SAFCSA - COXHOE BRANCH

It's been a long time!

2009-03-19T15:34:00.002Z

Bloody hell it's been a long time since anyone blogged on the site so thought I would give it a go and see if I could remember how to log on and post a blog .... and I remembered.

The branch has a new website: www.safcsa-coxhoebranch.co.uk

It has just been updated mainly to assist me as the old format had to be updated regulary so the new one should be okay for quite a while.

Hopefully some more of the bloggers will remember how to log on and post a few blogs as this site brought some good humour when we needed it!

Billy's Day out at Bolton

2008-05-05T15:10:00.002+01:00

Well it was the last away game of the 2007/2008 season and for once we were not looking over our shoulders and biting those already heavily bitten finger nails; we were safe from the dreaded drop and could relax a little.
Nephew Billy decided to drive and brought with him little nephew Billy and picked up father Billy before dropping into Coxha to pick up uncle Billy who decided to bring with him an assortment of top rated CD's all with SAFC in mind to raise expectations for a great day and night out. We picked up cousin Billy at the posh end of Bishop Middleham and dropped down onto the A1(M) at about 10.45.
The craic was good until uncle Billy decided to stick in the first CD of his most sought after collection - Mackem Music. After fully playing the first few tracks it was skip to the next one and the next one until the CD was finished; uncle Billy's taste was not to the liking of the other Billy's cries of "crap" and "are they making up the words" were heard from all sections of the brand new Kia motor nephew Billy had bought out of his pocket money. So it was back to Radio 2 and Jonathon "Fucking" Ross for the rest of the way down to Oldham that was to be our location for the week-end.
We arrived at the Inn Keepers lodge Oldham about 12.30 too early for checking in so it was straight to the bar - uncle Billy decided on a cider while the other Billy's chose their normal tipple of cold lager. A quick call to the local taxi cab and we were off to a local watering house that had been frequented by father Billy and nephew Billy and possibly little nephew Billy as once we were in the bar it was like meeting old friends for the three of them; uncle Billy and cousin Billy found a spot near the big screen as Man U were already beating West Ham 1:0. Uncle Billy had brought with him some home made bacon butties so he and cousin Billy scoffed into them as Man U went 3 up before the butties were down our necks. The other Billy's were at the bar in good voice as they discussed what they had been upto since their last visit and the annual pilgrimage Tenerife. Uncle Billy had another whisky before half time when it was announced grub was being served for nowt in the adjoining lounge. Off went cousin Billy like a shot' the carpet nearly catching fire due to the speed of his feet, it was chilli-con-carne with bread pieces. Uncle Billy decided on another whisky and as the chilli smelt good decided to detour through the lounge and filled up his plate. Great chilli nice and spicy that left a tingle on your tongue perhaps too hot as it seemed to leave a burning feeling all over but that did not stop cousin Billy going in for seconds and a few more pieces of bread. By the time we had our fill the Man U game was over and they had won to probably ensure the title was theirs as the scum will probably do okay at home to Chelsea (don't believe I am writing this) A taxi was called but we could only get 3 Billy's in as it was not a Billy carrier like we had ordered - where do you want to go was the question - the Inn Keepers lodge was our answer - blank look on the taxi drivers face so we told him to turn right at the lights and head for the roundabout. Luckily nephew Billy and little nephew Billy had cadged a lift from a friend and they passed us at the lights - follow that car we all shouted to the taxi driver!
So it was back to the hotel and a quick sup before meeting up with Derek and his son who had been to the Man U match nephew Billy phoned for Big Al to come and pick us up leaving little Billy in his room to watch the racing; it was about 16.00 and we were off to Bolton's ground. As we neared the ground we all thought that nephew Billy had been eating pickled onions as he kept repeating there's the ground on the right, there's the slip road were we will be dropped off and picked up and we will have to find a meeting point to meet up after the game.
We walked about 10 minutes from the slip road to the ground and as father Billy was in the home end we made sure he was safely in before we entered the away end; cousin Billy went in before us as he was either busting for a pee or he wanted to sly down a pie before we saw him scranning again. It was a few flight of stairs up to the bar area - it was hot and crowded, met up with Stevie W who was moaning again about their trip and drink into Blackpool - calls of lost the plot and it took us ages to get their were still ringing in my ears as I looked for my seat. Cousin Billy was already seated and smiling when I took my seat next to him - was that gravy down his cheeks?
Game on and here we go the Mackem's were happy, singing loud as owt and in fancy dress - mexicans, elvis's, robots, blues brothers were all in attendance. we could see father Billy to our left in the home end all eight of them were their but not all seated together but as the game was only 5 minutes old one by one they were evicted by the local police; I blame one of them for wearing a Sunderland top what a wally and asking to be thrown out. A call to nephew Billy from father Billy confirmed that they had been evicted and could not get back in so it was a 20 minute hike to a local pub for more bevvie for father Billy; as the match progressed we wished we had followed father Billy to the pub. It was total shite just like Everton away - players should concentrate on doing their bit for the team and fans instead of making up words in local papers saying that they will give their all on the last two games - shite bloody shite with not one piece of class in all the 90 minutes. We all trundled down the steps at the end of the game beaten 2:0 by a very ordinary team that we should have at least competed against; oh well at least cousin Billy enjoyed his pie.
After a call to father Billy we found he had managed a lift from the pub in a jaguar with a man and his wife (not sure how he managed this but at least he was at the slip road on time and in one piece). I want me money back was his cry as he had only seen 5 minutes of the match - you were lucky as it was 5 minutes too long was cousin Billy's reply. So big Al took us back to the hotel - everyone except uncle Billy went to the rooms to change, uncle Billy preferring to have a few pints of cider before embarking on a change of clothing. All were assembled at the bar and with his pickled onions still repeating nephew Billy kept reminding uncle Billy that he would be left if he he didn't get changed NOW! Uncle Billy decided to heed the warning and went up stairs to put a new shirt on, his dancing shoes and the dressings around his old man.
At 20.00 we were on our way to the bright lights of Royton a BNP area of Oldham. pleased none of us were black!
First pub and it was a wine bar - uncle Billy and father Billy were propped up against the bar and introduce themselves to the bar staff - there was Kirsty, Captain Nemo (aka Paul) and young Robbie who may have been a poof as he had no woman in tow or even looked close to having one. After about 2 wines the two Billy's introduced themselves to the doorman Jacko from Manchester who was the boss of the local security in and around Oldham, good wages, free beer and food can't be bad with the added bonus of meeting up with the Billy's for the night. A black girl (no not the black pearl) but a young lady who introduced herself as Mirawamba and asked uncle and father Billy what their names were Jimwamba and Kennywamba was the reply - bar staff at this stage were weeing themselves with laughter. Father Billy even followed her into the kitchens and asked if she had finished work to be told she had finished several minutes ago and now Mirawamba was on a wander ..... down the road so father Billy had missed his chance of securing yet another black girl into his portfolio. As the other Billy's had left by now uncle Billy and father Billy decided to leave the wine bar and head for the next pub up the street. Here they met up again with the Billy's and a quick look round saw a local lady with the best pair of knockers seen so far, upon leaving uncle Billy informed her of the fact at which point she thanked the Billy's for the vote of appreciation. Once outside nephew Billy and uncle Billy met a girl from Easington that nephew Billy knew as she had moved into the area a few years ago. This blonde was not amused when she saw father Billy in the pub was it his looks. or his gropping or had she already had a previous encounter with father Billy? We never found out. Another pub and another wine and a few more pints saw uncle Billy chucked out for making an allegation to a local guy that he was a drug pusher, nephew Billy took the view that he was okay and was just rolling his own - in a pub? thought smoking was banned anyway the landlady was having no more and uncle Billy and nephew Billy went for the exit. By now uncle Billy's head was not as it should be and nephew Billy said to the rest of the Billy's that he would see uncle Billy home it was well past 12.30 and uncle Billy could not even remember phoning Mrs Billy and having a shite in a pub in full view of the customers using the loo well at least he used the cubicle and not the urinal. Not sure how and when we all got back to the hotel, perhaps another Billy may fill in the gaps but apparently we had a kebab and both nephew and young nephew Billy were kept awake by uncle Billy's snoring all night.
The next morning it was up for breakfast but father Billy and uncle Billy remained in the room, father Billy was in for a snuggle but uncle Billy was having none of it. Cousin Billy brought toast and served it through the window for father Billy while uncle Billy still suffered from a huge hangover was he still pissed - yes he was.
Anyway he eventually made it to the breakfast area and ate alone with father Billy arriving for another piece of toast. Nephew Billy must have had more pickled onions as he kept repeating again - haw'ay if you are not out soon I am leaving you and this is not funny it's 9.00 and we are still here we should be on the road home by now. Uncle Billy again surrendered and with a cup of coffee and two pieces of toast in his hand went out to get in the Kia. Repeating from nephew Billy started again - uncle Billy threw his toast away for the birds - nephew Billy clashing his door shouting this is the last time he will go away and stay over with uncle Billy again. uncle Billy replied that it was only 9.20 and he thought we were going to a car boot sale on the way back. Nephew Billy said he had all sorts to do when he got back and needed to be back early - like what uncle Billy enquired - I have to take the dog out replied nephew Billy so what I have to take my 4 dogs out replied uncle Billy ah but I have to give mine it's tablet as he has a bad leg nephew Billy responded - fucking hell it must be on disability just like nephew Billy said uncle Billy. Anyway as we hit the M62 motorway the slagging match eased off and we went back home still the best of friends and the Billys were still in tact for another season next year.
It was no taking the dog out or giving it the tablet for nephew Billy when he got home he picked up father Billy and they headed for Q Hill club talking about meeting someone from Hull that smelt of kippers! Cousin Billy went home to his mansion with private number plates on each car to send a few text messages to uncle Billy about someone called Zimwamba - most have been another black girl he had met, uncle Billy had his dinner went to bed and dreamt of the car boot sale that never was all due to a dog that needed a tablet but ended up not getting one.
Oh well and eventful trip away, shite game, bad head but at least the chin was intact this time. Bring on the transfer activity and next seasons fixtures!

Uncle Billy expressing his views for the Billy's of the Coxhoe Branch

Message from Roy as we are shite on final game away

2008-05-05T09:49:00.002+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We were sloppy to say the least. We had a good chance to get back in it through Kenwyne and we didn't take it. We gave the ball away too cheaply, particularly in the middle of the park.
I don't care what stage of the season it is, it's not acceptable. We gave bad goals away and I've been saying it for 38 weeks, we need to improve. I made three substitutions today and I could have made 10.
We've lost 22 games this season and people keep telling me we've had a good season. When you lose 22 games, you are lucky to be in a job. When I'm on my holidays, I'll be thinking about those 22 defeats.
We need to learn to get results when we're not playing well.
Today was a challenge and it just confirmed what I was thinking anyway - that we're short.
Survival is not a word I like using. People are getting fed up of me saying the same things, I sound like an old record player. There will be changes in the summer.
I've been very patient and kind to some of my players. Today just confirms what I've been thinking. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe if we had won today and we beat Arsenal next week I'd be thinking we were not bad.
We're not great and we need more quality. There's no questioning the players' commitment and desire, but at this level we need quality. Players were constantly giving the ball away when under no pressure.
Take nothing away from Bolton, they made it hard for us - they had more men in their team.
We got safe last week but that was last week. What do we do, celebrate all summer?
Survival is not a word we want to be using next year. I want to think bigger than that.
We need to invest and do it wisely and we need to move people on. You want certain characters at your football club.

Thanks for your support,

Roy Keane
Bolton 2 Sunderland 0 Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next match:Sunderland v Arsenal, Sunday May 11 (3pm) Buy tickets

Message from Roy as we are safe for one more season at least!!

2008-04-28T09:31:00.001+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It's great - better than last weekend, let me tell you.
The game summed up our season. We started badly, gave a bad goal away, recovered, scored a couple of good goals and then the late goal from Daryl.
It was a rollercoaster game and it's been a rollercoaster season.
The players deserve real credit, they have been brilliant. In terms of desire and attitude, I think we'll be top of the league.
I've said that I felt this season was one of the biggest in the club's history - because of its yo-yo history, we needed the stability and we need to build.
Hopefully this will give us a chance to move on, strengthen in the summer and take it from there.
I'm glad we did it at home today. Last year when we got promoted we were not playing. This is nice because we were all together at the Stadium of Light. The fans have shared it, it's been a very good day.
We've scored in injury time again today and I don't know how many points those late goals have been worth this season.
We've had an unbelievable amount of injuries and hopefully we'll have a sronger squad to deal with it next season.
The next challenge is to improve the squad and finish higher in the Premier League. We want to be bigger, better and stronger next season.
We've got two games to go and we're still confident we can get a few more points on the board and finish as high as possible.
It's been a proper rollercoaster. I've been on some at Alton Towers and it doesn't touch this job.
I was disappointed with the reaction of certain people after the Newcastle game and hopefully we have answered them today.
It was a cracking game and credit to Middlesbrough - hopefully they wil get enough points to stay up, I'm sure they will.
The atmosphere was cracking today and credit to both teams and both sets of supporters for that.
We had great spirit here, a good dressing room. If we hadn't, we would have been knackered. That kept us going, a good dressing room.
We'll still go to Bolton looking to get a result, we've got to be fair to the other teams in the league, we're certainly not downing tools.
Promotion last year was great, staying here this year is progress and that's what we wanted. This year was a massive learning curve for everyone.

Thanks for your support,

Roy Keane
Sunderland 3 Middlesbrough 2
Next match:Bolton v Sunderland, Saturday May 3 (3pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Arsenal, Sunday May 11 (3pm).

Message from Roy as we get beaten against the Scum

2008-04-20T22:20:00.001+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

I'm disappointed with the way we started and disappointed we couldn't get to half-time just 1-0 down.

At this level you can't afford to give the goals away that we gave away.
We made it very hard for ourselves, particularly with the second goal just before half-time. What we need to do is stop gifting teams goals.
Newcastle will look at their first goal as a good goal but from our point of view it was poor, we have ourselves to blame.
My players understood how important the game was. I'm not going to question my team's desire, we just gave away bad goals.
In the second half, it would have been nice if we had scored one to make it interesting but it wasn't to be.
We've got a lot of hard work ahead and that hasn't changed. It makes next weekend that more important.
The injuries didn't help. We lost three players in the last two days but you can't make excuses. We gave the ball away cheaply for both goals and you get punished.
I know they'll [the fans] be disappointed but we have to bounce back. We've had a major set-back today and we have to get back at it next weekend.
Michael's [Owen] record speaks for itself. He's got more goals at international level than all my players put together but if you give away one or two chances you are going to get punished.
I thought Kenwyne did OK, but OK is not good enough. We got some decent support up to him.

Thanks for your support,

Roy Keane

Newcastle 2 Sunderland 0Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.

Next match:Sunderland v Middlesbrough, Saturday April 26 (3pm). Ticket news

SAFC V ARSENAL

2008-04-18T18:53:00.002+01:00

Dear Members,

The committee have agreed that the coach will be free to existing members who have been regular fare paying passengers to the SOL. Other non members must have travelled at least 5 times to qualify for the free coach fare. There will be a free raffle for juniors and adults for prizes appropriate for each age group. This goodwill gesture has been made possible by the members who have purchased football teams on the football card.

