The Weary weight of expectation

SUNDERLAND is a deceptive place.

Within sight of the Stadium Of Light yesterday, the Wear was sparkling in the sun which blazed down from a clear blue sky. But just a couple of miles east on the seafront at Seaburn, a cold wind was ripping in off the North Sea, meaning that the few who were prepared to brave the sands were garbed like Arctic explorers.

Supporters of the Black Cats instinctively understand such contradictory sensations as their team faces into the penultimate game of the Championship campaign at home to Burnley tonight.