Don Goodman: Sunderland fans have a sense of realism in promotion push
Don Goodman has claimed that Sunderland fans don’t suffer from a lack of “realism” after the Black Cats secured a fifth consecutive draw against West Brom.
After what was a dismal season last time out, expectations were somewhat mixed on Wearside but an excellent start to life under Regis Le Bris has potentially altered that.
The Mackems spent several weeks at the summit of the Championship prior to their winless run, which continued against West Brom in midweek, leaving supporters frustrated.
However, Goodman has told Mackem News that the positives outweigh the negatives.
Goodman said: “Five draws in a row. I honestly think that the fanbase generally has a sense of realism. You know, I think if you just said to any Sunderland fan, a third of the way through the season, you’ll be challenging for the top of the table, I don’t think any Sunderland fan would have expected them to have the season that they’re currently having.
“They’ve just drawn five in a row. What that means is they’re proving hard to beat, which is always a great foundation. I think it’s great that Sunderland fans will be disappointed that they’ve had a five-game run where, although they’re unbeaten, they’ve drawn. It tells you how far the club’s come.
“So I think they’re in a good place. I do honestly think that in general terms, the fanbase are realistic. And if you’d have said to them, look, you will genuinely have a playoff promotion push this season before a ball was kicked, I think every Sunderland fan would have absolutely taken that.”
Sunderland haven’t dropped out of a promotion race
When a side starts to have their frailties exposed, the harsh nature of football tends to take over and things can often go from one extreme to another. But, in reality, Sunderland are still exceeding expectations set by most prior to the season.
An unknown manager arriving off the back of being sacked in France, overseeing a squad that at one point last season looked as though they could be involved in a relegation scrap. To be one win away from the summit of the Championship is remarkable still.
The Black Cats have been dealt a cruel hand with injuries and suspensions as well, having been without several key players in various different encounters this campaign.
If this is to be the Black Cats’ poor run of form for the season, to come away unbeaten is some achievement and it bodes well for the remainder of the campaign.
With that said, wins do need to start flowing again, as well as goals. Since the loss of Romaine Mundle to injury, the Wearsiders have looked toothless in front of goal and addressing that will be key to them getting back on track.
In other Sunderland news, Ricky Gervais has revealed why the Black Cats sparked his love for football again.
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