By Pete Sixsmith in Dublin

So, the season almost begins and here we are on a pre season tour.

The last time I followed Sunderland abroad was an absolutely disastrous pre season to Spain.

Disastrous on a personal level because my father had just died and my travelling companion’s daughter’s father-in-law was just about to. And disastrous from a playing point of view because we realised in the delightful city of Seville that we were prime candidates for relegation.

Well, this time in Dublin there are no personal sadnessess and despite a lack-lustre performance on Saturday no real fears of relegation.

But it would not be fair to say that all in the garden is rosy.

David Connolly Considers His Options
Picture: Peadar O’Sullivan

(more…)

Well, I’d much rather be doing this – reporting a Sunderland win – than not.

But since I refused to let a defeat at Scunthorpe depress me too much, I can hardly get over-excited about Bohemians 0 SAFC 1. Stern John, second half, after a first half described by Pete Sixsmith, Salut! Sunderland‘s man on the spot, as “not great”.

Pete will have a lot more to say soon enough……………