Well, the preparation is done and dusted with, and we are getting ready to start a new season. Nine months or so of the usual torment us about to unfold on us. But it's something we wouldn't have any other way, would we? This is life as we know it, the life of a Sunderland fan. It's something that we cannot shake off, it's in our DNA and for the majority of us; instilled in us as soon as we were born. It's something that we will take with us until that last day we have on earth.
The heartache from Luton is gone, consigned to the past. We now move forwards to the next stage in the re-invention of Sunderland AFC, the sleeping giant is waking from those slumbers and out to prove a point to those that thought its days were numbered. SAFC cannot be kept silent for long, it just took us that bit longer than we anticipated to get on that right road back to where we belong. That road has had a few bumps and false starts but the engine is now revving, and we are ready to slip into a higher gear to achieve our ambitions.
As alluded in my "Pre-Season Jottings", we had to contend with rumours flying here and there. Some of them concerning Mogga, and some concerning the playing pool. The thing, Mogga is still here and so are the majority of last season's squad. OK, we don't have Amad anymore, but he's gone back to Old Trafford a much more rounded and better player than he did after his previous loan stint at Ibrox. Mogga knew we needed more depth, and we have been given more options thanks to some astute transfer dealings by Mr Speakman it has to be said. Seven new faces in at the time of writing with the window still four weeks from closing. If they all buy into the Mogga philosophy that constitutes a damn fine summer window as regards incoming transfers which would be capped off brilliantly if we don't lose anyone, but you can't be assured that won't be the case - especially with the Smoggies apparently interested in the Loch Ness Drogba.
Of course, the standout arrival on Wearside has to be Jobe (Bellingham), and even in his first Lads interview: he struck me as one very level-headed young man that is prepared to work hard to achieve his own personal goals. That's exactly the type of attitude that any aspiring young professional should have. We have all seen youngsters heralded as the finest thing since a slice of Hovis, have had their heads filled with this and that so much so that they eventually fall away into obscurity. Of the other youngsters signed, Hemir looks decent already and has got us talking in glowing terms.
The recent signing of Bradley Dack is an interesting one though as until recently nobody had a clue that we were looking at him. On his day, Dack can be pretty much unplayable but has had injury problems in recent seasons. The fact we have given him a one-year deal instead of a multi-year one, shows that the Lads are treating it as a low-risk gamble. Dack is also the husband of reality TV "star" Olivia Attwood so maybe we have got the Championship answer to Posh and Becks here in Sunderland now. Wonder if she will take to the Bridges though? The recent acquisition of Nathan Bishop is good competition for 'Pogo' Patterson, which was much-needed, and is a definite upgrade on Alex Bass. All in all, as I said a good window so far for the Lads.
As for the season itself, we have set ourselves a standard that needs to be matched or in some quarters: exceeded. Last season was a phenomenal ride and totally beyond our wildest imagination. A lot of the fourth estate (that's the media) have us down to finish in the top six again and that squad is more than capable of doing that. But should we be setting our sights higher than that, as in perhaps a top two finish? As much as it would be nice, I would certainly settle for another top six finish. The three that came down (Saints, Leicester and Leeds) will be determined to try and get back up and then the three promoted sides (Plymouth, Ipswich and Wednesday) make it a Championship that will be a dog-eat-dog environment. Don't expect anyone to do a Burnley and run away with the title. We just have to keep building and building, and it will happen when it happens.
Get ready for the ride, guaranteed blood, sweat and tears await us all. It's all part of that DNA that I mentioned at the beginning when you follow the Lads, and I personally wouldn't have it any other way. Just make sure that you're ready. Loud and proud fellow Mackems, loud and proud. We're all SAFC, and nothing more.
