By James Presland
As the full time whistle blew at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, Sunderland were greeted by what has become a customary round of boos. Another defeat, and a third home loss of the season, was all the more painful as Wigan pounced on a defensive error in the 93rd minute to leave with all three points.
The match had started so optimistically for the Black Cats. Facing a Wigan side bottom of the table, and taking the lead through Seb Larsson’s emphatic finish, few would have predicted Steve Bruce’s side would end the game with nothing. But defensive errors and wastefulness in attack left Sunderland teetering precariously over the drop zone, and boss Bruce fearing for his job. Read More
Gary Speed Tribute (1969-2011)
By James Reeves
The word legend is used all too often in football. Gary Speed, or ‘Speedo’ as he was known to those in Football, may not grace the walls of too many young boys around the country, but he will forever be remembered as one of the nicest, most dedicated and friendliest men in the sport.
His longevity in the game and his gentlemanly manner endeared him to so many. Howard Wilkinson, his manager during his time at Leeds said “He was a star in the truest sense. For him at 42 to leave us is such a tragic loss. He had a life of success to look forward to.” The affection from both the football world and the public was evident minutes after the Football Association of Wales announced his death, with tributes pouring in from his colleagues and fellow professionals. Read More »