Sobs recently spoke to the guys from the Stockport magazine, The Scarf My Father Wore, and took part in their '20 Questions' feature. It's handy in getting to know Sobs a bit, learning about his history with SAFC and getting his thoughts on the club's current state.

Sunderland currently play in the Premier League, which is the top tier of English football. What’s that like as a division?

It’s what we Sunderland fans have been watching on Match of the Day as something alien to us for the last eight years. It’s become the world’s top league, the one every player aspires to be in, and it’s pure showbiz and huge wages.

Describe a typical matchday for yourself in Sunderland.

I live out of town, so I arrive about 1 and pick the team in The Ship Isis pub beforehand over a couple of pints with mates, then get the actual team news before heading across the bridge to catch up at ALS HQ. Then the match itself – I like to get in before “Dance of the Knights” so that I can belt out “Wise Men Say”. Afterwards it’s writing the match report at ALS HQ before a quick bevvy at the Fans' Museum and the bus home.

Who are your club’s biggest rivals?

Them up the road.

What’s your best memory following Sunderland?

So many, but my first visit to Wembley (1973) and the last two (2022 and this year) have been spectacular. I’ll pick 2022 as it marked a turning point and my son was with me after witnessing three miserable Wembley defeats.

What’s your worst memory following Sunderland?

That Gillingham game in 1987. Relegated thanks to a miserable season and a mad interpretation of the away goals rule.

If Sunderland was a TV show, which one would it be?

Sharpe’s Rifles.

What’s your ground called, and how would you describe it for someone who’s never visited before?

The Stadium of Light, which sounds a bit corny and derivative of the Portuguese original, but we mostly call it the SoL, the stadium, or (still!) the new ground. It’s not like most flat-pack new stadiums that have appeared in the last 30+ years in that you enter 15 rows above pitch level, then have another 21 rows above that. It’s a bowl, with no open corners, and one end and one side with an upper tier.

What’s your thoughts on Stockport County?

I’ve been watching from afar as Jack Diamond now plays for them – as I do with any former player. Well, most.

Have you ever visited the town of Stockport before?

Just the once in May 1999 when we were already promoted as champions, and a County fan in the chippy beforehand said: “Please be gentle with us.” Kevin Phillips scored his 24th goal of the season in a 1-0 win.

What colours do you play in, and what’s the best ever kit Sunderland have had?

Red and white stripes, black shorts, red and white socks. To me, as long as it’s proper stripes, and not that butcher’s pinny of a few seasons ago or the pyjama top of the early 80s (although it’s now a "retro classic") it’s fine, but I do like the 1980s one with the "old" ship badge. Hence the tattoo.

If Sunderland were playing in the next FA Cup final, who’d be at Wembley as your celebrity fan?

Steve Cram for sure, plus Jill Scott. So many former players were at Wembley this May that they’d probably fill a whole section themselves.

What’s the most interesting fact about Sunderland AFC we might not know?

When we replaced Stoke in 1890, we were the first team since the original 12 founding clubs to join the Football League.

Who’s your all time Sunderland hero?

Gary Rowell. Local lad, same age as me, scored a hat-trick at St James Park – what’s not to like?

What sort of attendances do you get, and how would you describe Sunderland’s fanbase?

It was over 40,000 last season, and this year it will be pretty much a 45 or 46 sell-out each game. Our fans are fiercely loyal, but take most things with humility and don’t get too far ahead of ourselves, unlike them up the road. Also, we’re not afraid to have a laugh at ourselves. Oh, and noisy.

What’s your manager like?

Tactically, he seems very sound, and unlike many, doesn’t start interviews with excuses – if it’s our fault, it’s our fault.

What’s your owner like?

Very young, very rich, and completed his five-year plan in four. In short, highly satisfactory.

What’s it like for a night out in Sunderland?

Pretty bouncing these days. As well as the city centre, which has been regenerated, much like the club, there’s Roker and Seaburn by the sea, plus the new Sheepfolds complex near the ground.

What’s the best thing about being a Sunderland fan?

Being a Sunderland fan. Seriously, it’s like I have a Sunderland family with all the folks I sit with, travel with, and meet at away games.

What’s the worst thing about being a Sunderland fan?

Being unable to let go when things are going badly. It’s the hope I can’t stand, although that’s not been much of a problem recently, so actually, there’s nowt bad about being one of us.

What are your hopes for this season?

In June, it was merely survival. However, since our raft of signings, and early promise on the field, it has to be mid-table. Shoot for the stars and you might hit the moon.