SON OF SOBS: SEASON REVIEW

Where to start? I'll start with one of my favourite quotes: "It is my belief that history is a wheel. 'Inconstancy is my very essence,' says the wheel. Ride upon my spokes if you like but don't complain when you're cast back down into the depths. Good time pass away, but then so do the bad."

That's a quote from The Roman philosopher, Boethius. I however first heard it 24 Hour Party People starring Steve Coogan - A film about the life and death of Factory Records. But that's not the point.

'Keep The Faith'... 'Sunderland Til I Die'... Incredible phrases that have cemented us through the dark few years our club has in endured and optimised the resilience our fans have shown. What more could you say about the moxie the RAWA have shown?

'Til The End. Perfectly put.

'From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success' - from the learn'ed philosophically texts of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. If we had the words that perfectly surmise an event or feeling then it'd spoil the feeling. But isn't it nice to be almost lost for words? Except...

GERRUP!

The highlights this season have been countless. The connection between the new players, the Fortress of Light era, the points earned against the established 'elite', I could go on. Personally this is the first real season our Grandson of Sobs has clicked with what it means to be a Mackem. Sadly work (stupid work) has meant I haven't been able to get to a match with him. Luckily, he's been in safe hands with Grandad Sobs. After we watched the Everton match together he effortlessly broke down the maths on what needed to happen for us to qualify for Europe. Like his Uncle Son of Sobs, Grandad Sobs and myself - he's a stats man.

The night before the final game me and Sobs went to the Fire Station to watch the WTF Podcast end of season party featuring Carlos Edwards. Due to insider information (the other Son of Sobs) we heard word that Carlos was in a one man drinking competition... and winning! He was great craic when he hit the stage. As Billy Connelly says, a well balanced mind is a drink in both hands. It was a great night. I lost my voice in the final four minutes.

Its been a shame I haven't had more time to write but I can't be too bothered when things have ended up the way they have. Aside from my 'day' job (4am-12pm shifts) I'm also in a band which meant I was travelling to the local venue during the second half. We arrived in the car park just as I saw 10 squeaky minutes of added time announced. I heard the rumble from the pub of the two games being watched and I don't mind saying - I couldn't go in. I slowly plodded round Bish market place for ten minutes before returning to pace The Bay Hos for the extra 3.

EUROPE.

An unreal achievement.

My biggest gripe with modern football is the lack of personalities so seeing the connection between the players this season has been a sight for sore eyes. They've not just been fun to watch - they've been funny to watch.

Players Of The Season?

Enzo - ELF has become a French bulldog this season. He has matched his finesse with power. I think the influence of older players has turned him from a magician to an escapologist. Strong in every direction.

Granit - GX has done wonders for our xG (I've been saving that for a while). You can't mince words when you talk about what this man has done for the club. Fire in his heart and ice in his veins. Without a doubt the greatest statement signing the club has ever made. End of. If we make a signing even half his calibre this summer, the sky is the limit.

Talbi - A personal fav. Simply put I have a gut feeling he could go on to do massive things. He's not the finished article but I see big things in his future.

I could go on. The growth of Rigg, Hume, Ballard, Mr Brobbey, Reinildo (when he's not waggling his finger at the ref)... I feel spoilt.

A Final Word on the main man - RLB (Yeah you know me!). 'You can't argue with numbers' and Mr Methodology has proved just that. Consistently calm and composed his growth as a manager has been readily apparent this season. His tactical adaptability, pitch side emotional evolution... and the way he says 'skwad' (squad) have all been delights to behold. Long may he progress and stick with the club.

The most important thing I think we can take away from this season at the moment is how much I trust the club. I hope I don't eat these words but this is the first time in my life time we have ended a season thinking we need to do XYZ! I know its not perfect, but at this moment in time - In SAFC I trust.

Am I getting carried away? You're darn tootin'.

Do I care? Not one jot sonny Jim.

Haway the lads!

RAWA!

KTF!

'Til the end,

GPD