Sunderland’s latest manager struggled from the start at the Stadium of Light, and relegation to the Championship is evidence of the club’s more long-term problems.
As Sam Allardyce danced on the Sta-dium of Light pitch after securing his side’s survival just over a year ago, it seemed like Sunderland might finally be able to escape an annual, almost cliched, struggle against relegation. A team that had looked utterly hopeless for the first half of the season had been transformed by Allardyce’s smart tactics and astute recruitment, with January signings of Lamine Koné, Jan Kirchhoff and Wahbi Khazri all playing a major part in an improbable late-season run of two defeats in 14 games. Seven weeks later, however, England’s defeat to Iceland set in train a series of events that would see Allardyce replaced with David Moyes and Sunderland shambolically relegated, yet again, by the following April.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2017-Ausgabe von When Saturday Comes.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2017-Ausgabe von When Saturday Comes.
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Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Relics, Don't Do It...
In the ground floor atrium of Zurich’s troubled FIFA World Football Museum a display case featuring shirts from FIFA’s 211 member associations was failing to impress three visiting American teenagers. “Who are Timor Leicester?” one asked. “They should host the World Cup in the US, like, every year,” added his friend.
Focus on Jimmy Guthrie
When Jimmy Guthrie picked up the FA Cup for Portsmouth in 1939 it was a notable event in many ways. In simple football terms it was a big upset.
Newquay 0 Tavistock 5
There is more to the North Cornwall coast than surfing and ice cream. Newquay AFC are playing at the highest level in their history but struggling to maintain it with a young team and little money, while even the high-flying visitors to the Mount Wise stadium may not take promotion.
Delta force
The many failed attempts to establish a football club in San Francisco have not put off one ambitious group, who want technology to give them an edge.
Release Clause
Whether it was for genuine sporting reasons or a PR stunt gone wrong, Boa Esporte Clube’s signing of a convicted murderer has caused outrage.
Priest's Parish
Gillingham’s home may lack a fourth permanent side but each stand has its own personality and history attached, which it would be a shame to lose.
Forest Green Rovers 3 Tranmere Rovers 1
This year’s National League play-off final pitches a team with a rich history in the Football League against one with none, yet Forest Green are not the plucky underdogs they may appear to be from the outside.
