European Dreams

Mid afternoon, January 6th 2024. A low point. Sunderland had just been dumped out of the FA Cup by Newcastle - it was a tough watch. As comfortable a three-nil win as those we enjoyed at The Sports Direct Arena, some 10 years earlier. Now the tables had turned - there was a gulf between the sides, and with that lot ‘awash’ with Saudi cash and us floundering in the Championship, under the stewardship of Mick Beale, it seemed the gulf would only get bigger…

And yet here we are  - just over two years on, basking in the glory of one of the best seasons in living memory… A seventh placed finish in the top-flight, five places above them with six points trousered, and European football secured for the first time in over 50 years. Had someone predicted this on that bleak, January afternoon - I’d have contacted the authorities.

This new collection pays tribute to the 2025-26 season, and features hand-drawn illustrations of some of the key men and key moments. From Eliezer Mayenda’s beautiful header on the opening day, to Trai Hume’s precise volley on that balmy afternoon in May. And including Brobbey’s winner at SJP, Robin Roefs in full flight, Nordi, Granit and Omar celebrating the home derby win, and Regis - as calm as ever.

I hope you like them, I hope it brings back great memories of a fantastic season, and I hope next season is even better.

As ever, thanks for supporting my work - I’ll see you in Milan. 

Dave.