It is probably best none of us mention it to Roy Keane as he doesn't like people talking about ifs, buts and what might bes, but some of us have been talking excitedly about Sunderland getting promoted this season.
Roy probably wouldn’t mind a general discussion about the Black Cats’ chances of returning to the Premiership. He has, after all, mentioned it himself a few times recently. The problem is, we’ve been going into rather more specific detail and I’m not sure he would like the tone of our talk.
While Roy desperately tries to ensure his players keep their feet on the ground and eyes firmly fixed on the task ahead, we’ve been looking beyond the strict confines of the next game and have pondered how best we’d like the Wearsiders to return to the Premiership.
I’ve got to be honest, it’s because I’m selfish and want to see it, but wouldn’t it be great if Sunderland secured promotion with victory in the Championship play off final at Wembley?
Yes, automatic promotion would be a bigger achievement and it would probably result in considerably less stress for everyone connected to the club. Consequently, there would be less strain placed on the hearts of supporters and that would mean less work for the already over-stretched medical staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
If Sunderland go up automatically, it would also mean Roy and his players can have a longer summer holiday and it would give the club more time to plan their recruitment strategy.
But, come on, think about it. The play-offs bring lots of excitement and drama and this year they will also bring the kudos of being one of the first clubs to play at the new Wembley.
Just imagine the scene as you swagger along Wembley Way. Thousands of like-minded souls are with you, the air is hot and sticky, but it is filled with the old Roker Park roar; Sunderland chant after Sunderland chant.
The stadium is beautiful, the seats have plenty of leg room, the toilets are spick and span - you spend £45 on two beers and a burger - the game is thrilling. Sunderland win 4-1, having briefly caused a flash concern when they fall a goal behind to West Bromwich Albion.
At the shrill of the final whistle, Keane does a Bob Stokoe on the pitch, hopping and skipping into the arms of a beaming Dwight Yorke and David Connolly.
Wembley is a blaze of red and white. Niall Quinn is carried on the shoulders of the players, falls, but doesn’t break anything. He laughs and punches the air. Sunderland’s supporters roar their appreciation.
Song after song booms out of the stands as the players trudge up the steps to collect their medals and a load of disgruntled Brummies head for the exits and the M6
At home, those Newcastle supporters who have not already fled the country to avoid the event, switch off their television sets is disgust and fear for the future.
Not that I’d knock the Wearsiders if they do go up automatically, that would be great, a fantastic achievement for a club which was in the bottom three when Keane took control last September.
The play offs are a lottery etc etc, so automatic promotion must be the aim of management and players but....the new Wembley....in May....decked in red and white....now that’s what memories are made of.
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