Thank you for your continued support.

Question from Brian as he warms up for Mags game - with answer from me Click on this title for a link to the RTG forum page and replies to Brian

2008-04-18T18:46:00.003+01:00

Guys

This is a proper away game so I'll still need to pack some bait. There are several factors to consider

Normal "bait to beer" ratio is 2 buns and a litre per pint, 1 scotch egg per 2 pints and a pork pie for every 4 pints. Plus crisps and pop ('ad hoc' - no official ratio)
We'll be drinking early which can affect the metabolism
No chance of fish and chips on the way to the ground
No food to be eaten in the ground, the dirty Mag bastards serving on might have hockled on it
There's a lot of stairs, need to be well fortified for the climb and to combat altitude sickness
Might get chased so need to strike a happy medium between energy levels and not being overloaded (!)
Standing all game consumes energy plus no chance for a nap
A long journey home with high energy levels needed to celebrate victory
What do you reckon? I value you opinion in these matters.

The big match build up is well underway. Haway the Lads!

Regards Brian

My reply was:-

Dear Brian,

Suggest your day will probably run like this:-

8.00 Breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and 2 slices of bread (fired bread if fat is still hot) plus a cup of tea to make sure all the fat does not congeal in your gut.
9.00 Set off for Fishburn-by-the Coke works, Mrs M at the wheel packet of crisps and a bottle of water just to buy sometime while being chauffeured to the Beehive
9.10 start with a pint of beer and craic with Clive and his mob. Lights flash on and off trumpets sound as Kenny and Butch enter; Kenny assesses if there is any available talent looking for a bit of Kella sausage al a blue tablet.
10.00 after 4 pints and a bacon buttie free from the landlord everyone gets on the Griersons Luxury Coach for the journey to the SOL.
10.35 arrive at the SOL. Chrissie, Millers and Dec look-a-like brings plenty of beer to drink while waiting at the SOL. You decide to have another can to buy sometime while you queue at the burger bar to buy a steak sandwich with plenty of mustard; if you buy a hotdog as well will you get discount???
10.55 last piss at the SOL
11.00 Set off for Scumland.
12.30 Arrive at Scumpark after having another bottle of water and one of Mrs M’s packed luncheon meat sandwiches, you let out a belch and a fart as you get off the coach.
12.40 to kick off shouts of who ate all the pies are heard and you look over your shoulder to see who everyone is singing about you select one person wearing a black and white scarf that is bigger around the midriff and once you have your breath back from all those stairs you continue the singing – “WHO ATE ALL MY PIES”
13.30 kick off and you want a pee, so go down the 39 steps (or so) and get to the pee hoose and relieve yourself but cannot pass the pie shop and ask for a steak and spit pie with brown sauce.
13.40 while you are scaling the steps back to your seat the mags have a goal disallowed apparently due to the Mackem pie eater not being around and Owen was in front of him in the queue for the pies.
13.50 you put your hands in your pocket and surprisingly find a packet of cheesy quavers and devour them before anyone can ask for one.
14.15 All square at half time you ask Stevie to bring you a pie back.
14.45 the lads score – Kenwyne heads home from a cross by Reid everyone goes ballistic you celebrate by opening a packet of mints.
15.10 the scum get a penalty as Collins brings down Martins, Martins actually has tripped over a blade of grass left after the last penalty against the Lads. Owen scores after a rebound.
15.15 It’s all over 1: 1 and you finish off your last mint of the day and get pushes all the way down the stairs.
15.35 Back on the coach after going through a gauntlet of abuse you breathe in incase that mag you were singing who ate all my pies to sees you and returns the compliment.
15.40 coach pulls away and you get one of Mrs M last luncheon meat sarnie out of the packet, not bad this Aldi stuff you think to yourself while downing another bottle of water.
16.30 Mrs M waiting for you at the crossroads and as you get in the Mitton mansion you are very disappointed not at the result but that Mrs M has not bothered to have fish and chips waiting on the table for your return, disgusted you go for a lie down but cannot get to sleep. You lie for a while then decide to try the old method of dropping off to sleep – counting the pies coming out of the hot oven 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 – snoring your head off by now
19.45 Where’s me bloody fish and chips woman!

A LOVE SUPREME

2008-04-14T09:15:00.002+01:00

This month our branch is covered in the ALS a two page spread be buggered. It is a good read and the ALS is always a great bargain at £2 so please buy a copy and read the edited version. The black pearl can be found in the archives of this blog including pictures!

Message from Roy with only 4 games to go

2008-04-14T09:14:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It was a poor afternoon. The game wasn't great and we gave some bad goals away. At 1-1, I would have taken the point.
At the time I wasn't sure if it was a penalty, but having seen it again it clearly wasn't. There was no contact.
All the players should be disappointed, we have got to do better. It was possibly coming after three wins.
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times - we've got hard work ahead. Maybe people took their eye off the ball because they have plugged into people saying we're safe and let's look at next season.
We might have slackened of four or five per cent and you can't do it. We started badly, we keep making it hard for ourselves. I could have almost predicted what was going to happen.
People need to start listening to me, not looking ahead to next season. We're in for some tough games.
City have some good players but we gave them a helping hand. I substituted Kieran [Richardson] and he was the unlucky one because I could have taken seven or eight off.
We all need to do better, it's as simple as that. We'll learn from it. I didn't enjoy watching it and I'm sure the supporters didn't. We've got hard work ahead.
Thanks for your support,
Roy Keane

Sunderland 1 Manchester City 2 Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre

Next match:Newcastle v Sunderland, Sunday April 20 (1.30pm)
Next home match:Sunderland v Middlesbrough, Saturday April 26 (3pm) Ticket news

BLACK CAT BAR UPGRADE

2008-02-26T19:44:00.002Z

I have now received our 22 tickets for the Black Cat Bar Upgrade for the March 9th Everton game; please note this fixture has been changed to Sunday as Everton are playing in Europe that week (lucky buggers!)
The coach will leave Kelloe at 11.50 and Coxhoe at 11.55. As we will have the 22 upgrade tickets this means that the members going into the Black Cat Bar will be able to hand over their tickets to another person wishing to attend the game - hopefully they will travel on the coach as well.
I will send other details closer to the date of the game.
What chance Huyton Hoofer going with one of the spare tickets???

FANS NIGHT OUT

2008-02-26T19:35:00.002Z

Me and Brian went to the ground last night for a Century Radio special fans night with Micky Horswill, Paul Bracewell, Kevin Ball and Craig Gordon on the stage answering qustions and telling tales from their past experiences. It was attended by about 300 supporters and it was a fantastic night out with many a laugh during the 1.5 hours of good banter. Kevin Ball was worthy of a special note as I am 100% sure that when he decides to turn his back on SAFC he will make a great after dinner speaker. You can see the highlights later in the week on SAFC TV.

Thanks Brian for securing the tickets

Looking Up

2008-02-09T17:22:00.000Z

Them Badgers are looking a little precarious these days.

Get on here and rip the piss out of them

http://z3.invisionfree.com/NUFCforum/index.php?act=idx

He he he.

BSA

2008-01-09T19:12:00.000Z

A well know brand of motorcycle and a premier league manager looking for work.

Not posted for a while

2007-12-28T23:17:00.000Z

Problems with the pc prevented any postings but amazed that the epidemic must have affected others as no one has posted either.
Well as we enter the New Year we can say that the season so far has been a bit of a disappointment. Okay we did not think we would set the world on fire but we did expect better performances both on and off the field ..... and that includes the referees. It is very clear that the transfer activity pre-season has not been 100% correct with some signings not or will not make the grade lets hope that any signings in January will have an impact like last season and we buy premiership experience without the prima-donna trimmings.
The coach to home games is still keeping us above water - slight problem with away travel as Sedgefield branch members voted to only pick up at certain points and excluded the best villages of Coxhoe, Kelloe and Bishop Middleham. We now have an agreement that we will get picked up first and dropped of last but sometimes this adds another 30 minutes to the travel time and when you have been beaten and need to take Mrs G down the club this 30 minutes threatens not only valuable drinking time but that bit of extra in bed that puts loosing a game at the back of your mind.
Life has certainly been up and down this year and supporting England and Sunderland has seen more downs than ups but lets hope our luck changes and we have a better second half to the season and hopefully put a smile on Stevie Waltons face; now that would be a success!

Keep on posting and have a great New Year

message from Roy as we draw with the Smoggies

2007-09-23T21:18:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I think we deserved a point, mind Gareth [Southgate] might think differently. Overall, we deserved something.
We probably scored too early, we didn't know what to do and we got sloppy. I thought the game had 1-1 written all over it. It's always nice to get something, especially when it comes late in the game.
There were a few [controversial] decisions, a few tackles, but I don't mind that, it's a derby match, I enjoy that side. We could have passed it better.
Liam [Miller] has been doing good in training so it was touch and go whether I started him. It was a good goal.
It's nice to get an early goal - we have not got too many since I got the job. After that, we struggled, we lacked experience, someone to put their foot on the ball.
We looked like we wanted to hold onto it and you can't do it for that length of time.
It was written in the script that [Julio] Arca was going to score. I hope the lad is OK.
I have to say that at 1-1 I thought it would take a spectacular goal to win it. [Stewart] Downing did it and after that it needed something special from us. Liam produced it.
When you play these matches, you know they are going to be tough. It was stop-start, there were plenty of bookings. I've played in these type of games before and I thought it was going to be a 1-1 draw.
It was a fantastic strike from their lad and from Liam - they were the highlights of the game. If we had lost it would have been one step forward from last week and two back.
Come the end of the season, this point might be vital. It's good to get something out of the game when it's so late, it's pleasing and we can play a lot better than today.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Middlesbrough 2 Sunderland 2Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next match: Sunderland v Blackburn, Saturday September 29 (3pm).Click here to buy tickets online.

Message from Roy as we hit rock bottom performance wise

2007-08-19T20:18:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We were second best, I can't think of any pluses. A lot of teams would have beaten us today.
I expected Wigan to put us under pressure, they are strong and physical, but the defenders have got to learn to deal with that in the Premier League.
Wigan have a bit of power. I have no complaints about the penalties, it was bad defending, you should get your body position right and we didn't do that.
You learn a lot about your players and their character in setbacks like this. I certainly learned a lot today. It's from the defeats that you learn the most. I'm determined to get things right here.
Sometimes players help you make decisions and a couple have done that today.
I thought it was a real flat performance. You have to do the basics right, you have to tackle, you have to defend. I can't think of anything good that came out of it, maybe something will come to me later.
Win, lose or draw you have to move on. I couldn't think of a tougher game than Liverpool to follow; so we'll have to regroup, refocus and make sure we're ready and raring to go.
We've said a few words in the dressing room, now we'll reflect now. The lads will recover from this, I have good faith in them.
We've had set-backs before and we'll have plenty more. In the Premier League you will have your ups and downs. We had a decent few days, today's a bad day.
I'm sure the fans are disappointed but let me tell you, nowhere near as disappointed as I am.
The most important thing is that we recover. I tend to focus on the performance as much as the result and today's was disappointing.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Wigan 3 Sunderland 0
Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game:Sunderland v Liverpool, Saturday August 25 (12.45pm).

opening day

2007-08-11T19:57:00.000+01:00

Well what a start Guys 1-0 and deserved I thought? nice warm day, good crowd, few beers -lets do it and shock them all - just thought id post COS NOWT since July haha

Ohhh .. I've already watched this film!!

2007-07-16T22:12:00.000+01:00

Guys,

First post of the Argentinian Mackem in ages. I found it a bit difficult with this new beta version of this page and etc. I have been in touch with you and Sunderland though.

A new season is almost upon us. No competitions of note are played around the globe but the Copa America. What the hell!!??! Runner-ups again!! What the hell is going on with this national team?!? Every time we bump into Brazil in need-to-win games, they beat us. It was the same old story in 2004 and now this year. Yesterday, I have to admit it, they battered us. Argentina were not opposition for them. Key players who had shone in the previous game disappeared off the face of the earth. Did Messi, Riquelme, Tevez, Veron play? Personally speaking, I don't know, didn't realise they're on the field. It's a matter of starting from scratch for the Argentinian National Team.

To relax and strech out a bit after such a weary day, why don't you have a look at this pic. Maybe if the Argies fielded had seen these babes, we'd have beaten the Brazilian.. or maybe not.

Branch AGM 2007

2007-07-06T14:47:00.000+01:00

Minutes of AGM held 5th July 2007

1) Good attendance for the meeting, probably the best ever! The secretary thanked eveyone for coming.
2) Stephen Woodward elected as Chairman, Jim Gilling elected as Secretary, Brian Mitton elected as Treasurer. Thomas Hegarty stepped down as Treasurer due to other commitments. The bank details will be changed re. Brian Mitton at the end of this month.
3) Thomas Hegarty, David Hodgson, Graham Williams and Ian Pearson elected as committee members.
4) Account balances: £ 459 in community account, £ 364.11 in deposit account, £ 429.91 cash in hand. The branch made most of the money during 2007 when the team were playing well.
5) Membership fees will be as last season £2 adults £1 for OAP’s and under 16.
6) Coach operator for next season will be Griersons, a 49 seater has been reserved for the season at the same cost as last season £165 plus £25 surcharge for any bank holiday match.
7) Coach prices will remain as last season £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and under 16’s. They may be revised later in the season if the Branch is having cash problems due to low attendances on the coach.
8) Coach pick-up, drop off and times will remain as last season. Kelloe Greyhound and Londis Shop Coxhoe.
9) The secretary will clarify with the Sedgefield branch the pick up and drop off points for all away games. There was some concern over getting across to Trimdon early morning for some of our members. The Branch will not run its own coaches to away games.
10) Fund raising will remain with with a football / dominoe card on the coach and also during away matches if possible. We made more money at away games than sales on the home coaches. The secretary will discuss fund raising with local companies. Brian Mitton stated that it was his families decision to donate £50 to the branch in memory of Tommy Mitton who died last season. The secretary thanked Brian for this kind gesture.
11) It was decided that for the Black Cats Bar upgrade for season ticket holders we apply for the Chelsea home game on March 15th and add Everton at home March 8th as a second choice.
12) The secretary reminded everyone that the stadium is now no smoking as will the coach due to the new smoking ban introduced July 1st.
13) Season tickets should be delivered by July 13th and for the Juventus game you must use voucher 58 from the 07/08 season ticket for ticket applications; tickets are priced at £15 £5 for under 16’s before July 19th afterwards the price will rise to £20.
14) The Branch will run a coach to the match, subject to numbers wanting to go. During the meeting there was 14 adults and 4 under 16’s wishing to attend and go in the coach.
15) For those not attending matches next year the club have signed an agreement with Century fm for match commentary at home and away games.
16) The meeting was closed at 8.30 pm

J. Gilling
Branch Secretary
6th July 2007

No light at the Stadium of Light

2007-07-02T12:07:00.001+01:00

In line with new Government legislation, the Stadium of Light is now a no-smoking venue.

July 1st saw a country-wide ban on smoking in enclosed public places implemented and the Stadium will be completely smoke-free on both match and non matchdays.

