Sunderland Need To Be Bold And Brave At St James’ Park

During the week leading up to a big Sunderland game, I seem to feel the same emotions every time. On Monday and Tuesday, it’s more the excitement of how brilliant winning would be. By Wednesday and Thursday, the nerves start to kick in and by the time weekend comes, it settles into an overwhelming sense of readiness, as though I’m prepared for what’s to come.

This week, however, I seemed to skip over the ‘nervous’ stage and strange as that seems, I think I know why. For me, there’s no need to be nervous and we have no reason to approach this game with fear or worry. Throughout the whole course of the season — and in the reverse fixture — we’ve proven ourselves as a dangerous and unrelenting Premier League side — one which is fully capable of winning this game on Sunday.

Regardless of the ‘no panic’ facade that they hold unconvincingly in front of their faces, we all know that they’re terrified, and the last thing they want to see whilst nursing their Barcelona-shaped bruises are the red and white wizards. Yes, we’ve been in better form at times this season and yes, we do have an injury list as long as my arm, but derbies are anything but predictable. There’s no doubt in my mind that each and every member of our squad understands the importance of this game and that every player will give their all on Sunday.

That’s what they did last time and that’s what I hope they’ll do again. Regardless of who’s in the starting eleven this weekend, we need to give them our full and best support — as I’m sure you would. The Lads have provided us with some joyous and timeless memories this year, and Sunday provides an opportunity to create more.