Canny fans know the future's bright at the Stadium of Light

By Simon Bird

Published 23:00 20/09/10

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A group of Sunderland fans were debating the state of their club on the Metro on the way to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Their discussion was reasoned, knowledgeable and showed an insight that football fans are rarely credited with in the era of phone-ins which try to outdo each other with controversy, or message boards that are blinded by partisanship.

Sunderland have made a modest start to the season.

For instance, a ruthless cynic might point out that they shouldn't be so excited about squeezing a last-gasp draw out of an Arsenal side who only had 10 men.

Sunderland are the sort of club, currently surviving happily in mid-table, who'd love to reaching for promised land of European qualification, a top six or seven finish maybe, and, with a bit of luck, an FA Cup or Carling Cup win sneaked along the way.

It is easy to let the loud voices of discontent dominate the debate about our clubs, and let moaning about hope yet unfulfilled, dominate debate.

So it was especially refreshing listening to the lads on the Metro as it became clear the pride they felt at the way their club is being run.

Progress is being made. Building block after building block is laid down, strengthening their position.

"Just remember where we were four years ago. We lost 3-1 at Southend, and then went to Bury in the cup and lost 2-0, with Quinny in charge of the team. When people have a moan, you've just got to remember what has happened since," said one.

Or course they were promoted, Roy Keane came and went. Niall Quinn found a new owner in Ellis Short, who has bankrolled the arrival of new heroes including Darren Bent, and most lately Asamoah Gyan.

"Benty has virtually paid back his transfer fee already," another traveller correctly ventured. "We've spend money, built a new team and four years ago we'd be delighted at staying in this league. The Premier League is moving on every year."

The lads got it spot on. They have hope of better times to come, and a club infrastructure that is capable of delivering. But they also showed perspective and realism, recognising the priorities of survival, and being aware of just where the club has come from so quickly.

Perhaps the most impressive, and overlooked, aspect of Sunderland's situation is the youthfulness of their starting line-up.

Arsenal are often lauded for playing a young team, and developing kids.

But the start of this season has seen Sunderland crowned the youngest team in the Premier League.

On the opening day of the season, Sunderland's starting XI had an average age of 25.2. Arsenal's was next on 25.9 while Fulham while Chelsea were the "oldest" topping 29.

Top talents including Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell featured against Birmingham on that Saturday.

Lee Cattermole is still only 22, the same age as Ahmed Elmohamady, the powerful right midfielder with 30 caps already for Egypt, who looks a bargain find.

Manager Steve Bruce said on Monday, "When I walked through the door I wanted a young, hungry team. I learnt at Birmingham that I would rather deal with younger hungry players who are willing to work and willing to learn.

"I didn't think it would happen as quickly here as it has, but last weekend we had the youngest Premier League team which is terrific.

"We have some good young players. They will need a lot of time but I am very pleased with what we have got and I can see us having a lot of energy. There is a bit of pace about us. We have a far stronger squad than what we had 15 months ago. They have improved no end."

It is all under-pinned by an owner who has provided the financial muscle to pay big money for the likes of £13million Gyan.

The way Ellis Short celebrated Sunderland's equaliser against Arsenal suggests he is enjoying his investment.

From the conversation I overheard on the Metro, the Wearside locals are sharing in his joy and hoping real success is just around the corner.

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