In line with the legislation smoking will not be permitted in any areas on matchdays, including concourses, hospitality suites, executive boxes, seating decks, walkways and toilets. Supporters will not be permitted to leave and re-enter the Stadium in order to smoke.

Anyone found smoking within the Stadium could be asked to leave and surrender their ticket.

Chief Executive Peter Walker said: “As an employer we have a legal duty of care to our staff and of course our customers. The ban extends to all venues so we’re sure people will adapt to the change quickly.”

Head of Safety and Security John Davidson added: “The ban is a legal requirement so we must ensure that this new legislation is upheld or the club and individuals who flout the ban could be liable for prosecution and fines.”

On non-match days all suites, boxes, hospitality areas etc will be completely smoke-free. Smoking is also not permitted in the club shops and ticket office.

ANNUAL BRANCH MEETING

2007-06-28T12:05:00.000+01:00

Dear Members,

There will be a branch meeting on Thursday 5th July 2007 starting 7.30 pm at Coxhoe Club.
Agenda for the meeting will be: -

1) Election of Chairman / Secretary / Treasurer
2) Election of Committee Members
3) Account Balances
4) Membership Fees
5) Coach Operator for 2007 / 2008 season
6) Coach Fare Pricing for 2007 / 2006
7) Coach Pick-up Points and timing of Pick-ups
8) Away Travel with Sedgefield Branch
9) Fund Raising for Branch
10) Any other business

I would like as many members as possible to attend this meeting, so if you want to have a say in the way the Branch is run next season please attend.

Hope to see you there!

FFS bribes Big Sam with local mag lass!

2007-05-17T15:44:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of RTG

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=230278

Least diplomatic chant of the year:

2007-05-16T19:58:00.000+01:00

"He shoots, he scores, he eats your Labradors - Ji-sung Park",

Manchester United fans on their South Korean.

The BSA Song

2007-05-15T19:43:00.000+01:00

To the tune of "My Old Mans a Dustman"

Big Sam is Conman
He wears a crooked hat
He went to scum united
He got bung for that
He'll take one from an agent
The BBC were right
And he never went to Engalnd
Cos the envelope was light!!

OOOOOHHHHH

FTM

The Thoughts of a Branch Secretary on Cloud Nine

2007-05-12T10:33:00.000+01:00

Well who would have thought or even predicted where we would have ended up at the end of the season?
We started with optimism as Bob "Mr Sunderland" Murray had departed his throne and Niall and his consortium had moved in, but the big question was who would be the manager? As the consortium was mostly of Irish nationality we all expected Martin O'Neil to walk in and be our saviour. When I was in Germany with Miller watching the World Cup I remember Miller telling everyone O'Neil was the man and that he had SAFC tattooed on his arse. Then there was Big Sam in the frame but Bolton insisted he would not drop down to a smaller club (is he not going to do that now!). With no real movement on the management front Niall announces that he will take the helm until the right person comes along. I think we all agreed that Niall was taking alot on and this proved correct as we struggled to win and get the "we will never win" mentality from the minds of the players. After the game against Bury we were all low and some questioning why they had renewed their season tickets. Then a master stroke happened - Niall made a call to the person that un-known to all of us was the consortiums first choice as manager of our club. The story was that he was contacted and made aware that if he didn't take the job now Quinny would have a heart attack. His reply was "Oh I 'll make him wait another 24 hours". So 24 hours after our defeat against Bury it was announced that Roy Keane was to be the new manager of SAFC. We were on every TV station, in all the newspaper headlines - Sunderland were back - well at least in the news for the right reasons.
Just by his presence in the stand we beat WBA and we all thought this was the turning point. New faces appeared - one of them being Graham Kavanagh who I thought should have been a target before he went to Wigan. Keano officially took over for the Derby game and we secured a win there and then trounced the once mighty Leeds - we played brilliant at Leeds and I thought this is it we have gone through the change mentally and would at least be in the top half or even reach the play-offs by the end of the season. Then bad results against Ipswich, Preston, Stoke and Cardiff started everyone thinking we would only make the top half and next season we would be a stronger force and get promoted. I remember thinking at this time Keano had not brought the fans back as we were still struggling to fill a 33 seater coach and one trip back from a home game Thomas and the constant moaner on the coach Steph were saying they had doubts over Keanes management ability. Keano started to show the exit door to some players that did not follow his ethos and were not showing pride in wearing the shirt. We then saw a phone video of a few of the players giving more energy to a young girl than they had done on the pitch all season - wankers the lot of them and as predicted they were shown the door very quickly.
2007 started better - good signings and loans got us to a great start - who would have thought we would have remained un-beaten for so long in 2007? Against WBA, Birmingham, Wolves and Southampton we showed we were back and looking for that play-off place .... or even better!
So we were beaten by Colchester - probably the one we feared the most if we were all honest, but we went on to secure wins against Burnley and Luton and entry into the promised land was made and as Champions. What a season and what highs and lows during a season that started with so little but finished with so much.
The highs for me was the players, staff and management giving us our pride back and showing again that SAFC are the caring club. The away support was fantastic all season I believe we played better away from home when the pressure was not as intense as the atmosphere at home. Finally a high was the branch performance we started to struggle with low attendance sometimes below 33 on a small seater coach to finally having a near full 51 seater coach for the last few matches. At the end of the seaon we did not have to dip into our bank account and I believe we are in a better picture now than we were at the end of last season.
Only one low for the season was the sad and sudden loss of one of our branch OAP's a loyal supporter to the branch and SAFC, Tommy Mitton. May he still be watching the lads from above and is smiling and having a half of beer to celebrate our promotion. God bless you Tommy you will always be remembered by the branch.
So what does the future hold as we enter again the promised land? We will be associated with everyone from Keanos past as transfer targets. I hope we can secure the services of the two loans from Man.Utd, Evans and Simpson they must either be on board next year as loans or as SAFC players, a goalkeeper and we also need a front man of consistent goal scoring ability, sorry I can't predict who we should get but I am sure that the plans have started and we should leave the building of our club to Quinny, Keano and the consortium after all they have not done a bad job so far.
As I sit down to watch the first play-off game today, I do hope that Derby can make it as they also deserve it but as we all know football is a funny old game; as an outside bet I also would watch Southampton as on a good day they can do well.
I have also looked at the Premiership and who may be left after tomorrows final games. I went through the list to see what away games and the prices of the ones I would like to attend. After doing this I realised I had ticked off all the teams in the Premiership so I hope Mrs G and my bank manager is understanding as we seek better things to come. Am I mad to do this next season or is it just a fact that I am a loyal and proud Mackem who has SAFC running through my veins?

May I wish all of you a good summer and look forward to seeing you all aboard our coach next season. H'away the Lads!

Regards

Jim Gilling
Branch Secretary

Luton trip report part 1 - The journey down and afternoon drinks

2007-05-10T18:35:00.000+01:00

I loaded my luggage and 12 bottles of water into the car then set off for the first pickup which was Billy at 12am. Billy had phoned me from Heathrow the night before to check that I’d picked up the tickets. He’d had a busy week away in Turkey and had arrived back home late on the Friday night and was a bit under the weather, not from high living but from a bug he’d had since Easter and was having trouble shaking off. We set off for Kelloe and Cousin Billy and Billy Senior were ready and waiting. We hit the motorway at 12:20 and had a leisurely drive down to Leicester, listening to the Man Utd game on the radio. We arrived and checked in to the hotel, dropped our bags off and made our way to the pub next door, just in time to catch the half-times. West Ham 3 Bolton 0!

This is the same pub as Billy and Billy Senior were slavering on to the barman a previous time we were down (the time of the famous chinning incident). Fortunately the pub has changed ownership since then (was it something they said?) and Billy has become friends with the new landlord who’s a Villa supporter but was away at the game. We had a bet on a televised race but none of us could pick the winner (although Billy Senior wondered why he had not picked the winner – Beaver Patrol!) then Billy took me into the casino and got me made a member for the night. We came back into the pub and watched the full times come in. It was great seeing all the Mags trooping out of Sid James before the final whistle with their grumpy faces. The Miller men then came in and we had a bit crack with them and another couple of pints. It was then nearly 6 o’clock and time for our Chinese buffet.

Billy had booked us into a Chinese buffet for 6 o’clock and he promised it was going to be a very good. BTW, what a location the hotel has - pubs, casino and restaurants all within 50 yards! As promised the Chinese buffet was excellent. It cost a bit more than the usual buffet but the selection and quality was fantastic. After about an hour we emerged, stuffed with sushi, prawns, salmon crispy duck etc etc and made our way back to the hotel to get changed for the night out.

Luton trip report part 2 - Night out in Leicester

2007-05-10T18:33:00.000+01:00

We walked the 20 yards back to the hotel and went to our rooms. Fortunately I was in the room with Cousin Billy. Billy Senior and Billy were in the other room so I didn’t have to put up with Billy singing “Tell Billy I love him” in the shower. Last year Billy wanted to show me his ‘soap on a rope” but this year Cousin Billy had “soap in a tin” which was very good. We had our showers then had a bit of a rest to help digest our buffet. Soon it was time to get ready and we met the others in Weatherspoons. We were a little bit late as we were watching the end of a frame in the snooker - by the time we got there Billy Senior and Billy were onto their second bottle of wine and were looking well pissed. We had a drink whilst they finished off their wine then set away down the street in search of adventure. We visited a few bars and had a few more drinks but along the way we lost Billy Senior who wandered off somewhere (in search of *****?). As the evening wore on there were big queues at the best places so we jumped in a taxi and headed back to the hotel and casino.
In the casino I had a walk around watching what was going on and Cousin Billy and Billy sat down at the roulette. I soon found a quiet table and invested £40 in 8 £5 chips and had a few hands of blackjack. I ended up playing for about an hour and ended up £20 down. Billy was the same but Cousin Billy was £70 up. We’d had enough by now so went back to the hotel. Billy opened the door to his room and there was Billy Senior, spread-eagled on the bed! He muttered something incoherent but soon slumped back into a deep sleep so we left Billy to tuck him in and went to our own room and straight to bed, Cousin Billy on the sofa bed and me in the double. We had a good nights sleep and woke up about 7:30. Cousin Billy made a nice cup of coffee and we then got ready and packed. We’d arranged to meet the others in the foyer. When we got downstairs Billy was at the counter making a complaint. He was telling the manager that during the night some lads had broken into their room and were threatening them with all sorts of violence etc. Billy was describing them (one tall skinny lad, a little ‘un and another with black hair) and the manager was taking it all very seriously and taking down all the details. After Billy has finished I asked him what had happened as it sounded serious. He told me not to worry, it was only Miller and his mates who’d got their room keys and come into the room when they’d come back at 2:30!. Billy was ‘trying it on’ to see if he could get a refund!!

The four Billy’s gathered in the foyer and made our way up the street on the lookout for some breakfast.

Luton trip report part 3 - The match and other stuff

2007-05-10T18:31:00.000+01:00

We didn’t have far to go for breakfast! Just as we were passing Weatherspoons on the corner the doors opened for business. It was only 9 o’clock but apparently they open at that time every day. We trooped in and ordered an excellent breakfast for £3.50. As we waited for it to come Billy told us about Billy Seniors ‘antics’ the previous night. Billy said he’d just got Billy Senior “settled” when the Miller gang burst in. Billy Senior then went a bit ‘delirious’ and was rambling on about all sorts of things including how great their Peter was and how he was going to punch the Yorkshireman’s lights out. Billy said it took a while to get Billy Senior settled again but he didn’t get much sleep as Billy Senior fell out of bed twice and then proceeded to snore like a bastard for the rest of the night. Billy was looking pretty knackered through lack of sleep but Billy Senior looked fine and was soon cracking on with his new mate Bernard. He even bought Bernard a pint. By this time the place was filling up a bit, mainly with middle-aged blokes who were enjoying a pint with their bacon and eggs. The Miller gang turned up and were a bit shocked that Billy had reported them to the management but nothing was said as they left the hotel so they reckon they must have got away with it.

Soon it was time to go so we hit the road in convoy, off down the M1 to Luton. On the way down I put on a Beatles CD and we were soon belting out the tunes with the best reserved for “Hey Jude/Keano”. We soon reached the Luton turn off and headed for the town centre. What a multi-cultural and diverse place it is i.e full of Paki's. We headed for the station car park but this turned out to be a mistake as it was quite a distance from the ground. Never mind, we set off for the ground and after a bit of a trek reached the away end and went in. Kenilworth Road is a throwback to another era and was definitely 'third division' but we settled down into our seats, other than Billy senior who was trying to chat up the muslim lady steward, and waited for the teams to come out. A lot has already been written about the game so I'll be brief. The game was fantastic and the lads put up a great performance. The celebrations afterwards were on a par with anything we've ever had before. After it had all finished we made our weary way back to the car and Billy expertly navigated us onto the M1. As soon as we were on the motorway Billy slumped into a deep sleep, perhaps due to his lack of kip the night before. The other Billy's in the back were quiet also and were soon dangling from the seats belts. After a 3 1/2 hour drive we arrived home safely after a very enjoyable weekend.

We're on our way, we're on our way, to the Premiership we're on our way.

Champions - and well deserved

2007-05-07T20:52:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We enjoyed it.
It was important that we performed in front of the fans and we got off to a great start - I wish we had done it a few more times this season.
It's always nice to look back and say you were champions and now we get ready for the next challenge.
We always encourage the players to play with freedom, they did today and everyone deserves a lot of credit.
It's a really nice way to finish - Sunderland champions has a nice ring to it. We would have been kicking ourselves if we had not won and Birmingham had slipped up.
The lads should enjoy it, you do not get too many chances to enjoy days like this.
There's a happy dressing room in there and I'm delighted for everyone - I've had worse days.
I'll reflect over the next week or so. Since I got the job, I always said that the chance to reflect would be at the end of the season.
You pat yourself on the back but you have to move on to the next challenge. The players have been fantastic and I can't praise them enough.
Times like this are why we are in the game. The five goals we got were cracking goals. We played with great freedom, they didn't take their foot off the gas.
It was important that we finished on a high and they did that, it was a great day for everyone.
It's nice for the players to move on to the next challenge now and go to the Chelseas, the Liverpools, the Tottenhams and the Newcastles - let's see what they can do there.
Thanks for your great support this season - the fans have played a huge part.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Luton 0 Sunderland 5Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Be part of the pictureSeason tickets for the 2007-08 Premiership season are now on sale.
Click here for further details and to ap

What great results!

2007-04-29T17:26:00.000+01:00

TJFA Division 2 Under 12's

Ferryhill Town 4 Stockton West End 1

The lads have been strugglng lately and came up against top-of-the-table Stockton WE today. We needed a point to keep out of the relegation zone and were apprehehensive going onto the game but we needn't have worried. A great team performance by the lads and a consolation goal for Stockton right at the end. A fully deserved win and it could have been a lot more.

Friday night at SOL was brilliant, a real old fashioned 'edge of your seat' game with a fantastic matchwinner (reminded me of Vic Haloms goal vs Manchester City) by Carlos Edwards.

Our Alex was also pleased to see him team win on Saturday and Chelski get beat.

Oh, yes and the result at Selhurst Park was canny also! First time Palace have ever done us a favour.

