View from the Cemetery

It all seems very chipper over the fence at present, happy smiling faces all round. Results not quite as good as performances seems to be the general view; often the mistaken view of those in trouble, but let us assume not in this case. A lot of young boys around, not much need for razor blades as far as I can see, and you do fear for some of them when they come up against the more basic wily old campaigners in this league, but they have to learn; and it looks like they can run fast, which can be very handy when things get feisty. I think it will all be fine....

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.

So, RCA out of the Vase, but England going to Brazil. A small mercy. Never mind, there is always next year, and we did win one game, and, so I am told, had a good day out at Bridlington, apart from the result. Good set up I hear, excellent pitch, good spectator facilities and a handsome clubhouse. Just like home then....

Still Brazil is something to look forward to next close season, a month of just about continuous football every evening. Tide us over to the pre-season friendlies no bother. Not the silky skills of John Jury, or the rugged line leading of Gav Barton admittedly, we must just make do with assorted South American ball players taking the proverbial out of lumbering Europeans, particularly England. What price Brazil in the same group? Odds on. And far it be from me to encourage anybody to gamble, but 7/2 about the host nation to win it? Like finding money in the street.

So, the first manager in Sunderland to lose his job this season is Paulo Di Canio. Something of a surprise, he was no better than second favourite in my book.

Well, it was certainly entertaining while it lasted, but you have to doubt the wisdom on a few fronts don't you? Personally I don't mind the ranting and raving, and I think he was right on the fitness front, but the results were poor. But then again, if you accept his analysis about how many faults there were needing to be put right, then you have to think it's going to take a few months to get sorted. Never mind, on we go, it's not of much interest really to us lads. Belting win on Saturday much more important, and a win in an FA competition at that, that doesn't happen often enough in these parts. With a trip to sunny Bridlington to follow, will we be causing havoc in the nitespots of the Yorkshire coast I wonder? Saturday night out in Scarborough on the way home, sounds good to me, but I'll have to give it a miss of course.