Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Jim. Thank you for your letter.
Seeing Alan Shearer’s visibly reluctant, through-gritted-teeth praise for Sunderland’s achievement was particularly amusing when you consider that it’s been two decades since we were relegated from the top flight, with Shearer scoring a penalty at the Stadium of Light and Newcastle eventually winning a place in Europe.
To say the least, the tables have turned this season and I think we should make the most of it.
Let the media continue to overlook it if they choose — we know how big an accomplishment this is, as well as how hard everyone has worked for it. That’s more than satisfactory, in my opinion.