Overall a brilliant footballing weekend in the Billy household.

Haway the lads, party time next week at Luton!

Message from Roy - it's not easy being a Sunderland supporter

2007-04-23T10:15:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I'm not sure we've done enough to win it; but when we got back to 1-1, we thought we'd get something, it wasn't to be.
No matter what happened today we've still got to win matches and the positives we've got to take out of it is that it's still in our own hands. We try to bounce back against Burnley on Friday.
We've played better, don't get me wrong. The attitude and the desire to win was there for everyone to see. We pulled it back to 1-1 and maybe we should have settled for a draw. In hindsight, we should have shut up shop.
But with the players we have, we're very attack-minded and we'll always look to try to win a game. With that we've left one or two gaps and we've been punished for it.
You have to give credit to the opposition. When you lose a game of football you've got to give respect to the opposition, they've got some very good players.
I've not said a lot to my players. I give respect to them and what is said in the dressing room stays in the dressing room.
We're disappointed but in the last few months we've managed to get ourselves top of the table and it's in our own hands.
If we win the next couple of games then we'll be OK, but I suppose that's the only plus we can take out of today.
Roy Keane
Colchester 3 Sunderland 1Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Sunderland v Burnley, Friday April 27, (7.45pm).Click here to buy tickets online
Click here to vote for your SAFC Player/Young Player of the Season

Message from Roy as we edge that closer to the promised land

2007-04-15T22:36:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I thought it was a good performance, we created plenty of chances and once again credit to the players.
We gave away a sloppy goal but the players came good again. We had to be a bit patient. It was a very good performance and the players seem to be enjoying it.
Grant [Leadbitter] probably felt he was slightly unlucky to miss out at the start, but it's great comfort to me as a manager when I luck at the bench and see the players we have got.
You need the subs to contribute and Grant did, we play every much as a team, we don't play as individuals.
Grant has done well and he's got a good future, he's shown me he wants to be part of the future at this club. He's a local lad doing well, it's fantastic.
No matter what the situation is we'll just try to win next weekend, if we do things will fall into place.
We've got a lot of experienced players, I have not sensed any nerves. When you win matches, expectations go up but good players handle that and we've got good players.
We had chances today, we should have won the game a lot easier, but that's the reality of football. I was very relaxed.
Liam Miller was not quite right but we had quality players to come in - it's great for me, it makes my job easier.
Winning football matches is what it's all about and everyone is enjoying it at the moment.
Roy Keane
Sunderland 2 QPR 1Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Colchester Utd v Sunderland, Saturday April 21, (3pm).
Next HOME game: Sunderland v BurnleyFriday April 27, 7.45pmClick here to buy tickets online

Sunday Times Snippet

2007-04-13T16:45:00.000+01:00

The "Moving On" section of Home reports:-

With Sunderland football club pressing hard for promotion to the Premiership, their talismanic new manager, Roy Keane, formerly the linchpin of Manchester United, intends to cement his ties to the area. He plans to move his family up, probably near to Durham, in the summer. Keane has been checking out houses with an estate agent who often looks after players and staff from the Sunderland and Newcastle teams. “He told me that every manager he has looked after has been sacked within four weeks of buying a house,” Keane joked. “I’m kind of reluctant to buy one off him now.”

I gather from local knowledge that it is out Croxdale way, and he's been spotted in Spenny ASDA.

Message from Keano as we hit top spot - well done to the Lads

2007-04-10T21:35:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It's never over until the last kick. We were 1-0 down and not playing particularly well but with the players we have, I always felt we would get one or two chances.
You could say that the goals today weren't really chances - all credit to the players, they were great finishes.
We could have gone 2-0 down, Wardy made a great save to keep us in it before we scored.
When you've played two games in three days it is very difficult. We had one or two lads with tired legs out there but credit to them, they kept going.
It's impossible not to know the other results when you kick off late; but like I've said all the time, you just have to focus on yourselves.
It's in our own hands now, the games are running out - the table will take care of itself. The priority is to be top at the end of the season, not with three or four weeks to go.
We don't know if this will be a defining result, we'll find out at the end of the season.
Our players have shown that on top of the talent they have, there is a great desire to win football matches.
It was always going to be a hard game, Southampton are a good team and we were on the back of a tough match against Wolves, but I never underestimate these players.
Being one-nil down with 10 or 15 minuts to go, I would have settled for a point - you are thinking it is going to be one of these days.
You always think the good run of form is going to come to an end some time, but credit to the players.
I've said I'm never happy, but there was a small smile today, it's in there somewhere.

Roy Keane
Southampton 1 Sunderland 2Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Sunderland v QPR, Saturday April 14, (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online (home games only).

Message from Roy as we try for that top 2 position

2007-04-02T12:23:00.000+01:00

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I think 1-0 was always going to be enough. Fortunately for us, Ross [Wallace] produced a bit of quality and we're delighted. If we had gone 1-0 down, I think it would have been difficult to get back into it.
We're taking nothing for granted. The players seem to be enjoying it, it's not as if we have been scraping results, we've been playing well.
There will be ups and downs in the next few weeks. There is six games to go, we'll win as many as we can and see where it takes us.
We just want to try to get back in the Premiership. If it's in the top two, fantastic; if it's via the play-offs, we'll be ready and focused.
You have to have hope in football and I hoped we could get in the promotion picture when I took over, but I think we are ahead of where I hoped we'd be.
What the players have got now, that togetherness, pleases me. It thrills me to have these players, they keep going and doing the business.
Ross [Wallace] has got quality. I did feel that he would come on and score, I had a gut feeling.
The conditions were difficult for both teams. Credit to Cardiff, it was a hard afternoon, there are plenty of ice packs on the legs of our players.
It was a tough, physical game; maybe not a great game to watch but you have got to admire both teams giving 100 per cent for their clubs. There was no give, lads were flying into tackles.
You just don't know in the Championship. If you were a betting man, you wouldn't touch it.

Roy Keane
Cardiff City 0 Sunderland 1Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Sunderland v Wolves, Saturday April 7, (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online (home games only)

Tel Aviv - Great Place Pity about the Match

2007-03-26T10:35:00.000+01:00

Coxhoe and the Boldon Branch members Olly, Pete and Pat, three guys who me an Miller met in Germany. We arranged to meet up at Gatwick and start the Tel Aviv party from there.

Tel Aviv promenade abiut 3 miles long and just like a typical Spannish destination when you are on your hols.
Wind surfing on Tel Aviv beach
Coxhoe, Boldon, Sunderland and Chester-le-Street branch meet up!

Israelites

2007-03-21T16:07:00.000Z

Aye Jimmy, and watch out mind, you being a good Catholic Lad. Any places advertising "tips done here" are not hairdessers and you might get more than you bargained for!

Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Israelites

Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir,
so that every mouth can be fed.
Poor me, the Israelite. Aah.

Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir,
So that every mouth can be fed.
Poor me, the Israelite. Aah.

My wife and my kids, they are packed up and leave me.
Darling, she said, I was yours to be seen.
Poor me, the Israelite. Aah.

Shirt them a-tear up, trousers are gone.
I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde.
Poor me, the Israelite. Aah.

After a storm there must be a calm.
They catch me in the farm.
You sound the alarm.
Poor me, the Israelite. Aah.

Poor me, the Israelite.
I wonder who I'm working for.
Poor me, Israelite, I look a-down and out, sir.

Trains, and boats but NO PLANES

2007-03-21T11:50:00.000Z

Israel strike grounds soccer fans
10:13am today
Thousands of English football fans could be prevented from flying into Israel for a crucial Euro 2008 Championship qualifier this weekend because of a strike there.
The open-ended general strike started on Wednesday morning after marathon talks overnight between the Histadrut labour federation and the Israeli government failed to avert the walkout.
Municipal workers at airports, seaports, railways, government offices, banks, the stock exchange and other services are protesting because they have not been paid for months.
© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2007, All Rights Reserved.

The link in the title will authenticate.

Another israeli plot to get rid of Steve McClaren

How will Lucky Jim fair in getting there if the strike is not brought to an end soon?

Plane to Turkey, then fight his way through Syria over the Golan Heights or an under cover of darkness exploit of the coast in a canoe?

Message from Roy as we celebrate St Patrick's Day

2007-03-19T08:56:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
Jonny was only passed fit yesterday, it was nice for him to get his first goal for us.
The back four played very well, they have been different class in the last few months. I don't think Wardy had too many saves to make.
The whole team played well, but the back four in particular impressed me.
Two-nil is probably just about right, it would have been nice to finish off the game earlier. We had the chances, Dave [Connolly] had a good chance.
I'm not going to sit here and say it was a comfortable afternoon, it was far from it; Hull came and made it hard for us.
We fancied trying something a little different - 4-5-1 with Stokesy and Murphy having a bit of freedom if you like, and there were moments in the first half when it worked very well.
With a bit more care in the attacking third, we might have got a second or even a third goal in the first half.
Towards the end we went back to a 4-4-2, but it's just a game of football, really; I don't get bogged down by the tactical side of it.
We've got a couple of weeks [break] now, a chance to reflect. The [international] break comes at a good time for us, we've played a lot of tough games, not just physically but mentally; we have been playing catch-up and it's tough.
Nearly every game has been a must-win situation. In a couple of weeks' time we might have one or two of the senior lads back from injury, that will be a bonus.
We're in the top two but it's not a time to judge the tables. If we finish second at the end of the season, we'll be delighted.
We've got some tough games ahead. The priority was to win today and try to cement our place in the top six.
We're still far from being in pole position but we're giving ourselves a chance, we've got to keep the pressure on the other teams.
The players have been different class, I can't praise them enough. They'll get a few days off now, they've earned it.
I'll be encouraging them to switch off, that's the name of the game over the next couple of weeks, to chill out.
Jonny Evans has got a chance to be a top player. I spoke with the [Manchester] United manager yesterday, about Jonny, he's got a chance.
But keeping him long term? There is probably more chance of England's cricketers winning the World Cup.
Regards,

Roy Keane
Sunderland 2 Hull City 0Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Cardiff City v Sunderland, Saturday March 31 (3pm).
Next home game: Sunderland v Wolves, Saturday April 7, (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online (home games only).

Newcastle manager Roeder is so angry he made the team find their own way home...........

2007-03-16T14:18:00.000Z

Up in Smoke

2007-03-12T13:11:00.000Z

Click the title.

Did the branch artefacts survive?

One wonders.

The Rules according to Roy.

2007-03-11T15:46:00.000Z

For those that haven't or don't frequent the SMB on Readytogo.net.

Speaks volumes.

PLAYERS LEARN TO LIVE SUNDER BOSS ROY'S NEW RULES (Garry Doyle)

Roy Keane has promised his Sunderland players he will pay for a team holiday out of his own pocket if they win promotion. Keane made the pledge last week just prior to the side's impressive 2-1 victory over West Brom. The tactic offers a rare glimpse into Keane's management style, which, by and large, has been remarkably straightforward but devastatingly effective in his six months in charge.The Corkman has guided the Wearsiders to fourth in the Championship, collecting 60 points from his 31 games in charge - suggesting that trip to the travel agents is inevitable.Yet few would have predicted this in August when Keane inherited a team whose only prospect of leaving the Championship was via the trapdoor and into League One.The reality is, though, that he has turned the club around.Here, Mirrorsport explains how he has done it, reporting from inside the Sunderland dressing room to give you a glimpse of Roy's golden rules.

RULE NUMBER ONE : No Liam excuses.
Liam Lawrence was a moaner. He was dropped after a home defeat against Cardiff and didn't get his place back for four weeks. In the meantime, he knocked on Keane's door, wanting to know why he wasn't in his side. To Keane, the answer was obvious : Lawrence wasn't doing the business. His complaints were unappreciated and within three months , Keane had sold him to Stoke. The lesson was clear: Keane prefers players to win back their places through actions rather than words.

RULE NUMBER TWO: Competition, is and always has been, against yourself (Ollie Cooperwood)
Keane went paintballing with his Sunderland players yesterday, and competed fiercely for the winning prize. And that's the secret of his philosophy. Every aspect of his regime is competition related. When the players do gym work or press ups, they are paired against one another and told they are in a contest. The idea, Keane has said, is to get a competitive element ingrained into their thinking. Similarly, in seven-a-side practise matches, the intensity is obvious, particularly when Keane joins in. Compared to his predecessor Mick McCarthy, Keane’s training sessions are longer and more intense - and after bringing in his own fitness trainer Neil Bailey, the fitness in the players is apparent.

RULE NUMBER THREE: Save the hairdryer for special occasions.
Unlike his mentor, Alex Ferguson, Keane does not resort to shouting to get his way and, believe it or not, has lost his cool at half time on only one occasion this season . The incident came at Ipswich in September, when Sunderland lost 3-1, Keane dubbed his players a “bunch of choirboys”, and ripped into their performance. Otherwise he has been the epitome of calm, preferring to get his point across using a patient, purposeful, method.

RULE NUMBER FOUR: Weather the storm.
In January, Sunderland were on a run of two wins in six, when Keane decided to speak to his players about his hatred of losing. For half an hour in pouring rain, he drilled into his players the importance of results, and how defeats affected his mood. Privately the players wanted to know why the lecture could not have taken place indoors. Yet only one person - Keane - spoke in those 30 minutes. Sunderland have not lost since.

RULE NUMBER FIVE: Minutes are worth more than money, spend them wisely.
Keane doesn’t fine players who are late for training, he drops them. Anthony Stokes discovered this two weeks ago when he was 10 minutes late for a training session. Two days later, against then league leaders, Derby County, Stokes watched from the stands. Keane’s attitude is that the players earn so much money that a fine is no deterrent.

RULE NUMBER SIX: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
It was the stick he used to beat Mick McCarthy with in Saipan - unfairly, because McCarthy did his homework. Keane, probably, is more thorough, presenting his players with a tactical dossier on the opposition before each game. The analysis is simple and broken down into an individual basis, picking out five points about each member of the opposition, which outlines their strengths and weaknesses.

RULE NUMBER SEVEN: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
Initially Keane was stand-offish. He allowed his assistant, Tony Loughlin, to take training sessions, as he watched from the sidelines. His arrival, though, had an immediate impact on the pace of training, which increased considerably. By November and December, when results were inconsistent, Keane delivered regular rants to improve basic performances and attitudes. Some players privately commented about being “unfairly treated”. Then after hearing of a whispering campaign in the dressing room about transfer targets during the transfer window, Keane called a team meeting, and announced he was targeting a player to challenge for every position on the team. “Accept that and get on with your job” said Keane. By and large Keane is as hard a man off the pitch as he was on it.

Is it enough to turn my head?
Well I'm starting to feel the slightest of twitches.

Message from Roy .... as we edge closer.

