10 Things We Learned From Sunderland Til I Die Season 2
2. Fan Loyalty Can Withstand A Lot
It’s only natural for every group of fans to believe they their clubs’ following is more dedicated than any other clubs. As the chant goes, “We are the loyalest football supporters the world has ever had, we are the [insert club here]”. But it cannot be denied that Sunderland fans are a particularly committed and passionate group.
It seems a long time since Sunderland graced the likes of Old Trafford, The Emirates or Anfield. Since their last relegation from the Premier League the club has been on a downward trajectory that has given fans little to get excited about. And anything good that does come their way they see slip through their fingers (Lewis Grabban, Josh Maja etc.).
Regardless, part of Sunderland Til’ I Die’s second series follows Charlie Methven’s attempt to garner the third tier of English football’s largest ever crowd. Methven’s efforts represent his dedication to steering the club in the right direction, but also the sheer love Sunderland fans have for their team, turning out in their droves with a crowd of 46,039 eclipsing the 38,256 who were present for Leeds United vs Gillingham in 2008.
Through every relegation, dispiriting Wembley trip and Jack Rodwell saga the fans keep turning out. Because it’s what they do.