Every time I think about Sunday, my stomach lurches. Normally when thinking ahead to a big game, this is with nerves or apprehension, but instead it is with excitement. It isn’t often that we as Sunderland fans find ourselves in such a positive situation.
Victory, combined with other results, could result in the club’s first competitive trip to the continent in 53 years and the achievement of the European dream. This will of course be beyond brilliant and the reward that our loyal fanbase truly deserves.
However – if results don’t fall in our favour, we still round off one of the best seasons that many supporters, including myself, have seen.
As I am sure most of you do, I want to qualify for a European competition on Sunday. But with that in mind, I will still be able to look on the bright side if we don’t make the cut. With almost half of the league taking part in mid-week football next season, I am inclined to believe that it will give us an advantage in A – survival and B – moving up the table.
There are positives to qualifying too, aside from supporter celebration. The financial influx will be well received, as well as the ability to attract a higher calibre of player and ultimately who wouldn’t want to watch the red-and-white wizards in the sub-zero conditions of Kazakhstan or Armenia?
I think I am most excited for the game itself. The sun beating down, the atmosphere crackling and the players performing with no pressure. We have to win to give ourselves the chance, so we might as well go for it – free-flowing, expressive, attacking football with the shackles off.
I am most upset that I won’t be able to attend this weekend, with recent knee surgery restricting me to enjoying the match on the television. If we do get the job done, I think it will always pain me slightly to know I wasn’t there. However, if someone offered me the deal that Sunderland would qualify for Europe – but I wouldn’t be allowed to be there live – I would snap their hand off.
Hopefully come Sunday night, we will be celebrating madly and planning possible trips across Europe. Everything is crossed for it to be yet another memorable moment from this terrific season and an opportunity to celebrate the ascension of our brilliant club.
Leave it all out there, lads, and make us proud again.
HAWAY THE LADS.