2007-03-11T13:05:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It was a hard afternoon which we expected, it was a good result. The performance was not great but it was a very good win. We got two goals, a clean sheet and we move on, simple as that.
We had lots of possesion in the first half but that does not win you football matches, we had it against [Crystal] Palace this season and we lost.
Barnsley are fighting for their lives an we're just delighted with the win. You always have to be patient - we felt the goal would come as soon as we got the chance.
Grant's got a quality strike on him and we've seen it in a few games this season. He scores goals left, right and centre in training, there's goals in this team.
Players get injured, I've been saying that all week, and others come in and get their chance; they took it today and did very well for us.
Even last night I was very relaxed, I thought the lads coming in would do a good job. I'm sleeping well these days, I have to say.
It was a great turnout by the fans and I'm glad we sent them home happy. It was like a carnival atmosphere, like a home game.
I hope the fans enjoy a few pints. It gives me great satisfaction to make them happy.
There are not many clubs in Europe who would take that many fans away from home, never mind in Britain. We keep telling the players that they are lucky to have fans like that.
Regards,

Roy Keane
Barnsley 0 Sunderland 2Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next home game: Sunderland v Stoke City, Tuesday March 13 (8pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Need I say More?????

2007-03-08T11:38:00.000Z

Niall Quinn on the Road

2007-03-08T11:25:00.000Z

What a fantastic night last night at Rainton Meadows Arena - some good things discussed and answered with heart and passion. This club are going places! Good to see the old faces of Monty, The King, Tricky Dick and Tobias and Nyron from the current squad doing their bit. Anyone going ot the Sedgefield event are in for a great night.

Last night was filmed by Sky Sports and will be shown in a special feature by Sky Sports on Friday.

Black Cat Bar Upgrade

2007-03-08T11:21:00.000Z

Just to let you know that the Black Cat Bar tickets have arrived for the Hull City game. Coach will pick up and leave at normal times. For those that put their names down for this upgrade please remember that your season ticket is spare for this game so you can offer it to family or friends and get more on the coach. I will checking final totals on Tuesday night.

Barnsley v SAFC

2007-03-04T12:25:00.000Z

For those members going to the game on Saturday the coach will pick up at Londis Shop Coxhoe at 07.35 and 07.40 from Kelloe Greyhound. Adults price is £15 coach fare and £20 for ticket. Watering hole is the White Hart outside of Leeds.

See you Saturday .

WBA away - message from Roy

2007-03-04T12:24:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We should have killed the game off but I suppose that's me being my usual critical self.
We were on the back of some tough games and the lads dug deep, it was a very important result for us.
The goal they got, it came from nothing really; but we should have finished the game off well before then, we had the opportunities.
When you are away from home and you miss chances you are going to encourage the home side to come back into the game.
Our lads dug deep and showed great character. I don't think we played that well today but when you have characters like we have, it gives you a chance.
It was a scrappy first half, there were plenty of tackles going in and it was difficult to get it down and play.
We scored off a good move and Yorkie slotted it nicely into the corner - that was the one bit of quality in the first half.
It was nice to score early in the second half but we needed a third goal to finish off the game.
If we were a bit more ruthless in the attacking third we would have won it easily, but if you don't do it you can get punished.
I wouldn't say we got away with it today, we did enough to have won it comfortably.
We've had a decent day and now we work hard for next Saturday [at Barnsley] which will be just as tough.
We've had three tough games and to be honest we should have beaten Birmingham, we should have won nine points from them.
It's all in the head now, whoever believes they can do it, will. Our dressing room has that and we have to make sure we work hard every day.
We've got 10 games to go and we need to keep the pressure on Derby and Birmingham, I still think they are the favourites.
Carlos [Edwards] has gone to hospital to have his shoulder looked at and we are waiting for the results. We felt it was a bad tackle but Dermot [Gallagher] didn't see it; I don't know how, but he didn't.
That is the big disappointment of today, Carlos has been good for us - fingers cross for him.
Regards,

Roy Keane
West Brom 1 Sunderland 2Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: Barnsley v Sunderland, Saturday March 10 (1.30pm).
Next home game: Sunderland v Stoke, Tuesday March 13 (8pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Niall on the Road

2007-02-27T13:14:00.000Z

As you may remember Niall Quinn is hitting the road during the month of March and meeting fans who have lapsed as either season ticket holders or pay at the door fans. His discussion at these meetings will be to try and get people back to the SOL on a regular basis and also to hear why fans are still staying away. The venue at Sedgefield racecourse at the end of March is one of the smallest venues and is practicaly full but I have been able to get 20 tickets (more if required) for one of the main events at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le Spring on March 7th at 8.00pm. Anyone interested in going and listening to what Niall has to say please contact me through the normal email or comment on this message . Oh forgot to say the tickets are free!

Regards

Jim Gilling

Where am I?

2007-02-26T17:36:00.000Z

As I leave the building making my way back to my pick up point I can't but notice the amount of people in my way. The bridge over the train lines was never like this for a long time. Smiling faces, people jumping with joy. some jumping on each others backs saying what a great feeling it is, others just punching the air with grins like cheshire cats. As I get near the pick up point it's the same again everyone saying how they were going to enjoy the week-end and the night out tonight; even going home the moaning old twat said how good it was and he felt great; lets have more of the same next week.

So where was I?

Great Match - Roys Comments

2007-02-25T12:49:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I thought it was a close game, it could have gone either way. Both teams had chances, it was a great game for the neutral.
We conceded a last-minute goal on Tuesday [at Birmingham] and it was nice to score so late in an entertaining game.
Credit to Derby for coming here and having a go. Do I think we deserved it? It doesn't really matter what I think.
Derby are a very good team. We controlled the first half but when we conceded they were putting us under a lot of pressure.
Our lads dug deep and sometimes you need a little bit of luck, maybe we had that today.
It was our first penalty in 63 years ... or games!
Even if we had drawn I would have been proud of my players, I can't praise them enough, they were fantastic.
You can only pick 11 players and have five on the bench, I had to leave a few out. Stokes had a full game the other night and we felt we'd rest him up and get him ready for next week.
My gut feeling for certain games is to go a certain way and it means players are going to be disappointed.
Barnes is a talented lad. If I'm being overcritical, I'd look at our defending; but you've got to give credit to the lad, it was a top goal.
I still see Derby as favourites to go up. We're the fourth best team in the league at the moment because that's where we are in the table.
We've beaten Derby twice this season and in both games against them we've had a bit of luck.
If we had drawn today we would have slipped down the table to ninth, that's how tight it is - there are a few teams on good runs.
We keep going, we've got a very difficult game again next Saturday but we've got a belief.
I really enjoyed the game, even though there were concerns that we could have lost it. I just thought 'what will be, will be'.
I felt that Grant and Murph would have an influence coming off the bench and they did.
Regards,

Roy Keane
Sunderland 2 Derby County 1Click here to visit the safc.com Match Centre.
Next game: West Brom v Sunderland, Saturday March 3 (3pm).
Next home game: Sunderland v Stoke, Tuesday March 13 (8pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

SAFC V DERBY

2007-02-22T16:12:00.000Z

LEADERS DERBY NEXT UP AT THE SoL

Sunderland are looking to continue their seven-match unbeaten run with another strong home performance when top-of-the-table Derby come to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Roy Keane’s side are currently seven games unbeaten – five of which have been wins – following their 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Tuesday night.

The Black Cats will also be hoping to maintain their impressive home form against the Rams after winning seven out of their last 10 games at the SoL, drawing the other two and losing just one.

They’ve also scored 16 goals in the last 10 home games and conceded just four, keeping five clean sheets.

Sunderland will be looking to continue their promotion push against Billy Davies’ Derby on Saturday, and cash turnstiles will be in operaytion for the game.

Tickets are priced from £8 juniors and £24 adults (£19 in concession areas). Concessionary tickets are not available from the cash turnstiles and must be purchased from the ticket office which will be open from 10am until kick-off.

The following cash turnstiles will be in operation: 7, 8, 39, 40, 47, 48, 55, 56, 63, 64, 65 and 66.

Tickets are available in person from the Stadium of Light ticket office or by calling 0845 671 1973 (local rate number, 24 hours).

Supporters can also purchase match tickets online via the club’s official website, www.safc.com, 24 hours a day.

More Barnsley rules and regulations

2007-02-22T13:45:00.000Z

Supporters are advised that the Club’s forthcoming fixture against Barnsley will be an all-ticket for both Sunderland and Barnsley fans. There will be no cash turnstiles on the day of the game and supporters not in possession of a valid match ticket should not travel.
There will be no alcohol served to visiting supporters inside Oakwell and supporters are advised by South Yorkshire Poloce not to enter Barnsley town centre as the area may not be able to safely accommodate large numbers of visitors. There are also no designated "away pubs" in Barnsley town centre.
The kick off time has been changed to 1:30pm at the request of South Yorkshire police in order to safely accommodate the large numbers of Sunderland fans who are expected to travel.

Advice to Coaches from South Yorkshire Police:Sunderland coaches should travel via the A1 leading onto the M1. Coaches will be required to line up on the hard shoulder of the Southbound lane of the M1 leading up to J37 of the M1. Coaches should arrive at the above rendezvous point between 11:30am and 12:30pm on 10.03.07. Due to the sheer number of coaches attending, supporters must ensure that they arrive between the times stated above.

Barnsley Away - excellent dayout shagged by the police

2007-02-19T12:29:00.000Z

Sunderland AFC would like to advise supporters that the Club’s forthcoming game against Barnsley FC at Oakwell on Saturday March 10th will now kick off at 1:30pm, not 3pm as originally scheduled.

The kick off time has been changed at the request of South Yorkshire police in order to safely accommodate the large numbers of Sunderland fans who are expected to travel.

Supporters are also advised that this will be an all-ticket for both Barnsley and Sunderland fans and there will be no cash turnstiles on the day of the game.
There will also be no alcohol served to visiting supporters inside the ground.

Petition to reduce prices at Football grounds

2007-02-15T15:08:00.000Z

Takes a minute to do. Just a petition someone has set up to try and put pressure on clubs to reduce the cost of match tickets. Can't ever see it happening, but might as well give an opinion.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ticketprices/sign

SAFC V STOKE CITY

2007-02-15T10:54:00.000Z

Sunderland’s forthcoming game against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday March 13th 2007 has been selected for live transmission by Sky TV.

The game was originally scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm and has now been switched to 8pm.

The Zoo Incident

2007-02-14T07:47:00.000Z

What a carry on, to, a) get into this blog for a start. (whats Google playing at?) and b) Saturday night.

Alcohol , it's an evil drug, but hey man, this is rock n roll.

Was nowt to it really, drummer gets pissed, can't keep the rythmn as he sit with a grin on his face ( you know the sort I mean, one of them hey man I'm pissed grins). Bass player can't work without a drummer in time, puts his instrument and the drummer down and walks off.

Front man saves the day with a virtuoso performance that has the crowd baying for more.

Both lads apologetic afterwards.

Check it out on Youtube. The links in the thread title.

There a re some others on YouTube from the night too.

HH

Last Night in Coxa Club

2007-02-11T14:31:00.000Z

Last week me and MrsG went to Kella Club for a change and it was like a zoo.
Last night we returned back to our patch downstairs in Coxa club only to hear of the Zoo event upstairs and the drummer getting zonked from the drink and from the bass player. Huyton was there and posted a bit on You Tube but lets have a written rendition Huyton reckon when it was a solo performance the night went down well? Not too much excitment downstairs the lights and amps went off about 10.45 and for once I was innocent! The singer kicked fuck out her tape machine as it was drunk and out of tune.

Let's hear from you Huyton.

Message from Roy as our £2m man hits the net.

2007-02-11T14:28:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It meant Plymouth had to come at us a bit more and they were going to leave gaps, and with the quality we have, especially going forward, and the quality of players we have on the bench, we knew we could cause them problems going the other way.
But first and foremost we had to be solid, and I think generally we were. Stokesey has had a hectic couple of months, he’s been away with Ireland and it’s great he got his first cap and he got on today.
He gives us plenty of options. He’s the kind of player we can bring from the bench and that could be the difference at the end of the season.
I think Marton (Fulop) made a very important save at the beginning of the first half, a very good save, and it changes the course of the game. If they’d have scored that and with their fans behind them it would have been difficult – even towards the end they were pushing and they had one or two chances in the last five minutes, but Marton looked very solid.
I’m delighted with Marton, he’s been patient. He’s been away playing for his country this week and Wardy didn’t recover from his hamstring, so it gives me great pleasure in terms of lads coming in and doing a job for the team.
Danny (Simpson) has just come off with a bit of cramp, but he hasn’t played a lot of football.He’s had a couple of weeks training and we’ve been looking to get Deano back into midfield, he and Yorkie have got experience in the middle of the park and they showed that today.
I won’t be too bothered about the league tables until May. But I’ve said before I think we have a very difficult run-in, but we just keep going and keep our heads down.
We had some great support today, 1,600 fans and they were right behind us, and we’re giving ourselves a chance.
Regards,

Roy Keane
Plymouth 0 Sunderland 2Click here to visit the match centre
Next game:Sunderland v Southend UnitedSaturday, February 17 (3pm)
Click here to buy tickets online

Message from Keano ..... not good but 3 points in the bag.

2007-02-04T13:55:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I’m delighted with the win – a clean sheet, three points, and we move on.
The performance was OK. We can play better, but we’ve played better in other games and we’ve not really got anything, so that’s football, as they say.
Yorkie is different class, he has been the last few games. His performances have been good and he’s knocked in a few goals in the last few games, so I’m delighted with Yorkie, I have to say.
We’ve had to chop and change it again, we picked up a few injuries in traning, so Stern (John) came straight in, Stan (Varga) came back into the fold and it was nice to see Danny get on, I thought he looked very comfortable.
In the middle of the park he (Yorke) is a vital addition to any team, just to keep their head, keep the ball and try to dictate the pace of the game, it’s vital.
It was a great goal (Edwards) and his work-rate is never in question, we saw that when he was at Luton and he’s the type of player I like, he works his socks off for the team, and he’s scored a couple of goals in the last few weeks so we’ve got plenty of options in midfield, and we need that.
David Connolly got a nasty knock in training on Thursday. He saw a specialist on Thursday and Friday and he’s been told to rest for a few days, I gave him the weekend off. His face is very, very badly swollen, there’s a lot of bleeding around the eye area and we have to monitor him over the next few days, so it was a straight-forward decision to rest him today, it’s a very nasty injury.
Credit to Coventry they came with the extra man in the middle of the park, the fact that we scored in the first 20 minutes meant they had to come at us a little bit, obviously different to the other night (Palace), so they came and you look at the saves Wardy has made, we’ve kept a clean sheet and especially in the second half when they were bombing on and gambling, we got people in the way.
I thought Danny Collins did very well again, Nuggsy, big Stan, Danny when he came on, Deano – and again, clean sheets are very nice and I’m sure the defenders will get a lot of credit for that.
All the best,

Roy Keane
Sunderland 2 Coventry City 0Click here to visit the match centre
Next match:Plymouth Argle v SunderlandSaturday, February 10 (3pm)
Next home game:Sunderland v Southend UnitedSaturday, February 17 (3pm)
Click here to buy tickets online

Fixtures and Tickets

2007-02-02T15:55:00.000Z

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Plymouth Argyle
Home Park
Saturday 10th February 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

General Sale
Tickets are on general sale now.

Prices
Adults £22. U16 £6 Senior citizen £15, Full time student £15 (Proof at time of purchase and on the turnstile required).

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Birmingham City
St Andrews
Tuesday 20th February 2007
Kick Off 7.45pm

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 8th February 2007.

