Read Sunderland caught up with football commentator and Sunderland fan Simon Crabtree this week to pick his brains on all things SAFC as the Black Cats enter the final two games of the Premier League season.
Firstly, thank you for the interview Simon. What do you make of Sunderland’s season and has it surprised you the way it has turned out?
We always start with high hopes but maybe also with stark realities. It’s not been great. It can’t keep happening like this.
What are your best and worst memories as a Black Cat?
It’s so hard to pick one best memory. I’ve so many that make me smile. I’m sure a few people would point to that bit of commentary… I probably wouldn’t argue with them.
The worst? In recent years I’d say the fact they didn’t build on those two seventh place finishes. Should have been the catalyst for some good times.
Sam Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat in October, do you think that he was the best man for the job to not only save the Black Cats but take them forward?I hope so. I like Sam. I’ve always liked Sam. Ok. Nearly always. Maybe there were eight months or so I didn’t. My old mate Barry Dunn used to tell me some great stories about Sam from his time playing at Roker Park. Of course, he played at and managed Preston North End for a while, that’s where I born and so the team I watched as a kid. I hope he gets given the chance to build a steady platform to move forward. Get the club reorganised again. He’s got that in his locker.
Why do you think it didn’t work out for Dick Advocaat the second time around at Sunderland?
You could see that Dick clearly loved Sunderland. He fell in love with the club and found it hard to walk away. It seemed like maybe The Great Escape took a lot out of him though.
What do you make of Sunderland’s transfer business this season?
I think the three outfield players Sam bought have shown real promise. I hope they all settle and fulfil that. But as for the signing of the summer? Jermaine Defoe! Wow! He’s been magnificent. I love how emotional he’s been too. He gets it. He understands being Sunderland.
In your opinion, what has been Sunderland’s best and worst performances this season?
I’m not sure I can answer that. Because of work commitments, I haven’t seen Sunderland play live as often as I’d love to. I’ve seen most of their matches when they’ve played in the north-west and I’ve travelled up, if I’ve had a day off, when we’ve played at SoL.
The worst? Well, the collapse at Goodison Park was a kick in the teeth for sure.
The best? As I’m writing this I’m hoping that maybe the return tie tonight will be momentous. What a night tonight could be! Staying up… and relegating ********* at the same time!
The 3-2 win over Chelsea was some match though wasn’t it? The NOISE!!! I’d love to see that sort of performance more often to give something to shout about.
Finally, if you could have one player at Sunderland to aid them in the relegation battle, who would it be and why?
Well, I’m hoping we’ll be ok now and can finish the job against Everton and never be involved in a relegation battle again (I can hope).
But the one player I’d always pick, in any team, would be Lord Rowell. He’d invoke the spirit and the fight… and get the vital goals… not bad considering he’s nearly sixty years old now.
