Ok, now the dust has settled from Saturday, both for us the fans and the players - could it be the mauling on Saturday could be exactly what we needed to finally get going?

Rumour has it Parish has been involved, players have had meetings with each other, Sunday training, clear the air talks, and trips abroad cancelled suggests to me that we can't fail to see a reaction on Saturday at Stoke?

Saturday really has to be the final chance surely? Either we're served up another dreadful display, or we see a team that is fighting to save an awful season.

I really hope it is the latter, and that hitting rock bottom on Saturday is exactly what was needed for it to dawn on these players that they can give so much more.

Stoke away last season was probably the last proper high we've had in the league when we hit 5th position after a 2-1 win. Since then it's been a gradual slide to where we are now. Maybe we'll come full circle on Saturday and put in a performance that can remind us at just how good we can be.

I still believe in them and am going for a 2-1 win - but Saturday for me really is last chance. It's do or die for me.

Edited by Stuart Shave (07 Feb 2017 7.04pm)

Inconsistency is fine if it's win/loss/win/loss etc. Unfortunately we've been extremely consistent losers!

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.
Helen Keller

Totally agree with this sunderland are the worst club in the league we lost 4-0 and you fans honestly think we ain't going down we won't win again all season I know we are all fans but you don't get it

We are mentally shot to bits defensively we've kept 2 clean sheets all season we can't win at home so if we do stay up we will have to win all our away games can't see us winning at home now so yes we are down

No it's not moronic to take positives from the Sunderland post and before you make comments of this nature perhaps you need to read Stuart's (OP) words very carefully because they are well put. Do you think Sam is dwelling 100% on the negatives, of course not. He is looking to build something out of the ashes of that match. Stuart was doing the same. Out of bad comes good and it's not just the squad that can turn this around but guided by the manager and his coaching team. Obviously the latter won't resinate with you Braunston due to your anti Sam views.

Bring back Brolin

I agree with the OP, hope he is correct. Was at the Stoke game last year and it is sad to see the steady decline since then, especially when `on paper` we have made such good signings since then.

I also agree with those who have said Sunderland are the worst team in the league, they are. I work with many Sunderland fans and they simply can't believe their luck against us. Its been hard to swallow.

As has also been said the Boro game is crucial now. It has really made me think though looking at how we were as fans in our first season up we would have accepted where Boro are now, however the moral amongst the Boro fans is really rock bottom. Incredibly they are complaining about Karanka's defensive attitude!

There are major moanings in the Boro fanbase. Compare this to Palace's incredible support over the last few years when even in relegation battles we have been singing our hearts out for the lads come what may. It has been incredibly hard for us to continue this with sucker punch after sucker punch over the last year and it has undoubtedly affected the vigor of our support. In as much as we hope the players have taken real stock of themselves and approach the remaining fixtures with a revitalized effort I deeply hope we as fans can do the same. They need our support now more than ever. We need to be there for them.

I wish I could lend my voice to the crowds in the upcomming fixtures, but naturally living in Boro I can only go to away games but sadly due to ill health which has drastically altered my work situation over Christmas I can no longer travel to support my beloved Palace. I have to put my faith in others. I hope we as supporters can end this season, come what may, knowing we never gave up and gave the boys the best support until the end, whatever that end may be.