Prices
Adults £27, OAP, *Student, U16 £15 U12 £7.50
· proof of full time student concession required at time of purchase and on the turnstiles

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
West Bromwich Albion
The Hawthorns
Saturday 3rd March 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders have until 3.00pm Saturday 17th February 2007 to apply – voucher 45 required.

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 22nd February 2007.

Prices
Adults £23, OAP and U18 £14, U16 £11

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Barnsley
Oakwell
Saturday 10th March 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders have until 3.00pm Saturday 24th February 2007 to apply – voucher 46 required.

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 1st March 2007.

Prices
Adults £20, OAP and U18 £12, U11 £6

Nearly United

2007-02-02T07:38:00.000Z

"...Sky news have just reported that Freddie Shepherd gave a statement to the stock exchange this morning at 9.18 am regarding Newcastle UTD PLC nearly signing David Beckham, Dirk Kuyt, Tevez and Mark Viduka. The statement was greeted with astonishment and then a deathly hush descended on the floor as the fat Geordie Chairman proudly pronounced the shock transfers who he nearly signed for the club. Newcastle UTD shares rocketed to £1.81 on hearing the news of these near signings.

Jose Mourinho was quick to reply on Sky Sports News about the statement.He said "how can Chelsea complete with Newcastle on these terms, they are nearly buying all the top players, I see reports on TV that they nearly signed David Beckham and then only 24 hours later Fat Freddy tells the stock exchange that they nearly bought Dirk Kuyt in the summer, It is just spoiling game!.

Sir Alex Ferguson was also quick to comment "this is just ridiculous that Newcastle are once again nearly signing all the top players available, they nearly signed Wayne Rooney and they nearly signed Ronaldo!..the whole thing needs sorting out or else Newcastle Utd nearly signing players policy will ruin our beautiful game!. A spokesman from Newcastle UTD PLC said these words in retaliation "I have heard Jose mourinhos and Alex Fergusons comments, just because we are actively nearly signing the top players in the world does not mean that we are spoiling the game, just raising the standards of nearly signing players, these players were nearly signed but remember we nearly signed Wayne Rooney, Ronaldinho, Zidedine Zidane, Ronaldo.

Outside St James park a crowd of 4 gathered on hearing the shock news, one fan called Keegan Beardsley who had just paid £33 for a shirt worth £2 and the words "nearly Beckham! proudly displayed on the back, had this to say via an interpreter (no one could understand him)! Arl reet dee yee smerk tarbs? Wore gannin pleeces this cloob...wore nearly gannin to get Christiano Ronaldo next week like!..."

MESSAGE FROM KEANO

2007-01-31T12:25:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It's a clean sheet, a point and credit to Palace, they made it very difficult for us, frustrated us, it was a night when we needed to score early.
They came to frustrate us and they will be happy with their night's work, credit to them.
I'm happy with the lads, in terms of effort and commitment; I'm happy with the clean sheet and the point, but we didn't do well enough in the attacking third to win it.
We try to take the positives - a point and a clean sheet.
The way Palace played, with one up front, is a mark of respect for my players, a compliment to us. You are going to get challenges like that and it's up to us to work it out and break it down.
We were trying too hard at tims. If we had scored in the first 20 minutes it would have been a lot easier; they would have had to come at us and it would have created gaps.
They had more and more belief the longer the night went on.
They came for a point and they'll be deligted with it - I haven't got a problem with that.
You don't get anything easy in football and I told the players that afterwards. I was probably more pleased tonight than last week when we scored four and won.
We didn't do enough in the last third to win the game.
Liam Miller has a hamstring injury so that's a disappointment. It'll be a few weeks for him.
All the best,
Roy Keane

Away Travel News

2007-01-30T08:57:00.000Z

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Plymouth Argyle
Home Park
Saturday 10th February 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 1st February 2007.

Prices
Adults £22. U16 £6 Senior citizen £15, Full time student £15 (Proof at time of purchase and on the turnstile required).

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Birmingham City
St Andrews
Tuesday 20th February 2007
Kick Off 7.45pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders are reminded that they have until 5.30pm Thursday 1st February 2007 to apply – voucher 44 required.

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 8th February 2007.

Prices
Adults £27, OAP, *Student, U16 £15 U12 £7.50
· proof of full time student concession required at time of purchase and on the turnstiles

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
West Bromwich Albion
The Hawthorns
Saturday 3rd March 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders have until 3.00pm Saturday 17th February 2007 to apply – voucher 45 required.

General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 22nd February 2007.

Prices
Adults £23, OAP and U18 £14, U16 £11

A Stern lesson for promotion push?

2007-01-29T18:07:00.000Z

Sunderland have completed the signing of Trindad and Tobago international Stern John from Coventry City.

John, who is the Sky Blues top scorer this season, has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane said: “He's a powerful lad and sometimes we've lacked an aerial threat, especially since Chris Brown left. We hope Stern will play a part in helping us get promotion."

STERN JOHN – THE RECORD
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 180lbs
Born: October 30, 1976, Trinidad
Past clubs: Malta Carib Alcons, New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers, Columbus Crew, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City.

Message from Roy ... he was not happy but we were!

2007-01-21T15:12:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We encouraged them to get back in it and it really annoyed me, we got away with it.
We get the third [goal] and you think it's game over, but then we give them the encouragement to get back in it, we were sloppy.
We made it hard for ourselves, I'm disappointed with the team performance in the second half.
We made it a difficult situation for ourselves by giving the ball away. If we keep passing it and doing what we are doing, we win the game easily.
The players took it into their own hands to run with the ball and stop doing what we had told them. On another day, we might not have won, we should have seen out the game better.
The game should have been dead and buried - no excuses. I expect more and I expect better. It was not good enough - certainly in the second half.
The game's 90-odd minutes long and you cannot switch off for 10 of them. If we perform how I know we can, results will come our way, but today we got away with it, it was unacceptable.
Hopefully we'll be ready and fresh for our next game because we have a weekend free now.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Sheffield Wednesday 2 Sunderland 4Click here to visit the Match Centre.
Next match:Sunderland v Crystal Palace Tuesday, January 30 (7.45pm).Buy tickets online

Today's performance ....

2007-01-20T20:18:00.000Z

.... was good, in fact it was very good. We're definitely getting there and played Sheff Wed off the park. Great to see two good wingers putting the ball into the box for a couple of sharp forwards, Connolly and Elliot. The defence, without Varga, was solid with Evans outstanding although the goals conceded were a bit sloppy. My MoM was Yorke who was superb.

This is more like it!

INTERTOTO CUP NUFC NEWCASTLE UNITED FOOTBALL

2007-01-19T13:10:00.000Z

Click in title for link to ebay

Intertoto winners cup 2006,
THERE IS INDEED A TROPHY ! !
A friend of mine has just returned from holiday in Magalluf where he bought this splendid trophy from a bloke in a bar, he is unsure if it is a copy or not as he nor anyone he knows has seen a picture before. The bloke in the bar was also selling watches, belts and shades, all high quality !.
The trophy itself is beautifully made, a special feature being the snug fitting lid which also doubles as a display stand as in the picture .
As this is such an important trophy my friend is not willing to post, cash only on collection.
Selling on behalf of a friend, I will forward any questions you may have to him and reply as soon as possible.

Q: will the trophy be suitable for an open top bus parade around a north east city centre?
19-Jan-07
A: hi, my friend says the trophy would be perfect for such an occaision, you might have more trouble locating an open-top bus!

Q: hello, I've heard the intertoto cup is worthless and no self respecting club would even compete, can you comment?
19-Jan-07
A: At last, the first profanity free question! - my frieng agrees the intertoto competition is a worthless route to europe but the actual trophy is worthy of display in a cabinet (my friend advises to search for a new cabinet on e-bay if your old one is jammed shut due to lack of use)

For Shambles.

2007-01-17T22:14:00.000Z

read Mags!

Shearer spoke like he was sucking a lemon after that game when summarising for the BBC. Left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Click the title for a nice little video.

Important notice for all supporters going to Sheffield Wednesday

2007-01-17T21:26:00.000Z

Kelloe version
Bishop Middleham translation

Noo then marra’s
Hello chaps

Aaz in charge of the bus on Saruday and Gilling’s blawn oot.
I’m custodian of the transport and our esteemed secretary James Gilling is my assistant.

We’re ganning to the syem boozer as the Fishburn lot, the White Hart. There’ll be plenty of time for a few pints and a bit crack
We’re going to the same hostelry as our colleagues from Fishburn, the White Hart, where we can partake of refreshments and have a convivial chat with friends and aquaintances.

There'll be grub on in the pub but we're teken our bait as we're not paying them prices.
A range of bar snacks will be available in the White Hart. No reservations necessary.

Nee drink on the bus mind. If any is found it’ll be hoyed off along with the person who had it.
SAFCSA alcohol rules apply

Nee messing around after the game, mak sure yu's back on the bus in canny time. Keep a few bob spare for the driver. On the way back we'll be coming strite yem so that thems thats not barred out can gan in the greyhund and thems that under orders to gan to Coxha club can mak it.
The bus will leave immediately after the game and come directly home. Gratuities for the driver are discretionary

Haway the Lads
Haway the Lads

Steph Walton - Bus organiser

SAFC v Ipswich - Message from Keano

2007-01-14T21:36:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

This makes a change - too many times in the last few months I've come out and said that we played well and not got three points.
Today we didn't play particularly well and got a good win. The players showed good desire and determination but we know we can play better.
I have to say the conditions were atrocious, and that's not to make excuses. Ipswich probably adapted better to it than us.
It was a decent start by us - I can't remember the last time we scored in the first 10 or 15 minutes. I did tell the players before the game that it was allowed! [an early goal].
I think in the first 15, 20 minutes we played really well and then after that we couldn't get to grips with the game.
"Wardy [Darren Ward] has had to make one good save, there was not many clear-cut chances. Mind, we could have had five penalties, but there you go.
It was an important day for us in terms of the lads making their debuts. Anthony [Stokes] did well, Carlos [Edwards] was a threat and Jonny Evans was magnificent.
We had to dig in deep - it was a very long afternoon.
There are 18 games left, there will be ups and downs for every team and we have to keep going, keep the pressure on the teams above us.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Sunderland 1 Ipswich Town 0Click here to visit the Match Centre.
Next match:Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland Saturday, January 20 (3pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Crystal PalaceTuesday, January 20 (7.45pm).Buy tickets online

Larn yersel Jordy

2007-01-10T19:28:00.000Z

Click the link.

If anyone can tell me just what it is he is saying then I would be interested in employing you as an interpreter.

United Defender Completes Loan Move

2007-01-04T17:37:00.000Z

UNITED DEFENDER COMPLETES LOAN MOVE

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has today joined Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old centre-back has been training with the Black Cats this week after meeting boss Roy Keane last week.

He has signed for Sunderland until June and will be available for Saturday’s trip to Preston in the third round of the FA Cup at Deepdale.

“I’m delighted with the signing,” said Keane. “Jonny has been so enthusiastic since the moment I spoke to him, and that’s great – he cant wait to get started.”

Belfast-born Evans has been at United’s Academy for three years, although is yet to make his professional debut, despite a strong season in United’s reserves in 2005-06. He enjoyed some first-team experience during the 2006 pre-season programme when he featured in two of three games on the club's tour of South Africa, and then also started in domestic friendlies against Celtic and Preston.

When injuries crippled a stronger United squad out in the Netherlands for the Amsterdam Tournament, Evans was also flown out to bolster the defensive ranks and started the second game against Ajax, putting in an impressive performance.

He has spent a part of the current campaign on loan at one of United's feeder clubs, Royal Antwerp, and has played 11 games for the Belgians, scoring two goals.

Evans also made his full international debut for Northern Ireland in September last year, playing as a left-back in a famous 3-2 victory over Spain in the European Championships qualifiers, as well as playing in qualifiers against Denmark and Latvia.

JONNY EVANS – THE RECORD
Born: Belfast, 2.1.88 (19)
Nationality: Northern Ireland (3 caps)
Position: Centre-back/left-back
Height: 6ft 1ins (187cm)
Weight: 12st 2lbs (77kg)

LEAGUE AND CUP APPS GOALS
Manchester United (2005-07) 0 0
Royal Antwerp (2006) 11 2
TOTAL 11 2

Stop then banning flags inside grounds

2007-01-04T16:51:00.000Z

This came to me via a MCFC loop news letter, has anybody heard about this?

REQUEST : FOOTBALL FANS UNITED

I received the following from a fellow blue and believe we should all support this.

I am writing to every decent Club forum in the UK regarding this issue of national flags being banned from the Emirates Stadium by Arsenal FC Directors, we are aiming to get a 20,000 signature petition from fans of not only our club but from all decent football fans that are fed up with being dictated to by fat cats on the board, we have had a good response from Glasgow Rangers fans regarding this issue and I am therefore now going to ask our friends at Manchester City to help us in our quest, the issue is: on Saturday 16th December 2006, Arsenal Football club implemented a ban on not only home supporters but all visiting supporters going to the Emirates Stadium asking them not to display national flags within the stadium, this includes the cross of St George and the Union Flag.

As working class people and lifelong football fans, who pay the players wages through over inflated admission prices, we have had enough of being told what to do and having the enjoyment of the game taken away from us, by corporate busy bodies.

We respect that we are a club supported worldwide by people from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures, but the fundamental issue is, that we are a British club. Arsenal FC is a British institution, we haven't sold out to Russian, American or Middle Eastern billionaires and we should be proud of that fact.

To ban all national flags from the stadium, It seems to us as though, that through this decision, the club has been hijacked by the virus known as "crazy political correctness", that is sweeping our country, we think it is a ludicrous decision by the club to ban fans from displaying flags that show our national identity.

We have been informed that the flag that caused offence, was that of Northern Cyprus, which understandably is offensive to our Greek Cypriot supporters, however would it not make more sense to ask the owner of the flag to leave it at home of face ejection from the stadium, rather than punishing the whole of our support and all visiting supporters?

It is an age old tradition of the game to have flags and banners and the spectacle it provides and addition to the atmosphere can be amazing.

It costs not only individual supporters, but the supporters clubs in the UK and also around the world, a lot of money to have these flags made/customised to include the club names and emblems stitched into them, we are proud to show off our flags and banners when we travel abroad, fans from other clubs have their photos taken with us and us with them, so what happens now? Opposing European clubs come to The Emirates and are told sorry but your national flags are banned? What happens if we stage another international friendly, is the ban lifted then?

This decision stinks of another step to total corporate take over of our club and there is a similar scene around the country, a blow to fans like myself that have been going to football for over 30 odd years, slowly but surely, everything we came to love about our beloved game is disappearing.

We ask you all collectively as football fans to get together on this and sign our petition which will be presented to the club when we reach the 20,000 mark, we hope to try and make them see sense and change their minds, as we are certain that there will be many more complaints against this decision than those for it.

