Another weekend completed, and another win in the win column. There's a bit of renewed optimism around SR5 at the moment, and boy does it feel fantastic. With 15 games to play, there's still plenty more twists and turns in this season. Paddy Roberts or Jack Clarke will mesmerise us on the wings for sure. Am I starting to feel that tinge of excitement going through these red and white blooded veins once more? Maybe so.
ANOTHER THREE POINTS ON THE BOARD
When the Lads went one down on Saturday against the run of play, few could have been thinking "Oh my, here we go again" and justifiably so based on previous performances. But a bit of pep talk from Michael Beale seemed to do the trick and we came off the field with another three points on the board. It temporarily lifted us back into a promotion slot until Coventry's home win against Millwall on Sunday lunchtime, but gives renewed optimism that a second promotion challenge is far from over. Granted this season does not have players such as Amad, Danny Batth, Ross Stewart and Alex Pritchard, but what it does have is some confidence now in themselves that they can turn games around when it might be lost to some. They are starting to find a belief again that they can dare to dream once more.
Part of this is down to Beale, and he's starting to win a number of people over now (including me). He genuinely felt the warmth that only a Lads fan can provide when the crowd responded for his niece in the fourth minute, and you could sense the feelings between Head Coach and SAFC support was palpable. If we didn't care, we wouldn't have done anything like that. However, Sunderland supporters form special bonds that will last a lifetime. Just ask Jermain Defoe and the bond he developed with wee Bradley Lowery. The Beale family will never forget this support of gratitude, we will treat Poppy as our own forever.
The table is so tightly congested, it could be anyone that takes those additional two play off spots. We know one thing, if we keep winning then the others will know that they have to keep winning themselves to keep us at arms length away. But not every team win every match, far from it. "Some will win, some will lose.." as the lyric from Journey's smash hit and best known single "Don't Stop Believing" echoes in my head – I'm still not stop my belief. Results like Saturday become priceless all the time.
BELLINGHAM BENCHED, THE RIGHT CALL?
When most of us heard the team news on Saturday the biggest shock was that Jobe Bellingham was not in the starting eleven. For me, and far from being controversial, but Beale got it right. Absolutely he did. Jobe has just turned 18, and he's still a work in progress as a professional footballer. Play players without rest then you look at burning them out quicker than you could call on Fireman Sam! That's what Beale did with Bellingham on Saturday and then when he came on, the midfielder was fresh and ready to go.
Sometimes as a manager, you have to make these brave calls to help the team out whilst also surprise the opponent. Plymouth were probably half expecting Bellingham to start, so they probably had a game plan in place for it but once the team sheet came in and he was on the bench I guess they had to think again. I wouldn't be surprised to see the gaffer make calls like these again. Problem is, they have to come off though because if they don't then you'll know about it....
DECENT START DOWN THE ROAD
I meant to put this in last week's edition but forgot to do so, hence I'm going to give it a mention this week instead.
If you didn't realise or have been sleeping soundly for a number of weeks, Super Kevin Phillips is back in the managerial game once more. Kevin left Shields towards the end of last season under weird-ish circumstances, and until recently was out of managerial work. Well, he's back and not actually too far away from the SoL where we saw him plunder many a goal. His new role is that of Head Coach of our near neighbours Hartlepool United (my hometown side). If anyone can pick the Poolies up then I'm sure SKP is the man. His first game, albeit in a watching brief, saw Pools lose for the umpteenth time this season and push them towards the National League drop zone. But he's changed it around with seven points in the three games he's been in charge. It would have been three wins from three if Woking hadn't scored a last gasp equaliser on Saturday as we were seeing off Plymouth.
Granted the gap is six at the moment, and Pools have played more than those above them, but it's possible anything can be achieved. One thing though, Kevin's hairstyle is proper stylish (a bit like Scott Brown) compared to the haircut he had when he donned the red and white. Good luck Kevin from all of us, right? Maybe a future Sunderland manager, who knows?
GETTING SHIRTY
And to finish with a spot of kit bother.
Whilst I am liking the 1985 home jersey return in the form of the 2024 home jersey, also manufactured by Nike, I am not best surprised with the merchandise. Once more it seems that the club shop does not have enough stock to satisfy the fan base. As an exile, I would love to get hold of the third jersey as it is unique and a thing of beauty. Never have I have been so enchanted by a change strip than I have than this one. So ready to transfer funds, I despatched my good buddy Mr Lee Brannan Esq to acquire one. As Lee was in the region over Christmas, he said he'd pop in, knowing what size I needed.
Reaction? Not enough stock in. What? For a club that prides itself, this felt like a kick in the balls. Lee tried again on derby day but the Barcodes had to get home to that wee village up the A1 safe and sound so the club shop was closing early. When I look online, it seems to suggest "out of stock" with no idea when new arrivals will come in: just feels completely shambolic. Suppose we were in the Premier League and this was allowed to go on? It's just not on. Rant over and get it sorted Merchandising Department! Please, and thank you.
