Sunderland fan groups deliver verdict on “solid yet unspectacular” start

Sunderland’s return to the Championship has been “solid yet unspectacular” according to a recognised fan page.

An unusually timed World Cup has forced a mid-season break, albeit this is shorter for the Championship than the Premier League.

Sunderland’s final game before the break was under the lights at Birmingham City on November 11, a game which they won 2-1 with goals from Ellis Simms and an Amad Diallo screamer.

They return on Saturday, December 3 when they face Milwall at the Stadium of Light, a game that will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Black Cats are currently sat 15th in the Championship with 27 points, having played 20 games so far.

Toby Phipps from Roker Report was asked his overall thoughts on the season so far. He said: “I think it’s been pretty good, about as good as we could’ve expected given we just came up last year.

“I think it’s important that we don’t start thinking we’re doing really poorly because we’ve not won a lot of games recently.”

When asked on the best performer this season, Toby said: “I think there has been a couple. Ross Stewart has been as good as Ross Stewart always is, Jack Clarke has surprised a few people getting a lot of goals and assists sometimes from a deeper role.”

Toby then gave his predictions for the rest of the season: “I think we’ll improve with injured players coming back like Stewart and Dan Ballard and I’d think we will finish in and around mid-table.”

A spokesperson from Speak Sunderland also gave their thoughts on the season so far. “All in all, it’s been a solid yet unspectacular start for Sunderland.

“As far as the saying ‘mid-table’ goes, we certainly fit that bill, and had you asked anyone this time last year if they’d be happy with that, they’d say yes.

“Injuries have somewhat caused form to nose dive recently but to be able to still pick up points here and there is a good sign.”

Speak Sunderland also gave an opinion on boss Tony Mowbray: “It’s hard to really judge. His win percentage isn’t much lower than that of Alex Neil who had a full squad to work with, and more importantly, strikers!

“For what our realistic aim is this season, I have faith in Mowbray to deliver that and help steady this club into becoming a solid championship side with the foundations to challenge for a top six spot in years to come.”