S the time to banish all egativity - we all need ve a positive attitude
oblige the vocal minority who nsist on vomiting negativity.
Points on the board are better than games in hand. Sunderland need more goals. They haven’t scored more han once in any of their last eight matches and draw too often. They haven’t played particularly well in all but a few matches and seem to freeze when they take the lead.
But that isn’t the game plan. Jack Ross does not instruct his players not to score twice, or o cease attacking once they’re winning. This is not a tactic: it’s a mindset that needs to change.
Ross is aware of the problem and has addressed it; mainly with the signing of Will Grigg, a proven goalscorer, and the steadying hand of Grant Leadbitter.
Barnsley and Luton are in better form than Sunderland; so it’s worth remembering that form is temporary.
Promotion can’t be promised. What’s certain is that a positive attitude from everyone concerned – including the fans – is massively helpful.
Happily, Sunderland’s support is magnificent overall and doesn’t go into an infantile huff because “the likes of ” Wimbledon weren’t beaten nine-nil.
But there must always be a whining minority, who imagine that if you don’t constantly carp and find fault, it’s because you lack their encyclopaedic knowledge of the game.
There is plenty to correct at Sunderland and promotion is far from guaranteed. Yet it is possible to be aware of this and remain positive.
To the huge majority of fans I say “well done”. They are hugely important and undoubtedly make an invaluable contribution.
To the perpetually disgruntled: we know you’re entitled to your opinion (there’s no need to contact me and point this out). You don’t have to grasp the concept of constructive criticism. Nor are you obliged to shut up or stop booing.
It’s just that it would be appreciated by everyone else if you did.