More spleen venting, this time from Peter Stamp. The target of his ire is Southern journalists and their perception of our expectations. We think he’s spot on…

Once more I heard some (southern) journos spouting the ‘what do the Sunderland fans expect’ predictably patronising nonsense.

Well… having watched my first game in the mid-50s, I can tell them what I expect – it’s very little indeed.  But what I hope for, yearn for, is mid-table mediocrity.  That’s my dream – my seemingly unobtainable fantasy is for us to struggle to the heights of bland obscurity.  Because – my southern journo friends – that would be a real achievement for this club.

Since that first game, nearly 60 years ago, we have won one trophy.  We have been in Europe for one season.  Once.  (Meanwhile of course, I have had to watch Newcastle in Europe …and Fulham …and Stoke …and…)  Add a couple of 7ths and a couple of losing finals and that’s it, boys.

This year’s average home gate is phenomenal given our dire form.  Likewise, our away support.  I don’t go these days, (money and location), but well done to those loyal and true supporters who do (who don’t expect, but just hope and dream such modest dreams as I do.)

We’re not cursed – there’s no such thing.  But it is about time we reached those dizzy mid-table heights.

Hey, look – it’s a new dawn!

Peter Stamp