Since we started off this game-by-game feature we have met, or should I say talked to some really decent people in League 1, and so far, we have rarely come across any animosity towards us. Yes, some have refused to chat with us, including Mr Wheeler, but the refusals are far and few between and the responses have been really good and honest and a decent insight into the world of a football fan, especially when we have put questions to opposition fans about how Covid 19 has impacted on compensation for season ticket holders. Today we meet another such gentleman in Paul Langton (Below) who is aged 55 and of course a Black Cats fan. We thank you Paul for your time and wish you, your family and everybody connected with Sunderland all the very best for the rest of the season…. stay safe.
We are now well into the season, has it gone about how you thought it would for your club this season so far?
It kind of has as I didn’t expect us to be pulling up too many trees and thought we were probably good enough for the playoffs but not good enough for automatics.
Where do you think your club will finish up in the league this season?
An optimistic 4th – 6th.
What has been your best result this season, and of course your worst?
Most fans would probably say the 4-0 win at Lincoln, but I thought the 2-0 win at Oxford was a better all-round performance, the worst performance for me is a toss-up between the 1-0 home defeat to Wigan or a woeful 1-1 home draw with Burton.
EDITOR – At least he never mentioned us.
Do you think your club has acted well towards the fans in terms of compensation, offers and discounts for season ticket holders?
I think they have although it took a lot of criticism from the fans to get their minds focussed. If you renewed your season card for all home games you can get a refund if the game is played without fans or get a streaming pass, if you chose not to renew the club has retained your seat and when fans go back you can renew then on a pro-rata basis for however many games are left, sadly it looks like it will be next season before I’m back at the SOL.
Which opposition team that you have played has impressed you the most this season?
Both Portsmouth and Peterborough were impressive.
Which player has stood out for your team this season, and which player has come through the ranks and looks a real prospect?
It has mainly been our defence which has played well with both Bailey Wright and Jordan Willis having very good seasons, Jack Diamond who was on loan at Harrogate last season and helped them to promotion from the Conference has been getting more appearances under Lee Johnson, he is a speedy and tricky right winger who has all the attributes to succeed.
Which MK Dons player stands out to you as a game changer in our clash?
Cameron Jerome has seemed to always score against us for what seems like forever, as demonstrated at the SOL, however the player that really worries me is Scott Fraser who Sunderland were looking at before he signed for MK, he looks a real prospect and one we missed out on.
What style of play can we expect to see from your team?
We tend to play a slow steady build up playing out from the back with overlapping wingbacks (similar to Sheff Utd) and midfielders breaking into the box.
Have you ever been to Stadium MK, if so, what’s your opinion on it?
I haven’t but my son has and reckons it’s a great ground with really good views from the away end.
Where do you think the MK Dons will finish in the league table?
Between 10th – 14th
From what you have seen, who are your tips for the league title, promotion, and relegation?
I think Portsmouth will take the title so long as they don’t let the love/hate relationship they have with Kenny Jackett distract them, Hull have the squad and firepower for 2nd, and I would back Peterborough or Sunderland for the playoffs. As for relegation I think Wigan, Swindon and Burton will really struggle to stay up with Northampton dropping as well.
Can you give us your match prediction?
Based on the fact that we are much better away than at the SOL this season an optimistic repeat of last season’s 1-0 Sunderland win.
