Benwell Lad

Amen to that. are they registered for Europe ?

That was comical and almost costly. Along with Tiote's habit of giving the ball away in crucial areas we really try to be our own downfall on occasions.

He did what CH's should do last night i.e. won headers and got some decent challenges in. As the game wore on last night he definitely looked more comfortable on the ball and his confidence looked less fragile. He's played a lot more football this season than anyone, probably including himself, would have ever expected or hoped and he needs the support of the crowd when he's wearing the shirt.

Thought Anita and Demba shaded him but his contribution over the last few games and especially last night has been a significant improvement. He's really excellent in tight situations.

Not sure it was "one of the greatest" but on the TV it sounded like the crowd were well up for it the first 25 minutes or so. Really loud and behind the team, not groaning at misplaced passes, and like I said earlier in the thread, they won us that penalty tonight. Right from the off I thought the backing for the team was excellent. Seemed like the crowd were proving a point after the recent barren run. The Wigan turnout has to be the lowest away support since SJP was redeveloped excluding European games.

Superb tonight. Stepped up to the plate when he suddenly ended up as our most experienced midfielder and ran the show second half.

I kind of defended the team after the Swansea game, not becuase I thought we were any good but because I didn't think we were as bad as some were saying and I'd certainly seen a lot worse. Today was abysmal. If that is not the nadir of this depressing run (and I'm not sure it is) then we really are in trouble. Today was worse than anything I can remember during the recent relegation season.

Santon as well. I'll raise you Shola, tbf he's hardly put a foot wrong in the bits and pieces he's played in but we need 9/10 players performing to their best not 4 or 5 and therin lies Pardew's problem.

Thought we'd get beat last week and although we will probably have a weaker starting XI today I think we'll win this one. Quite simply we have to win it and I'm sure that will not be lost on Pardew and his players.

Is this the same Martin O'Neill that wore a poppy on his tracksuit, and gladly accepted an OBE back in 2003? Do you not think it's a bit of a leap accusing him of supporting the IRA? Point taken, it wasn't meant to mean that as it would be quite ridiculous, and on reflection I've ammended that post. However McLean's stand at the weekend consolidates things he has said and done previously, which could lead to assumptions being made about him. It may be wrong to make those assumptions but I do tend to think that through his ill judged actions he brings it upon himself.

mmm... thought even before the season started they'd be in the relegation mix and so it's turned out. They're lucky to have their present points total and QPR and Reading aren't dead yet. Overall I think they will stay up -just - but they really are quite appalling.

He MUST be given time to completely O' Neill them. Yes. Leaving them when they're just at the "laughing stock" phase would be far to soon. Given time he can take them all the way to oblivion.

Keep the faith marras. In MON I trust. He just needs time. Lots of it. OK, we may need to drop a division or two, but Marty WILL get it right, he's a top manager and by then it will be his squad not the Geordie Bassa's - cos we all knew that was the worst squad we'd ever had, didn't we ? Nor did we set the transfer window alight during Bruce's time here as the Mag loving media would have you believe, did we ? To many bed wetters, happy clappers, dimwits and closet mags around at the moment, why don't you all fuck off and support Parpoo and his jammy fuckers up at the wongadome. Anyway our flair players are definitely going to click next week and our luck will turn. If we beat Reading we'll be in the top four and with Marty's top six finishes and JOS's and Wes's European medals we'll be just fine. Oh and we'll definitely dick the mags next season - roll on derby day ! Keep the faith. 1-9. STHT. FTM.

Don't feel good about this one. They're pretty useful - as their league position shows. Would feel much better with Colo playing but think we'll struggle against Carroll without him. I'll be delighted with any kind of win but I'm not expecting it.

Nolan was brilliant for us both on and off the pitch. Deserves a top reception.

Shurely shome mistake. I thought they all went to every game, while plastic mags just buy replica tops and don't bother going. they struggled like fuck to sell out for the derby! 100s of mags in their end I believe Sunderland have the highest average number of empty seats per game in the PL. Would be even higher if they didn't get their annual sell out when we visit. Will be getting a whole lot "pinker" down there too, as Marty muddles along.

Is that really a fair comparison, as I'm not sure the offside rule had been introduced when Sunderland played in Europe ?

Shurely shome mistake. I thought they all went to every game, while plastic mags just buy replica tops and don't bother going.

Marty's popularity rates are soaring on Tyneside while they are dropping like a stone on wearyside.

Looks like Boro could be the north-east's number two club again before too long.

A fellow macum's opinion of our old mate Wirethide http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showpost.php?p=13778544&postcount=35

Could someone please provide an update on how many more goals Shola Ameobi has now scored in European competitions than every player who has ever played for Sunderland AFC throughout it's entire history ? Thanks.

Aye, who would buy the right-back from a side that finished 5th... The lad gets way too much stick on here and its a shame because despite his flaws, he has proved himself an able and competent Premier League full-back. A player lets not forget who has played a huge part in our revival over the years too.

That one's got to be up there with Wirethide's classic post saying that parts of Sunderland "city" centre compare with the best parts of Newcastle like Gosforth/Jesmond etc. Deluded just doesn't do them justice, insane may be getting close.

Thought it was Catts meself like.