Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Peter. Thank you for your letter.
I must admit that I’m very excited about Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, as these are the sorts of games we should be relishing and that we spent all those years in lower-league exile hoping that one day, we’d have the chance to participate in once again.
In contrast to the disorganised and disheartened rabble who were given a 5-1 hiding during our last league trip to Stamford Bridge, I fully agree that this Sunderland side won’t go there, surrender meekly and collapse to a gutless defeat. The standards are higher; the team is more resilient and we have a head coach who’s fully in tune with the fans and the ambitions of the club.
Of course, Chelsea’s quality and attacking threats may win the day, and it could be another valuable learning experience for our youngsters, but I expect the Lads to play with real fighting spirit and determination, and who knows — perhaps an early Sunderland goal will give the hosts something to think about!