Things are looking up for Black Cats

Despondency in the boardroom, disappointment on the pitch and discontent in the stands are all too common themes at Sunderland football club.

Of those ‘three Ds,’ sometimes there’s been just one, usually there’s two and all too often, all three have been prevalent.

Over the last week, however, this trio of miseries has evaporated to be replaced by renewed hope and optimism. It’s been a longtime coming.

We are, of course, saying all this very quietly. As Sunderland fans know only too well, it’s the hope that kills. And there’s been too many false dawns promising a lot, but delivering little.

But there is a definite sea change at the club with an upturn in results, another trip to Wembley and, most significantly, a new owner at the helm.

And, as we reveal today, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has made an immediate impact with a number of off-field improvements.

With fans forced to watch from home, KLD has moved quickly to enhance that offering with multi-camera coverage for all home fixtures.

The reintroduction of a head of supporter engagement also bodes well, as does plans for a new ‘state of the art’ pitch lighting system.

As our columnists Stephen Elliott says today: “Currently, there seems a real togetherness in the squad, management staff included, and that will be huge going into the next 18 games. The Football League Trophy and promotion double has to be the aim now.”

We’re happy to swap the miserable three Ds for the three Ps of success. Passion, promise and promotion … bring it on.