SAFC fans say their new record is ‘irrelevant’

Sunderland bagged an unwanted place in the record books by claiming the longest run in English football without a home win.

Their 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light with Millwall means it is now 20 games since their longsuffering fans witnessed a competitive victory at the Stadium of Light.

The drought stretches back to December 17 last year when Patrick van Arnholt’s second-half goal gave them a 1-0 victory at home to Watford in the Premier League.

Long-time fan David Stanton, 62, retired, of Cleadon, said: “I think records are irrelevant, it’s all to do with history. I’m not bothered, as long as Chris Coleman can turn it around, the record books can say what they like. It doesn’ t make any difference to me.”

Mike Crossman, 56, from Knaresborough, who has been a Black Cats supporter most of his life, said: “I’m obviously a bit depressed about it but that’s life. You’ve just got to crack on and break this record.”

Chris Edwards, 32, from Sunderland, who was with his seven-year-old son Warren and other family members, joked he was happy to be part of the record.

He added: “It is what it is, we can’t keep a clean sheet. As long we start keeping a clean shee, t we might get better.”

Mike said he was “very pleased” about the impending new boss, adding: “I think he is the best guy we could possibly have got.”

Phil Parker, a 44-year-old civil servant, said the new record was “appalling”, adding: “The last few seasons we haven’t invested in leadership.”