Would Wemble it hindered Sun
Five eventful years have passed since Sunderland reached a cup final. It could happen again on Tuesday; although it’s fair to say the forthcoming Checkatrade Trophy semifinal has not quite fired the imagination in the same way the League Cup did in January 2014.
Before we go any further, let me explicitly say that I want Bristol Rovers to be beaten in six days time, for appearances sake alone.
When Sunderland travel to a ground which contains Portakabins, but no building work is being carried out, then failure to win is embarrassing.
Winning is never a bad idea. Furthermore, money would be made from reaching the final and the fans could be afforded a rare opportunity to watch their team at Wembley.
It would be fun: a rare commodity since their last visit there.
The revenue would be much-needed and, according to Charlie Methven: “If we get to the final of the Checkatrade Trophy, the club would probably make about a million quid.”
So yes: I do want Sunderland to beat Rovers for the second time in 10 days. It’s just that I won’t be nursing a broken heart if they don’t.
The average attendance at the Stadium of Light in this season’s competition is 11,134.
This is impressive on its own terms, but still strongly suggests that Checkatrade fever is yet to sweep Wearside.
It would be a lark to lift a trophy. Any trophy. But it wouldn’t count as an honour f
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