts like Kruelty, Gates of Hell and Splitknuckle. The Cruel Knives are playing The Asylum 2 and someone called Non Canon is playing Cherry Red’s.