We hope you will join us in this and thank you for your support the petition can be found on the link.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/flagsafc

Ian Ferguson (ian at aim-knowledge.com)

Latest ticket news

2007-01-04T16:49:00.000Z

FA CUP 3rd Round
Preston North End v SAFC
Saturday 6thJanuary 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

General Sale
Tickets are still available on general sale.
Prices
Adults £20, Senior Citizen (Over 65), Young Adults (16-17yrs) £13* (*proof of age required at point of purchase and on the turnstile) Juniors (U16) £7

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Sheffield Wednesday
Hillsborough
Saturday 20th January 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders are reminded that they have until 5.30pm Monday 8th January 2007 to apply – voucher 42 required.
General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Friday 12th January 2007.
Prices
Adults £19. U16 £10 Senior citizen £10

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
Plymouth Argyle
Home Park
Saturday 10th February 2007
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders have until 5.30pm Thursday 25th January 2007 to apply – voucher 43 required.
General Sale
General sale will commence from 10am Thursday 1st February 2007.
Prices
Adults £22. U16 £6 Senior citizen £15, Full time student £15 (Proof at time of purchase and on the turnstile required).

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-01-02T10:34:00.000Z

May I wish all our branch members and members of this blog site a very happy and prosperous New Year and hope that any New Years resolutions are kept and bring you all happiness and we have a better second half to the season than the first half.

Regards

Jim Gilling
Secretary

Leicester 0 SAFC 2 ..... message from Roy

2007-01-02T10:30:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I thought we deserved to win it by more goals.
You have to be patient. You start to get a bit worried when their keeper is pulling off some great saves, but it was a deserved win.
All in all, 2-0 is a satisfying victory. Frustration would have been an understatement had we come off nil-nil.
We kept going and credit to the players because we didn't become impatient, we kept passing it and moving it and in the end it could have been a few more.
Some of the lads were playing out of position and credit to them. Ross [Wallace], Toby [Hysen] and Peter Hartley - they all did well.
I thought Varga and Connolly were outstanding and Whitehead did well, some of these players have played two games in three days and it's not easy.
We're delighted and I really felt that we deserved it.
We've got a lot of late goals this season and sometimes it can be a frustrating way to do it, but I'm delighted for the players, they kept going.
We showed a great desire to get into the box; if you don't do that, you won't score goals.
Leicester are the home team and they obviously had to go for it when we went ahead, it is going to leave gaps and we have good players who can pick a pass and exploit it.
There was a worry that when we missed chances we might live to regret it, but we got there in the end.
I was disappointed the other day [against Preston] because I felt we deserved something out of it, that sat with me on Saturday night, but we have responded well.
Over the season teams are going to have good days and bad days, especially in this division. Today was an up for us.
I thought our support was great again. As long as the fans go away happy, you feel that little bit satisfied.
The players need to work on their recovery now because we have had a lot of games and we have another tough one on Saturday.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Leicester 0 Sunderland 2 Click here to visit the Match Centre.
Next match:FA Cup 3rd RoundPreston v Sunderland, Saturday, January 6 (3pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Ipswich Town, Saturday, January 13 (3pm).Buy tickets online

Bah Humbug

2006-12-29T23:15:00.000Z

A Merry Christmas to all bloggers, now that its over.

Message from Roy as we escape with a point.

2006-12-17T15:44:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
The performance was disappointing but we keep climbing mountains, credit to the players.
We were hoping that if we got a goal back, we could make a game of it.
Dave Connolly's been on fire in training this week, in fact he's been sharp in the last few weeks, and he scored a great goal. We started slowly and I knew we were in for a hard day.
In terms of getting a result when we didn't play well, it was pleasing. We keep giving ourselves mountains to climb but to be fair to the players, we keep climbing them.
I think I had every emotion today. Fifteen minutes before the end it was anger and frustration, but I'm delighted with the players again.
Steve Caldwell made a great tackle when it could have been 3-1. We gambled a bit, made changes and managed to get back in it, it was pleasing.
You can never give a game of football up, there's plenty of examples of teams coming back. You keep going until the end and we did today.
I'm sure their manager will be disappointed. We've scored last-minute goals this season and we've conceded them, against Southampton we did. It's disappointing when you do.
I think that Kav, Liam [Miller] and Toby [Hysen] when they came on had an influence on the game.
Grant [Leadbitter] also scored a good goal. He has got that in his locker, he scores with his left and right foot in training and I hope he gets more.
Even when it was 2-1 and we were pushing forward, they had some good chances, we left gaps at the back and it could have been 3-1. The goals we gave away annoyed me.
I would not hold Dwight [Yorke] responsible for the second [his back-header led to the second goal]. Players gave away the ball before that and it's a team game.
As much as people will remember Grant and Dave for the goals, I'll also remember two tackles by Steve Caldwell.
It was great for us to score in front of our fans. There were three or four thousand of them there today and it was great for them - it's all about the fans, and the players.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Burnley 2 Sunderland 2 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Crystal Palace v Sunderland, Friday December 22 (8pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Leeds, Boxing Day (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Message from Roy

2006-12-10T18:57:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We showed good character, the same as last week.
It was a difficult game. When you start slowly, like we did in the first four or five minutes, then it’s going to be a long afternoon.
We were slow out the blocks – but, again, we were digging deep, we’re grinding out results. Two great finishes, I’m grateful for that, and again we’ve just about edged it.
We didn’t play particularly well, even though we had chances to kill the game off when it was at 2-1.
They also had a great chance at 1-1, and had they scored that it could have been a different game. Marton (Fulop) came out and he probably did just enough to put him off.
We’ve a few players out – (Darren) Wardy and Toby (Hysen) – so we were down to the bare bones today. But two great finishes have been enough to win us the game.
I’ve always said, it’s going to take time, but we’re heading in the right direction, and we’re going to give ourselves a chance – that’s all I can ask from my players.
We’re going to be playing catch-up, probably until the last day of the season, but there’s still a long way to go and I’m sure there’ll be a few more ups and downs along the way, I’m sure of that.
We had over 30,000 fans here today and that’s fantastic – hopefully they’ll be happy with that.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Sunderland 2 Luton 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday December 16 (3pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Leeds, Tuesday December 26 (3pm)
Click here to buy tickets online.

Thomas Edward Mitton. 1919 - 2006

2006-12-01T14:22:00.000Z

This morning saw the funeral take place at St Michaels Church, Bishop Middleham of Coxhoe Branches most senior member Tommy Mitton.

Standing room only was the order of the day for a man much loved and respected by all who knew him. In keeping with Tom’s love of life the hymns chosen were rousing and rarely have I heard “Praise My Soul The King of Heaven” sung with such gusto by a congregation. Adam Lamb, a native of Kelloe, and known to Tom through his Freemasonary connection, read a moving eulogy, which in a very few minutes encapsulated Tom’s life and loves. It was delivered with great care, respect and a little humour for a smashing fellow.

From a personal perspective it was only a few weeks ago that I sat and had a chat with Tommy in the café at Sedgefield Community Hospital, as usual his razor sharp wit was to the fore as he questioned me as to the reasons I should be sitting chatting to him at great expense to the British Taxpayer when I should be really getting on with my job. Of course my retort was to hell with the taxpayer when I could have the opportunity to spend a few minutes in the company of a great and wise man. Such opportunities rarely come along.

We all know what a solid Sunderland supporting man Tom was and put people like myself to shame with his endless devotion to the cause. It’s heartening in some respects that he did get to see great teams at Sunderland in the past but saddening that he witnessed our decline too.

Tom leaves a wife Jean, who will be closely supported and cared for by her son Brian and daughter Susan along with Julie and Keith and Brian’s lads Ross and Alex. We offer them all our deepest condolences at this sad and difficult time and they will be comforted in the knowledge that Tom left a great chest of treasure and joy in the memories he left behind.

Adam Lamb quoted Abraham Lincoln this morning, it sums up Tom very well.

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in those years.”

A win away at last .... and I was there!

2006-11-29T11:32:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

It could have been 5, 6 or 7-1 tonight - the number of chances we created in the game.

You always feel you're going to get a few chances, but we missed chance after chance, yet we got away with it.

I’m sure it was a great game to watch for a neutral, but not from our point of view, and probably not for the supporters, but we got there in the end.

I wasn’t too happy with the incident [the delay in first half], it seemed to take ages, and it went flat, it did affect us.

It stopped the game for four or five minutes and it slowed things a little. But then I suppose the referee has to look at the security issue and had to deal with it.

I’ve not seen the goal [Murphy’s] properly - you don’t get a great view from the dug-out - but if the referee’s assistant has got the decision right then well and good, that’s what he’s paid to do.

We did get off to a good start, we knew they’d come and have a go at us, I’d have been happier if we’d got the third goal, then maybe we could have relaxed a bit.

Credit to the players - they dug deep, the only disappointing thing was that we didn’t kill the game off.

Don’t worry he [Ross Wallace] will be getting plenty of stick over that [missed chance]. We’re lucky we got away with it.

We can laugh and joke about it now, but they could have scored near the end but we got away with it. He reckoned it bobbled, but he got away with it.

We had chance after chance, I think their manager was quite understanding and agreed it could have been a lot more.

That’s my only criticism - we should have killed the game off. But credit again to the lads, I changed it around again, we had lads come in, changed the midfield a little, and credit to them they did very well. We played some very good stuff.

I’m delighted with the performance, we just need that cutting edge.

There’s definitely a few more grey hairs! It would have been great to get the third goal and we could have enjoyed it – but it’s no good for my health I have to say.

All the best,

Roy Keane

QPR 1 Sunderland 2 Click here to visit the match centre.

Next match
Sunderland v Norwich City, Saturday, December 2 (3pm).

Click here to buy tickets online.

Message from Roy ...... good night all round

2006-11-26T19:33:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch

A lot of it was self-inflicted. The first 20 minutes we kept it and passed it well without really creating too much.
And then we were our own worst enemies by giving the ball away cheaply and giving them lots of opportunities to score.
You can legislate for their goal, by closing the player down. If he's going to shoot from there, you try to block it, it's simple.
"He [Darren Ward] was man of the match, that says a lot; and credit to him, we could have been dead and buried.
We were leaving gaps at the back but fortunately for us Wardy was in top form and he has been recently, I have to say.
If they had got the second we probably would not have got back in it but again credit to the lads, they kept going and Stevie [Elliott] deserved a goal, I thought he was outstanding.
Maybe we have earned that. In a few of our away performances we have not really got anything, like at Norwich and Stoke, so maybe we deserved the rub of the green tonight.
When we got the goal we started having a go, but we still left gaps at the back; we seem to give every team a chance, that's just the way we are at the minute.
"Overall we have got to be more than happy with the draw."
All the best,
Roy Keane
Wolves 1 Sunderland 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:QPR v Sunderland - Tuesday, November 28 (8pm).
Next home matchSunderland v Norwich City - Saturday, December 2 (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Late signing on loan of a keeper - but don't we also need a striker?

2006-11-23T18:28:00.000Z

SUNDERLAND SIGN TOTTENHAM GOALKEEPER

Sunderland tonight made a beat-the-deadline emergency loan signing, bringing giant goalkeeper Marton Fulop in from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 6ft 5ins Hungarian international has been brought in as emergency cover after a recent injury to Ben Alnwick left Darren Ward as Sunderland’s only recognised senior ‘keeper.

Fulop joins the Black Cats on loan until January, subject to Football League clearance, although he is not available for tomorrow night’s Championship match against Wolves at Molineux.

Boss Roy Keane said: “I’m delighted the deal has been completed. Marton is someone we’ve been looking at for a while – he’s young, hungry and just the type of player we’re looking for for this football club.”

Fulop spent the most of last season on loan with Coventry, where he made 33 appearances, including two against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round, keeping six clean sheets.

The 23-year-old began his career with MTK Hungaria in 2001 before being loaned out to BKV Elore and then Bodajk FC in his homeland.
He joined Tottenham for a nominal fee in July 2004 after a three-day trial at White Hart Lane. He enjoyed a brief loan spell with Chesterfield between March and May 2005, making seven appearances for the Spireites, keeping two clean sheets.

Fulop represented his country at Under-21s level and then made his full Hungarian debut as a half-time substitute in a friendly against France in May, 2005, keeping a clean sheet for the second period. He was also a half-time sub in a friendly against Austria in August this year.

Night cap after the match

2006-11-22T21:26:00.000Z

Andy Jones from the ticket office Black Cat House SAFC after the match showing that duvel is strong beer - no it's his mate not his "friend" who he has his arm around.

The only way to travel to and from matches

2006-11-22T21:23:00.000Z

Pictured from my hire car the day after the match as I travelled on the A4 between Amsterdam and Rotterdam? Prize for the most humorous suggestion who was in the limo!

The Amsterdam Arena - home of Ajax

2006-11-22T21:21:00.000Z

Nice stadium - pity about the football that was played on the night!

SAFC in Amsterdam

2006-11-22T21:19:00.000Z

Sunderland and Chester-le- Street lads plus me having a good sup before the England match in Amsterdam

Emily Kate Metcalfe

2006-11-22T21:16:00.000Z

Our first Grandchild - Emily Kate showing her true colours!

Clive Clarke Loan Extended

2006-11-22T15:01:00.000Z

CLIVE CLARKE LOAN EXTENDED

Defender Clive Clarke has extended his loan with Championship side Coventry City.

Clarke had signed a month-long deal with the Sky Blues, which expired at the weekend, and the two clubs have agreed to extend the deal until January.

The Republic of Ireland international originally joined Sunderland from West Ham in the summer but made just four appearances before moving ton the Ricoh Arena. He has played five games already for City.

- ends -

Message from Roy ..... and 3 points in the bag

2006-11-19T14:17:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I think we deserved the win overall but, as usual, we made it very hard for ourselves.
They got the goal and we invited pressure. In parts of the game we were really good - outstanding. We passed it and moved it well.
If we got the third goal [when it was 2-0] the game is dead and buried, but when it's 2-0 and you concede it seems to be natural instinct that you drop back and try to hold on to it.
It would have been nice to get the third goal earlier but we didn't.
I thought Stevie [Elliott] was outstanding - he's a threat. He had a few shots before his gpoals. Dave [Connolly] came on and scored and he's earned that. I'm pleased he's off and running.
We played Stephen [Elliott] on the right, you have to try these things and I thought it worked Ok
Liam [Miller] and Grant [Leadbitter] had not had a fair chance of playing in the middle of the park and I thought they did well, especially in the first 70 minutes. They lost their way a little bit.
Generally speaking I thought we were outstanding today, I'm not going to get clouded by the chance they had near the end.
I'm looking at all the positives - we won 3-1, our strikers scored and we played some great stuff.
There were a couple of spells in the second half that were as well as we have played all season, they couldn't get near us.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Sunderland 3 Colchester 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Wolves v Sunderland - Friday, November 24 (8pm).
Next home matchSunderland v Norwich City - Saturday, December 2 (3pm)
Click here to buy tickets online.

Burnley v SAFC

2006-11-12T19:38:00.001Z

Need final names for this away match - please confirm no later than Tuesday.

Regards

Jim Gilling
Secretary

Message from Roy - how did you see it??

