New Year’s Eve
Don’t know about you but I found it to be a bit parky at West Brom. – “well it is the highest ground in the League” the Blue Vic said, so I don’t know how Stu Brennan reckoned it was a “barmy afternoon” in his report.
As usual I got moved on by the stewards before the game, but thanks to Phil B, and later another Blue I was able to pass a couple of tickets on to Sean R’s mate and Sir Howard Davies’s son George. So all set – we were on row ZZ right at the top (ZeeZeeTop – geddit?!)
Couple of early chances for Albion, some for us, Silva’s the easiest. Was Mario’s goal really offside? But it finished 0-0, these things happen but the worry was that the rags won 5-0, needless to say Wigan had a player sent off for nothing. Time refs learned the difference between a flailing arm and an elbow.
Not a bad day today – rags beat Blackburn 7-0 last year so we were worried they’d repeat it but no – 3-2 to the Rovers – ‘Kean in’ I say. Spurs drew at Swansea and Chelsea lost at home to a Stephen Ireland inspired (at last) Villa. Liverpool beat Newcastle last night with Gerrard returning and Carroll waiting to hit form. Tomorrow we’re up to Sunderland, here’s the It’s A Fix extract : GAME 19) SATURDAY JANUARY 1ST SUNDERLAND (AWAY) KO 3PM
Promoted in 2007, so this is their 5th season in the Prem. (this time!) Last Pot F A Cup 1973. Most recent connections : Niall Quinn, Marlon Fulop. 121st league meeting
Last season : At the SOL in August 2010 we battered them in the first half, Carlos missing a sitter, but faded in the second when Darren Bent scored a 93rd minute dodgy penalty to deny us a point at least. Crowd was 38, 610 with 2,629 Blues.
At COMS in April it was a 5-0 City win, goals coming thick and fast from Johnson (9),Tevez (15pen), Silva (63), Vieira (67), and Ya-Ya (73) Crowd was 44,197 with 1896 Mackems. You’d have thought that they’d sack Bruce their and then.
This season so far : They’re in 15th place with 18points from 18 games and 2 wins 3 draws and 3 losses at home.
In the Carling Cup they went out 1-0 at Brighton in the 2nd round aet.
In the FA Cup they’ve drawn Peterborough away.
Our form at Sunderland : Three wins, a draw and a loss in the last five visits.
Comment : Despite having a Blue as Chairman, how could you expect a club to succeed managed by (twice) and playing so many Fergie flops? We were hoping that they’d sack Bruce after we’ve given them a good hiding today but they’ve jumped the gun and appointed ex Blue O’Neill (in his book he reckoned City went down in the season he played for us – another myth I’m afraid) as a two fingers to Villa for nicking Bent no doubt. So they’re revitalised with new manager syndrome and form has improved but the points are there for us, surely.
Oh, and they’re sponsored by Tombola, those of the most annoying adverts in the middle of Emmerdale.
Groundwise: We opened up the S.O.L. in August ’97, in front of 38,827, the start of our relegation season to the third, losing 3-1 (Kinky pen). Since then they’ve increased the capacity and 47,475 watched the 2000 game. We’ll be in the Metro FM South Stand, tickets are £29.
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Stadium Of Light











Capacity : 48,300 (3,000 for City)
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WTWTWShite : Avd 13,601 in 86/87, and this season their average home att. is 37,742.
Away Day Zines : A Love Supreme, The Wearside Roar.
Sat Nav : SR5 1SU
Pubs/Parking : Plenty of pubs near the ground, but parking, like most of these new grounds, and getting away not good.
Have a great new Year’s Eve and Day
Dave