It's out of our hands after defeat
TAKE a long hard look in the mirror lads.
Take a good long look at the Premier League table, and possibly cast a glance at the empty seats at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
This is your glorious legacy, and I hope you feel as bad as your loyal fans do about it.
Having gone in front against Portsmouth last night, hopes were raised that we might just do it.
Those hopes lasted just 60 seconds as we surrendered the lead, and then allowed the hosts to add another two to their tally.
It's easy to look back at the season and pinpoint certain games, certain goals conceded, controversial refereeing decisions, and certain defeats, as to where it all went wrong.
But the overiding reason for the situation we find ourselves in is simple – we just weren't good enough.
Last night's debacle at Fratton Park proved that.
Our destiny was in our own hands, and it was up to Ricky Sbragia's men to stand up and be counted.
Sadly, as on far too many occasions this term, we were found wanting.
I expect the Hull City and Newcastle United fans were dancing in the streets as the Black Cats kindly fell on their swords to take the battle against the drop into the final weekend.
Now all we can do is hope that Aston Villa and/or Manchester United can do us a favour on Sunday.
Yes, we are relying on others to do our job for us, not that I suppose anyone is surprised by that.
As for our game this weekend, well we might as well write that one off.
No disrespect, but if we can't beat a Pompey side in second gear, then the only thing we have coming our way against Chelsea is a good hiding.
If I'm depressing you with the meloncholy tone of this column I make no apologies.
Why should I suffer alone?
For 60 seconds last night I felt like maybe, just for once, things might go our way.
I was soon brought down from the heady heights of optimism with a thunderous bump.
Is it the worst I've felt as a Sunderland supporter?
Not by a long chalk.
But that doesn't stop it from hurting.
At the final whistle last night I had a sickly feeling in my stomach, you know the sort of feeling you get when you receive a hard kick in the unmentionables (ladies, if you've ever done the kicking and seen the reaction, you'll have a good idea of what I'm talking about).
So, it's sleepless nights between now and Sunday, which will be 90 minutes of pure agony.
Whatever happens come the final whistle against Chelsea, and God I hope it's good news (not that praying has done me any good so far).
But even if it is good news it's time to say thanks to Ricky and a number of players who are not up to it at this level.
Oh, and lads, don't let the door hit you in the backside as you leave.
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Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
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