There are football matches, and then there are days that can define a generation. Sunday is one of those days.
For months, this team has fought for every point, every tackle, every moment. They’ve given us memories we’ll talk about for years — nights under the lights, limbs in the stands, late winners, impossible moments, togetherness like we’ve not seen in decades.
Now it comes down to this.
One final home game. One final push. One chance to drag this football club somewhere it hasn’t been in over fifty years.
European football is within touching distance.
But this is Sunderland. Nothing comes easy. If we’re going to get over the line, the players need the Stadium of Light at its absolute best.
Not quiet.
Not nervous.
Not waiting for something to happen.
Relentless.
Get into the city early.
Line the streets for the team bus.
Fill the ground before kick-off.
Wear red and white.
Scarves up. Flags out. Voices gone by full-time.
Make Chelsea feel every tackle. Every chant. Every roar.
This club has always been about more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about the people. The city. The noise. The passion. The belief.
For ninety minutes, forget everything else. Back the lads. Push them forward. Carry them if we have to.
One more effort.
One more result.
One more memory.
’Til The End.
HAWAY THE LADS. ❤️🤍
@Halfords_uk I’ve been using your -10C berry scented screen wash for a few years.
The last lot has been poor quality. Drying streaky like cheap washing up liquid.
Are you aware of a batch problem and it’s been rectified or do I find a replacement product?
As a Sunderland AFC supporter heading to the FAC match at Port Vale I’ve just received a really useful and helpful email from the club.
Many thanks @AshleyJLowerson
very much appreciated.
#SAFC
#SAFC supporters know.
@LukeONien is special.
My son and I celebrated the playoff final win, unsure about what the new season would bring.
“Hope Luke O’Nien plays in the Premier League”
What a man
To any young kid reading this…
I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in.
Ryman Prem.
Conference South.
League Two.
League One.
Championship…
And even right before my first Premier League start last night.
That’s not weakness.
That’s being human.
That’s being alive.
When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman.
Like they never felt doubt.
Like they never felt nerves.
The truth is…. it’s often the opposite.
Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok!
You now have to then step out there with courage.
Confidence feels good.
Courage doesn’t.
But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence.
Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years.
When it goes well:
I worked for it.
I earned it.
Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
When it doesn’t:
I know I prepared the best I could.
It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football.
But Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night.
Leading the team out.
Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball.
Celebrates tackles.
Gives everything for the city of Sunderland.
And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One.
So if you’re a young player feeling doubt…
Low confidence…
Or like you don’t believe in yourself…
You’re not alone.
Every player feels it.
Confidence isn’t something you’re given.
It’s something you build.
Bit by bit.
Day by day.
With courage.
With work.
With learning.
Anything worth building takes time.
But that’s what makes it so worthwhile!
Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍
😂 Sunderland AFC play Newcastle Utd at St James Park next month.
For the home tie the SoL scoreboard described NUFC as “visitors”.
Petty?
I thought it great.
@ALS_Fanzine organise coach travel to away matches
This is very fine 😂
Sad news.
September 23 on a tram to Hillsborough a Wednesday fan told me about the situation his club was in.
SAFC won 3-0 that night.
I celebrated.
Felt lucky to support a club which seemed to have a good owner.
Now I feel very lucky.
KLD✅
#SAFC
https://t.co/KnoqoYSF0N
My colleagues & I have taken a huge gamble to set up @thenerve_news. We’re trying to build a new independent publication from the ground up. Social media is our only distribution for now.
Sharing this article in your networks would make a huge difference. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
Reading a Patricia Routledge obituary realised I probably saw her in Noises Off, 1982. Still my favourite stage farce.
Michael Frayn also wrote one of my favourite TV comedy dramas.
First and Last, 1989. Stealing the show from a fantastic ensemble cast, Patricia Routledge.
Victoria Derbyshire, "You described Reform UK as the right wing fascists of 1930s, why?"
Lord Heseltine, "Because that's what they are"
"The fascists were anti Jews, and protest today us anti immigrant"
"The same argument, the same human nature is being stirred up"
"Enoch Powell did the same in the 1960s"
"It was wholly, destructive contribution to a civilised society"
Victoria Derbyshire, "Reform UK would say, deporting illegal migrants and bringing down legal migrants, which is what the Brexit vote was in part about is not fascist. It's listening to the views of the people. That's democracy"
Lord Heseltine, "They would wouldn't they"
"It's the stuff about saying they're all rapists, robbers, criminals, that is the essence of the appeal"
"And you've got President Trump doing the same in America"