G nothing for granted – but a ague win would be historical
still only kept four clean sheets from 15.
Supporters are taking nothing for granted. In fact, there are no fans in football more likely to eschew the opportunity of for-granted taking than those who follow Sunderland.
But there is no reason to travel to Plymouth Argyle this week with anything other than confidence: as opposed to the blind hope that we’re used to.
Confidence is not the same as presuming to win by virtue of turning up; and most of us have seen Sunderland do too many stupid things over the decades to presuppose success.
However, victory in Devon will see five successive league wins. As this would be the first time this has happened in 11 years, the fans can’t be dismissed as “easily pleased” by such an achievement just because it’s League One.
Who cares if those wins are against “the likes of ” Plymouth and Southend (who would have been only three points behind Sunderland had things gone wrong four days ago)? Victories have been hard fought.
I admit that I would swap places with any Premier League club without blinking. But it turns out that the rumour spread by supporters of other clubs, that you can actually derive pleasure from watching your team, actually has some substance after all.
Third tier or not, I’m all for it. Even if enjoying football takes some getting used to.