Two league wins in a week? Can this be right? Seems like it is, and very welcome at that. Looks like our new management team know the time of day, as all of us locals knew anyway, and the transfer of power seems to be seamless, congratulations in order for all concerned. The old boss seems happy wandering the North East terrorising Wearside League managers every time he appears on their touchlines, "scouting" as he calls it, "pinching my best lads" as they call it, and the new team can get on with their jobs in peace. Good vibes all round, apart from the usual moans and groans; although the wee Scotsman has been missing the last couple and it doesn't seem right without his voice echoing round the place, have to send a cab for him.
Anyway, all sweetness and light, and also with our cousins over the water, following Sunday's defeat of the old enemy. And well deserved I thought, with a surprising amount of spirit on show for the professional game. I reckon they will be all right this year, which is good, wouldn't want the old raggy rovers from Ryhope to be the only top division team in these parts now would we? Anyway worth it for the two games a year against the Newcastle United, or those demented maniacs as they are sometimes known, convinced that they should be playing Barcelona and Real every season because, "The Toon are one of the world's top clubs ye knaa". In your dreams bonny lad. Should never have lent them that set of strips in 1880 odd to get them started.
Enough of this sub regional bickering, let's get back to the real thing. The League is warming up nicely this season, decent contest at the top, and good cup runs for a few teams. Crowds up, even, it looks like to me, here at Meadow Park. Could the people of Sunderland be starting to take an interest after all? We can but hope, and with a decent young team, knocking it around and trying to do the right thing, cheap admission and cheaper beer, what's not to like? It's the real football season now, lights on at half time and bovril steaming, just the job!