SCFC2 asked our friends at Salut Sunderland to answer a few questions ahead of the Swans trip to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night. Peter Sixsmith was happy to answer some questions and give his prediction for the game.
He is going for 2-1 and whilst he could be right, I think the Swans will nick a point in a 1-1 draw.
Have a look at some of Peter’s answers below. Whats your prediction for the game? Get on the Guestbook and share it with everyone else
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How long have you been an Sunderland fan and who is your favourite all time Sunderland player?
I have been a Sunderland supporter for 50 years. I started going regularly in 1963-64, the year we won promotion to the First Division. We beat Swansea Town 1-0 at home in March ‘64, with Noel Dwyer allowing a cross from Brian Usher to go in at the near post. I switched my allegiance from Leeds RLFC when my father moved us up to the North East because of his job. My first idol was Gorseinion born Lewis Jones – still alive and living in Leeds. I still go to Headingley at least once a season and I find myself being drawn to the game more as the Premier League eats itself.
How would you describe your season so far? Are you happy with current progress
The season has been a tad disappointing as we hoped to push on with Martin O’Neill. But the last few weeks have been much better and he is putting his mark on the squad now. We should have a steady second half and then begin to make real progress next season – although that is not the first time I have said that!!!!!
Martin O Neil seems to blow hot and cold. Are all Sunderland fans still behind him?
Every Sunderland supporter wants O’Neill to succeed and I believe that the vast majority know that he needs time to create his own squad of players. He has brought in top class internationals like Fletcher and Johnson and some promising younger players like Rose and N’Diaye who will hopefully train on.
Martin O’Neil or Peter Reid?
It’s like comparing a fine pint of cask conditioned ale with a pint of John Smiths Extra Smooth. O’Neill is a thinker and a long term planner. Reidy was great fun for a while but was clueless towards the end.
What are your thoughts on Sunderlands ownership? Do they have the best interests of the club at heart?
The owner, Ellis Short, is an interesting man. He’s an Irish American multi-millionaire who was sold the idea of the club by Niall Quinn at Cheltenham races. So far, he has done absolutely nothing wrong and, although we hear little from him, that can be no bad thing. Compared with the owners at Manchester United, Portsmouth and Blackburn, he is an absolute dream. I would prefer local owners but you can’t pick and choose.
Who is your player of the season so far?
Two candidates for this; Simon Mignolet, an excellent goalkeeper who has grown into the role of a very good Premier League keeper and Steven Fletcher, who is a very, very good centre forward. Danny Rose has done very well but he isn’t one of ours – yet.
Where do you think you will finish this season?
Top half would be lovely. I would settle for 17th as long as Newcastle were below us. Petty, I know.
Who is the best young player at Sunderland that we should keep an eye out for in the coming years?
Not many “young” players – we have just released a raft of them from the Academy. John Egan is a promising Irish central defender who went on loan to Bradford City and broke his leg, missing out on a Capital Cup Final place against some Welsh team or other!!!! Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford survived a three month loan at Darlington last season and could be a good ‘un.
What will be the team that Sunderland will put out?
I would imagine the same one that won at Wigan last weekend. Martin O’Neill rarely tampers. Keep an eye out for recent signing Alfred N’Diaye, who, according to the song “Came from Bursapor, To hear the Roker Roar”.
What do you think the score will be on Tues?
I will go for a Sunderland home win, but not by many. When you played us last season, we won 3-0 and won comfortably, despite the possession stats. I think you are a better team under Michael Laudrup and play sharper football; still lots of passing, but you have a sharper cutting edge. A lot depends on Johnson and Fletcher as well as our ability to shackle Michu (signing of the decade). I’ll go for 2-1 and hope that you still have a semi-final hangover.
Any advice for travelling fans?
Wear your thermals; the Stadium can be cold on a night as we are near the coast. Your fans have moved from last season and re now upstairs in the North Stand. For a pre match pint try The Isis near the Empire Theatre (Jarrow Brewery beer) and The Kings Arms at Deptford, just across the river from the SoL – but a 20 minute walk.
Enjoy the Capital One Cup Final, but be aware that the entire nation probably wants Bradford City to win it. Look forward to seeing you next season