2021, a year of ups, downs, and everything in-between, and for Sunderland AFC, it was no different.
The year we won a cup (again), battled for promotion (again), avoided mutant strains of COVID-19 (again)… and left the year feeling a lot more positive as we did going into it…
Sunderland went into 2021, with a distinct ‘glass half empty’ outlook. Sitting at a dire 11th place on New Year’s Day...
As Sunderland plunged through the league table, Britain was plunged into another nationwide lockdown (again)… Fans were once again, (you guessed it) banned from seeing their beloved teams and games were back behind closed doors.
Despite their arguably ‘horrendous’ league form, the lads had an immense cup run, and, on the 17th of February, won 5-3 on penalties against Lincoln - sending them marching down Wembley way - sadly, without 50 000 Mackems in tow.
It was on the 31st of March 2021, that Sunderland ended their 48-year Wembley Curse, lifting the Papa John’s Trophy… (every footballer’s dream…obviously…).
Sunderland broke the deadlock in the second half, with Lynden Gooch sending them 1-0 up over Tranmere. After clinging onto their lead, finally, the full-time whistle echoed throughout the empty Stadium, sending Sunderland into wild celebrations, and, for those back on Wearside, it was no different. In a time of darkness, it was this arguably ‘small’ trophy that provided a giant burning light for Sunderland fans across the globe, instilling them with a much-needed positive outlook…
Lee Johnson described the win as the ‘revolution’ of Sunderland and little did he know, that was just the beginning…
Despite the obvious Wembley triumph, the normal schedule was swiftly resumed, with focus being turned, once again, back on the promotion race. Throughout this portion of the season, Sunderland were sitting comfortably in the top 5, but, were sadly unable to climb into the much sought after top two. Both the fans, and players had accepted, that, if it was going to be done… it would be through the playoffs.
And so that time came.
Sunderland were drawn Lincoln, and the preparations began.
The lads headed to the Sincil Bank stadium, hoping to take a 1st round lead – and, in true Sunderland fashion, lost 2-0…
Que Sera Sera we thought…(again).
Soon, it was the 22nd of May. The all-important test, for the team who had, not long ago, ‘won at Wembley. Yet, this would be the biggest game they would play all season, their last chance to regain any chances of heading back down Wembley way and heading up to the championship.
After around 450 days of no supporters, fans were allowed back into the Stadium of Light, and 10,000 of them, including myself, passed through the ‘red and white’ turnstiles, nervous, yet eager to see what the lads could pull back from their previous loss.
The boys fought hard, winning 2-1, but sadly lost 3-2 on aggregate.
For many fans, although promotion was once again lost, simply sat in their stadium, hearing their smaller but equally as passionate crowd, and witnessing a loss through their own eyes rather than a tiny screen, was enough, that was a big enough victory.
And for me, it is that morale that shows the dedication of our fans, the tenacity of our team, and the determination of our club. We promised ourselves we’d come back better... and, for a while, we did!
After a restful summer, it was onto pre-season. Which, despite three draws, was arguably slightly successful. Out of 6 games, the black cats won 3, and even beat recently promoted Hull City at home – a much needed lift for those in red and white.
The recruitment during the 21/22 season so far has quite possibly been the best we have had in a while. Targeting the growing youth talent of the upper leagues, as well as experienced players who can mentor, and dominate the field with ease, has perhaps been the right move. And, although growth and breadth are still required in January, our young team is taking shape.
Over a period between July and August of 2021, Sunderland signed many notable players (although some sadly on loan), of whom, regularly feature in the weekly team.
A handful of the best being Callum Doyle coming in as a centre-half, and Alex Pritchard in attacking midfield - who is slowly but surely becoming one of our best on the pitch.
The epitome of ‘youthful class’ is our new number 9 Nathan Broadhead. Broadhead is, much to the fans dismay, on loan from Everton, with many hoping for pen to be put to paper with a permanent deal after an impressive start at the club.
Sunderland started the new season well, with the promising ownership, and a new attitude towards the league itself. The lads won 8 out of their first 10 League games, only losing 1 and drawing another. And, after 4 weeks stood top of the league.
A triumph that sadly did not last as long as first hoped…
By October, the lads had dropped to 4th and were out of the automatic promotion places. They were also picking up nowhere near as many points as anticipated, considering their exultant start.
Heading into November, Lee Johnson was already falling out of favour with the fans.
‘Que sera sera’ had been replaced with numerous hashtags, half of which are unrepeatable…
In-between the Twitter outrage, during 10 games in November, Sunderland lost four, drew three, and somehow managed to win another three. There was even one period where the lads failed to win any games out of four fixtures, both home and away.
Everybody was convinced that the previously named ‘streaky’ manager Lee Johnson, was a ticking time bomb, yet, he clung on, and, going into December, the team's form began to pick up.
The Carabao cup run was another side-line competition for Sunderland to look forward to, and four days before Christmas, 5,200 Mackems headed to the Emirates, for the quarter final clash between the Premier League team, racing for the top six, and the League One team, clinging to the promotion places.
Despite the rising Covid cases in and around the Premiership, the game went ahead.
In other news, the Gunners remembered how to use their torches, and were swiftly reminded they were not at a Little Mix concert by the Mackems of whom were in prime voice, (again). The 5,200 travelling Northerners showed 53,827 Arsenal fans, what it really means to support a football team. Out-singing their attempts at chants throughout the 93 minutes the lads were on the pitch…
Despite losing 5-1, the moral high ground was maintained, and no horses were harmed in the process.
Going into 2022, positive attitude is at the forefront of our battle. The morale of the team has arguably been at its best these past couple of weeks and long may it continue. The positivity and sense of togetherness within a club is so important at times like this, in the difficult circumstances we are immersed in. We're top of the league going into the New Year, and have just smashed Sheffield Wednesday 5-0, with the Loch Ness Drogba scoring a perfect hat trick in the process...
Nobody knows what 2022, will bring. We can hope for promotion, Mo Salah fancying a transfer up north, and no more lockdowns. Yet nothing is out of question.
Here’s to 2022, another fight on our hands, And of course…good health.
