Sunderland ’Til I Die is painful viewing for former boss

Hibernian boss Jack Ross has finally made it to the end of Sunderland ’Til I Die but confessed that he has found another Netflix boxset, Money Heist, far more enjoyable than the fly-on-the-wall documentary series in which he features.

That has more to do with the lack of personal torment that comes with watching the latter than any residual bitterness following his sacking as Black Cats manager in October.

“It took me a wee while but I have watched it all. I did it in wee bits but I finished watching the last couple just last week,” said Ross.

“It was different for me because I lived it so I probably don’t need to watch it. I know what it was like and I was reliving a couple of sore days in the last two episodes.”

Ross was at the helm as Sunderland made their way to the 2019 Checkatrade Trophy Final but the series brought back the anguish of losing a penalty shootout to Portsmouth following their 2-2 draw at Wembley.

He had hoped for better when he returned to the English national stadium for the League One play-off final but, once again, his men came up just short, going down to

Charlton after losing a lastgasp goal.

He described it as gutwrenching at the time and looking back only opened up old wounds, he said.

“In terms of the arena we were playing in and everything that went with it, that was incredible. They were incredible occasions but to lose out on such fine margins, a penalty shootout and an injury time goal, that was pretty sore.

“But I did work my way through them. Although, we have been more interested in Money Heist, to be honest. It was less painful to watch.

“What the programme did do is highlight just how 2 Hibs manager Jack Ross initially believed the right thing to do was play the season to a finish but he now admits that is probably not possible. He said: “I think your view does change as time marches on. I think everyone would have preferred to finish the current season, for obvious reasons, but, as time goes on, then the impact of finishing the current season and the knock-on effect on next season becomes more of an issue.” big the club is. I don’t think everybody appreciates that it is such a huge club and it is very intense. But it was brilliant nonetheless.

“I have some fantastic memories. In 2016 I was still Alloa manager and if you had told me then that I would be walking out at Wembley twice as a manager, I would have been happy so there were brilliant experiences. I will properly reflect on them in time but looking back now, even briefly, they were a big deal.

“But I think you learn in every job in management. You have ups and downs and different experiences and different challenges.”