Well I went – to Radio Newcastle (04-11-03), I talked live on air, I hopefully didn’t make a fool of myself, and I came away happy, content, and listened to the Lads beat Gillingham 3-1, putting us well back in the hunt.
I’ve been on radio before, and live, but via the other end of a telephone. This time going into a studio was an interesting experience to say the least. There I was with a big green sponge like mike shoved in front of my gob, talking about SAFC, talking about my bitterness at being relegated, praying we can go back up and worrying about not being strong enough to stay up for more than a single season.
Sgt. Wilko was on air defending his position which chairman Bryan Sanderson (PLC) slated and blamed as part and parcel of last seasons downfall. I didn’t really blame Wilko – he didn’t realise what he was walking into, he was also unluckily hit with some bad injuries e.g. Sorensen, Reyna. He was told he couldn’t wheel n deal in the transfer market. I did mention that his appointment surprised me, as did his sacking even more.
Unfortunately to save blushes or arguments I never had the opportunity to take my stance on blame being pointed at the chairman – Mr. Murray.
Yes Reidy made some awful decisions and terrible signings, but who sanctioned the spending of the money?
At least we’re not in too bad of a position or so the financial figures reveal. If however we’re not in such a bad position how many of the 83 “sacked” – I mean made redundant – employees of SAFC could have not been made redundant?
It could be worse, we could be Leeds United.
But we’re not, we’re Sunderland AFC.
We’re third in Division One (05-11-03) a tough league to escape from, but one at which at present has no run away leader, and may not have one this term. It gives us an opportunity to take a hold of the league and storm to the top. Victory over Coventry much like last nights game a Gillingham should hopefully be a formality. Lets us hope and celebrate another three pints – I mean points, well pint and points then!
The crowds are coming back, slowly but surely. We should welcome them and not slate them, nor argue about loyalty and being a supporter or a fan (as someone’s signature on the SMB states “a supporter supports, a fan blows hot and cold!!!!!).
Their decision not renew season tickets – as I did – should be applauded as much as those who did renew. People celebrate and mourn in their own unique way. Some bounce back others hold grudges against the Club for its pitiful downfall. We are now on the up and hopefully will remain on the up. Some still despise certain elements of SAFC, but will still show their loyalty and support for the team. I fall into this category (you’ll have to read my book to understand why – blatant plug).
And so I had my Andy Warhol fifteen minutes on Radio Newcastle 95.4FM, I managed to put down the Mags, plug Ready To Go and gave away some copies of Why Do I Do It? via a competition.
So, why did I do it? I don’t know really, everyone asks that question and its a difficult one to sum up in a few sentences. Again reading the book may enlighten those wanting to know the answer. I am but an ordinary supporter who wrote a book as a partial means of therapy, a step back and look at my life, my working life, my internet life, my football life. I’m open, I’m honest, I am in your face with my terrace style writing, but that’s me. If anything I’m not false, I’m not looking to make a quick buck. All I want to do is share my stories and if one person can relate to it and enjoy it then my goal has been achieved.
And now for another apologetic blatant plug.
Why Do I Do It? by P D Han
Braiswick £7.95
ISBN: 1 8980 30308
The book is available at the following outlets:
Hills Bookshop : Waterloo Place, Sunderland (0191 5674198)
Ottakars : The Bridges, Sunderland (0191 5674331)
ALS Shop : Opposite The Stadium of Light (0191 565 4422)
SAFCSA Shop : Monk Street, Sunderland (0191 5670067) or inside The Stadium of Light (North Stand shop)
It’s not yet available in W H Smiths – bit of a pain to get a national chain to take a book that’s not written by someone called Beckham, Ulrika, or Burrell – aahh supporting the local community -not!
The book is also available online via:
www.amazon.co.uk (secure online payment)
www.whydoidoit.co.uk (secure online payment via PayPal & NOCHEX, personal cheque, postal order).