The media is bursting with rumors regarding Sam Allardyce's future with Sunderland right now.
The man who masterminded another Great Escape from the dreaded relegation last season is reportedly edging ever closer to becoming the next England manager. But is it really the end of the world if he leaves?
Stability and Sunderland clearly do not mix well together, with Steve Bruce being the last Black Cats manager to complete a full season at the helm, and that was five managers ago.
The ups and the downs, we are still standing
As fans are desperately waiting for the confirmation of the inevitable, with less than three weeks till the season officially kicks off the timing of the situation is not great. If Allardyce does leave then it becomes a race to appoint a new manager to take the reins, and while the deadwood of the squad has mostly been rid of, Sunderland are yet to make any summer signings.
Most had a feeling that the minute the whistle blew at the end of England’s Euro 2016 and Roy Hodgson announced his resignation, Allardyce would have his eye on the one job that has got away from him throughout his career. However, can he be blamed for wanting the top job in England? Gary Bennet is among the many who believe he shouldn’t.
Being a Sunderland fan over the years has become to be a bit of a slog at times. It seems like a curse that follows the Wearsiders, something that they can’t shake off. But even through the past few years where the club have faced relegation, they have come out on top. In the dire situations that have come and gone at the club, they are still standing - well before Allardyce took control.
Wise Men Say
Since the days of Kevin Philips, it seems like Sunderland have been cursed – every time it feels as though they have finally got the right combination, they seem to take a few steps back.
After being relegated in the year of 2006, the Black Cats came straight back up with Mick McCarthy. However, after finishing tenth under Bruce, Sunderland only saw the side become undone rather fast by other clubs buying the better players. But again, can they really be blamed for wanting to better their careers?
Furthermore, things looked to be back on track when Sunderland secured a top class manager in Martin O’Neill, only for his reign to falter at the start of the season to see him sacked. These times were followed by similar ones under Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet, Dick Advocaat, the list can go on. Need fans be reminded of the emotions provoked by supporting a club like Sunderland? It can go from the highest high to the lowest low almost in seconds. Although with Poyet, they did manage to walk down Wembley Way for the first time in years.
The Allardyce era has certainly been a refreshing one. He seemed to be the man that fans put all their trust in to find that stability the club desperately needs to gel the fans with the team and manager. That era, sadly, seems to be just about over though.
However, it won’t be the end of the world if and when the FA announce the next manager for England as Big Sam. He will be leaving behind him a good solid foundation.
Sunderland may lose Allardyce, but they will still have players like Jan Kirchoff, Lamine Kone, Jermain Defoe and Wahbi Khazri - not forgetting the youngsters in the academy who are working hard to break the mold.
One last word – bring on the season, what will be, will be.