NEXT SEASON...

I’ll tell you what, whether people like it or not, this club is no longer operating like a basket case hoping for miracles every August. There finally seems to be a method behind the madness. Young recruitment, resale value, controlled wages, proper infrastructure, and most importantly… patience. Something I haven’t always seen in abundance over the years.

You look at the last couple of seasons and there’s been a clear blueprint developing. They’re not out there throwing £15 million at thirty-three-year-olds with calves made of cheese strings anymore. The club have gambled on youth, energy, athleticism and players with ceilings higher than the Stadium of Light roof on a windy day.

And whether people want to admit it or not… financially, Sunderland are soaring past many clubs floating around the Premier League trapdoor in terms of finances and performances on the pitch.

Young continental players before they explode. Premier League loans with a point to prove. Probably one or two really good experienced heads so the bairns don’t look like they’ve wandered into a lion enclosure every Saturday afternoon.

And I think people underestimate just how attractive Sunderland has become again. Full stadium. Massive support. Big spotlight. Proper football city. If you’re a young player with ambition, this is no longer seen as football exile. What sits in front of Sunderland now doesn’t feel like survival anymore. It feels like a moment in our future that’s there to be grasped with both hands.

A proper opportunity. The type of opportunity clubs wait decades for and sometimes completely waste through panic, ego or short-term thinking. Where once Sunderland might get absolutely taught a lesson by a club with a £300 million squad, now I look at this side and think they’re capable of more than competing with them. I genuinely think Sunderland have built something sustainable. Not fake success. Not a flash in the pan. Not “survive by the skin of your teeth and pray.” Something real.

Sunderland have already become one of those horrible sides nobody enjoys playing against. Fast. Aggressive. Fearless. Crowd right on top of you. Stadium bouncing. Young lads flying about like they’ve drank six cans of Red Bull before kick-off. I hope the recruitment team go, as they always do, and do Sunderland well.

Aye… European football. People did say this season Sunderland would be relegated by Christmas. The same people who’ve doubted this club every single time it’s tried to rise again. But momentum in football is a frightening thing. Confidence spreads through a city. Through a crowd. Through a dressing room. And when you combine that with Sunderland’s relentless fans home and away, suddenly this football club becomes a completely different animal. I believe Sunderland are a club believing again with their brilliant, beautiful fans. Not just surviving. Not just making the numbers up. Believing.

The city is waking back up. The club feels alive again. And if the recruitment stays smart and the hunger stays there, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Stadium of Light ends up under the lights on European nights sooner rather than later. Because this sleeping giant is starting to open its eyes.

'Til the end... Just the start.