Sunderland's red and white New Year's resolutions!

01/01/2025 01:00 AM

After an eventful 2024 at the Stadium of Light, Anthony Gair looks at what the Lads can achieve over the next twelve months, and how we'll go about doing so

As the New Year dawns, we have plenty to reflect on from the first half of the season, but there's just as much to look forward to!

Sitting in a promising position, the remainder of the campaign offers a real chance to solidify our ambitions. Here are some resolutions we can take into 2025 to make sure we end the season on a high.

Making the most of our chances

One area where we know we can improve is converting the opportunities we create. Players like Eliezer Mayenda have found themselves in great positions during the past couple of games, but haven't quite managed to apply the finishing touch.

The good news is that creating these chances shows how effective we are going forward. If we sharpen up in front of goal, and we're confident we can, it'll take our game to the next level and turn narrow games into comfortable victories.

Staying strong at the back

We've shown real resilience at times this season, but there have been moments, like the late goal conceded to Stoke, where lapses in concentration have cost us points.

The positive is that these are fixable issues. We've seen how solid our backline can be when we're switched on, and with a bit more consistency, we'll tighten up those fine margins.

Continuing to develop our young talent

Players like Dan Neil have been outstanding this season, showing maturity beyond his years in midfield and becoming a driving force in our team.

Meanwhile, prospects like Tommy Watson and Mayenda are bubbling with potential, not to mention Chris Rigg and Jobe!

If we can continue to give these young players opportunities to grow and thrive, they'll not only make an impact this season but become the foundation of our success in the foreseeable future.

Building up a head of steam

Despite some recent frustrations, we've consistently shown we can compete at the top level of the Championship.

Our fightback against Blackburn and dominant periods against teams like Stoke prove we're capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone.

As we head into the second half of the season, our focus should be on building momentum, turning draws into wins, and maintaining belief in our ability to secure promotion.

Celebrating our support

Our supporters have been nothing short of phenomenal, both at home and on the road. The energy from the Stadium of Light has been immense, with average attendances of around 40,000, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fuels our performances.

On our travels, the dedication is equally impressive.

At Ewood Park, a remarkable 7,500 fans made their presence felt, providing unwavering support during our Boxing Day clash against Blackburn Rovers. Similarly, at The Den, approximately 3,000 of our supporters backed the team, demonstrating their loyalty and passion.

This support lifts us in every match, and our resolution is to keep delivering performances that match the commitment of our fans, because with their backing, we can achieve great things.

As we step into 2025, the second half of the season is ours to take control of. With fine-tuning in front of goal, defensive consistency, and belief in our potential, there's every reason to be optimistic. Let's keep our heads high, our hearts full, and make this a year to remember.

Haway the lads!