2006-11-12T19:38:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
I was disappointed to concede a goal so late in the game but I wasn't disappointed with the effort of the players.Last week we played a lot better and ended up with nothing. Today we might have ended up with three points that we didn't really deserve, that's football. Overall, it wasn't too bad.Kavanagh has got a gash, he may need a few stitches, but he'll be OK.It's a quiet dressing room - the players feel like it is two points dropped but that's football, they should not be too down.Their goal took a couple of deflections and that was the only way they were going to beat Wardy today.In the overall play, I think Southampton deserved it, they had 24 shots on our goal, the law of averages says that one of them is going to go in.Credit to Southampton, they played well and deserved the draw.We didn't play as well as we'd have hoped but we kept going, got our noses in front; unfortunately we couldn't stay there.It was an excellent goal from Ross, but I don't think there was any danger of him taking his shirt off, it was too cold. Ross is a threat and we missed him in the last couple of games.
The last player I wanted the ball to fall to was the left-back, because he looks an outstanding player, I'll give him that.
Ward has had a confidence-booster this week, getting called up for the Wales squad and he's done well for us.
He made a save from a header in the second half and it was one of the best I've ever seen - he kept us in the game.
Stephen Elliott had a great chance when we were 1-0 up, that would have killed off the game.All the best,
Roy Keane
Sunderland 1 Southampton 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Sunderland v Colchester Utd, Saturday, November 18 (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

SAFC v Norwich

2006-11-06T15:09:00.000Z

Anyone interested let me know: -

Dear Branch Secretary,

SAFC SUPPORTERS BRANCH DAY – SAFC V NORWICH CITY

I am pleased to announce that we have designated that our forthcoming match against Norwich on Saturday 2nd December 2006 will be ‘SAFC Supporters Branch Day’.

As I’m sure you will remember, we have extended this offer in previous seasons and it proved to be very popular with our branch members and are therefore delighted to be able to repeat it once again.

All branches are invited to apply to purchase a number of special tickets (1 pair for £16) for their members on a first-come-first-served basis on the enclosed form.

(Please note that applications must be received no later than Monday 20th November and full payment must be enclosed with the application form. All tickets will be registered to individual branches for security purposes and each branch is responsible for the appropriate issue of these. All seat tickets will be located at the Club’s discretion and cannot be exchanged.)

I do hope you and your members will be able to take advantage of our Supporters Branch Day and on behalf of the Club we thank you for your continued and valued support.

With kind regards,

Louise Wanless
Media and PR Manager

Message from Roy as the lads fail again.

2006-11-05T20:58:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Brancg,
Credit to Robbie Earnshaw, he had one chance and took it. At this moment in time there's a fine line between winning and losing.
We were comfortable at half-time, but there's always a danger in football that you get hit with a sucker punch and we did, then we were chasing it.
We had one or two shouts for a penalty but it wasn't to be.
We can't feel sorry for ourselves, we've got to bounce back. It just seems to be going against us at this moment in time, but we hope by the end of the season things will pan out.
Sometimes you need a bit of guile in the last third. We had decent possession but we lacked with the final ball and that's the hardest part in football, that's what we need to look at.
We played into their hands a bit. You need a bit of cleverness. We got the ball into the box and they defended well.
There were a few pluses - Kav's had 70 minutes and Stevie Caldwell's had a game.
I can't fault the lads for effort and determination, we're just lacking a bit of quality in the last third; but that's the most important part of any football team.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Norwich City 1 Sunderland 0 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Sunderland v Southampton, Saturday, November 11 (3pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Emily Kate Metcalfe

2006-11-04T14:49:00.000Z

I am pleased to announce that after Emily Kate was rushed back to hospital on Tuesday she is now back home (Friday) and all is well. Looks like she was full of morphine after Melanie was given morphine for her pains. X-rays, blood tests etc confirm she is a beautiful healthy baby girl.

Meet the Lads

2006-11-03T15:11:00.000Z

Black Cats stars will be spending time in the club’s retail stores over the coming weeks as the countdown to Christmas begins.

Players will be on hand to sign club merchandise, pose for pictures and chat with supporters in the Stadium of Light store, Debenhams in Sunderland and Sainsbury’s, The Galleries, Washington.

Midfielders Ross Wallace and Liam Miller will be at the Stadium of Light store from 5.30pm until 7pm on Thursday November 9 and the following week will see Graham Kavanagh and goalkeeper Darren Ward visit the clubs’ concession store in Debenhams in Sunderland from 5.30pm until 7pm on Wednesday November 15.

Ross Wallace said: “It is always nice to be able to meet the fans and it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to thank them personally for all their fantastic support.”

Chairman Niall Quinn and Black Cats legend Kevin Ball will be signing copies of the club’s new book, Match of My Life, from 5.30pm until 6.30pm at the stadium store on Thursday November 16, with Daryl Murphy and David Connolly making an appearance at Sainsbury’s in Washington from 5.30-7pm on Thursday November 23.

Dwight Yorke and Tobias Hysen will be at the Stadium of Light store from 5.30-7pm on Thursday November 30 and the final session takes place on Thursday December 7 at Debenhams in Sunderland with local lads Chris Brown and Grant Leadbitter visiting from 5.30-7pm.

With Christmas fast-approaching, SAFC club stores have a huge selection of gifts in-store for all the family. Supporters can also shop online via safc.com.

· Ross Wallace & Liam Miller
Thursday Nov 9, Stadium of Light, 5.30-7pm.

· Graham Kavanagh & Darren Ward
Wednesday Nov 15, Debenhams, S’land 5.30-7pm

· Niall Quinn & Kevin Ball
Thursday Nov 16, Stadium of Light 5.30-6.30pm.

· Daryl Murphy & David Connolly
Thursday Nov 23, Sainsbury’s, Washington, 5.30–7pm

· Tobias Hysen & Dwight Yorke
Thursday Nov 30, Stadium of Light, 5.30-7pm

· Chris Brown & Grant Leadbitter
Thursday Dec 7, Debenhams, S’land 5.30-7pm

-ends-

Todays Northern Echo

2006-11-03T10:58:00.000Z

Check the link in the title guys - its not only Huyton who gets a mention in the Northern Echo!

Regards

Grandad Jim

I'm pleased I missed this one Roy!

2006-11-01T16:03:00.000Z

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
It's disappointing, the goals we gave away, our passing, our tackling, our movement - everything really. There's a long way to go.
I can't explain Chopra's goals. I've said a few things to the players, but they need to say it to each other.
Players need to get a hold of each other sometimes, not be pals with each other. I've played with lads for five years and I've never spoken to them, but I was glad they were on my team.
Players can go out for a meal with each other five nights a week, but real team-mate have a go at each other.
I've been here and lost four, and they lost four or five before I took the job. That's eight defeats this season and we're still in October, that's not acceptable, some teams go through a season and lose only two.
Even on your bad nights, you try to get something out of the game, you've got to have that pride in your performance.
I've just met Charlie Hurley who was a top player at this football club. I had a chat with him after the game, he spoke more sense that anyone I've met in a long time.
We did mention Chopra before the game. I don't mind teams opening us up but the goals were poor.
The two teams we've played against in terms of teams near the top are Cardiff and Preston and the table doesn't lie, they're there on merit.
Cardiff had two centre-halves who are aggressive defenders, they seemed to have a bit of pride in their defending and their goalscorer was intelligent, he makes good runs which I've seen many times before.
It was just a very, very bad night, no plusses whatsoever.
We lost it everywhere, I'm not sure any of our players won their one-v-one battles.
What do you do? Feel sorry for yourself? We'll look to kick on and get ready for Saturday. The least I expect is a reaction against Norwich, I expect a reaction tomorrow.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Sunderland 1 Cardiff City 2 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Norwich City v Sunderland, Saturday, November 4 (3pm).
Next home match:Sunderland v Southampton, Saturday, November 11 (3pm)
Click here to buy tickets online.

BLC MEETING MINUTES

2006-10-31T14:34:00.000Z

BLC MINUTES

Attendees
BLC: Steve Dean (BLC Secretary/Jarrow), Freda Oyston & Grahame Anderson (Disabled & Escorts), Rebecca Barr (Boldon), Doreen Fowler (Snr Supporters), Paul Newby (Newton Aycliffe), Rob Gilchrist (Main Branch), Mike Love (SE Northumberland).

SAFC: Peter Walker, Louise Wanless, Phil Clarkson, Rob Mason

Apologies
Niall Quinn, Lesley Callaghan, Fred Taylor, Stan Hall, Easington Branch, Greater Manchester Branch, Coxhoe Branch, Ferryhill Branch.
Date
Saturday 21st October 2006
Venue
Meeting Room 1, Black Cat House, Stadium of Light

Welcome
The Secretary Steve Dean in the absence of the Chairman welcomed everyone thanking them for their attendance and read out the minutes of the previous meeting.

Matters arising from the last BLC meeting:
No feedback as yet from branches on whether they want a Christmas social.
Fred Taylor forwarded a copy of an e-mail from Derby about thanks regarding the minute’s applause.
ALS are advertising for stewards on their coaches.

12-game season tickets
Phil Clarkson (ticket office manager) handed out a media release regarding the 12-game season ticket and a circular with a breakdown of cost of seats with a map of the various parts of the ground.

Category
Price
Saving on match-to-match purchasing
Under 12’s – Concession Areas
£65
£31
Under 16’s - Concession Areas
£75
£21
Under 22’s - Concession Areas
£125
£103
Senior Citizen- Concession Areas
£135
£33
Under 16 - West & East Stand and Premier Concourse Wings
£75
£21
Adult concession corners
£175
£53
Adult - Carling North Stand / South Stand
£185
£103
Adult - West & East Stand and Premier Wing
£225
£63
Adult - West & East Stand and Premier Centre
£245
£43
Disabled Patron

Personal Assistant/Helper
Prevailing prices as above.
Free of Charge
As above
Black Cats Bar
£385
£35

Ticket pricing for Stoke and Wolves
Sunderland were in contact with Stoke about 6-8 weeks prior to the fixture and were informed that the cost of tickets would be £19. Stoke do not however state at the start of the season what category each game is and the game was subsequently changed by Stoke to a category ‘A’ fixture. Sunderland stated that possibly in trying to inform the fans as early as possible of prices for forthcoming games that 6 weeks was maybe a little early but Stoke had stated originally that the likely cost was going to be £19.

A number of people complained at the policy by Stoke on arrival at the ground that people were informed that they could sit anywhere even though particular seats were allocated on each ticket, this meant a number of people who had purchased tickets expecting to sit next to friends and family could not now do so.

The Wolves game has actually worked the opposite way in that the club were originally informed that the cost of tickets for the game would be £27 for adults and £14 for concessions but Wolves have now announced a cut price offer of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. The BLC group stated that Wolves should be highly commended for this generous gesture and Louise Wanless suggested that the BLC contact the Chief Executive of Wolves, Steve Dean said he will send a letter to Wolves to thank them.

Club contact in Lesley Ryan’s absence
Phil Clarkson handed out details of the contact the Branches have to make while Lesley Ryan is away on maternity leave. Branch applications for away game tickets will be dealt with by CATHERINE GIBSON direct line 0191 5515161, but any email enquires should still be sent to L.Ryan@safc.com or fax 0191 55150.

Phil Clarkson stated that 85% of branch applications are received on the deadline day and it would be very helpful if applications could be submitted sooner especially as the club are processing such a high volume of applications for away games at the moment.

Feedback on reserve game at Hetton
The consensus of opinion was that the first reserve game at Hetton went well; the club were pleased that the ground coped with a crowd in excess of 1200. Freda Oyston said that the facilities for the disabled supporters were adequate and that the wheelchair spectators were treated well, the only possible fault was that the view was slightly restricted with people standing to the right of the disabled supporters.

Anti-racism week of action.
The club handed out a media release about the anti-racism week of action which stated Sunderland Football Club were once again backing national organisation ‘Kick It Out’ and the national week of anti-racism.

As part of the club’s on-going commitment to anti-racism SAFC Foundation is set to launch a new five year project, ‘Football First’, across Sunderland in the near future, designed to deal with conflict and racism issues and promote inclusive activity.

The programme, which is funded by ‘Sport Relief’ and ‘Stand Up Speak Out’, includes prevention work in primary schools, and street sessions with teenagers as well as Family Learning activities.

The initial phase of Football First will start in the East End of Sunderland during January next year.

Reminder to ST Holders of voucher to spend in Club shop
Steve Dean reminded the branches that there is a voucher in the season ticket book for a 15% reduction on goods bought in the club shop, there is a voucher which can be used prior to Christmas and another for after Christmas.

Election of BLC Committee
With a number of BLC members unavailable this month it was decided that the election of the committee will take place at the next monthly meeting an e mail will be sent to all the branches informing them of the following:-

The following positions and personnel are due for election at the next BLC monthly meeting to be held on Saturday 18th November 2006 prior to Colchester United game at the Black Cat House.

Secretary- STEVE DEAN Jarrow Branch SAFCSA
Chairman- FRED TAYLOR Boldon Branch SAFCSA
Vice Chairman- STAN HALL Newton Aycliffe SAFCSA
Treasurer- BRIAN HALLIMOND Central Scotland SAFCSA

Could the above named members contact Steve Dean at stevedeansafc@blueyonder.co.uk to inform him of their willingness to stand for re-election or if they intend to stand down from their role.

Could anyone wishing to propose anyone or if an individual would like to put their own name forward to stand for any of the above Committee Positions please inform Steve Dean no later than Wednesday 15th November 2006.

Any other Business
A number of branches have complained saying that they have not been receiving a copy of the BLC minutes via e-mail, so could all branches ensure that up-to-date
e-mail contact details are forwarded to Louise Wanless ASAP ensuring that not only the BLC minutes are received but that any club media releases are too.

Louise Wanless stated that the club is in the process of preparing an A5 leaflet regarding anti social behavior by fans at away games. It was pointed out that anyone found misbehaving or breaking the law at away games will be banned from attending home games.

It was pointed out by the Newton Aycliffe branch that a new law is to be implemented next April regarding stewarding of private hire coaches in that all stewards will be CRB checked for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
There were a number of complaints regarding Preston running out of beer and other refreshments before and during the halftime interval this led to a number of disturbances and people were stating that the Police were heavy handed
Steve Dean pointed out that the BLC will be featured in the new issue of the Legion of Light.
A number of supporters will feature in a SKY advert where a coach load of supporters were filmed at a service station kicking a ball through an advertising logo.
A group of fans have contacted the BLC regarding the setting up of a Sunderland Supporters Trust. The BLC members present said that it seemed a strange time to want to start such a group after the takeover by Niall Quinn and the Drumaville Consortium. There are already groups such as the BLC and Sunderland Liaison Group who have access to the club officials and Directors. The Supporters trust is at a fledgling stage but if it does take off they may well want to come to a BLC meeting to inform people of what they hope to achieve as a group.
Rob Mason came into the meeting to show off the official club books which will be available to fans to buy, one is aimed at the younger supporters an official club annual and another called Match of My Life where a number of former Sunderland greats recall some of the great games they have appeared in during their illustrious careers playing for Sunderland.

Closure of meeting

The Acting Chairman and Secretary thanked everyone for their attendance, and reminded everyone that all items for inclusion on the agenda should be sent to Fred Taylor or Steve Dean ASAP. no later than the Wednesday before a meeting so that an agenda can be sent out prior to the meeting, and this would also greatly help the club in being able to answer any possible queries that may result. Meeting closed at 1.20pm.

Next meeting to be held prior to the Colchester game on Saturday 18th Nov. 2006 at The Black Cat House 12.00pm