On This Day (27th June 2001): Lilian Laslandes – The Signing That Symbolised Sunderland’s Decline

Much has been documented and written about the success of Peter Reid’s tenure as Sunderland manager, and notably the two seventh-place finishes. That fact has, of course, been resurrected even more at the end of this season, with the achievement of RLB’s team and qualification for the Europa League.I’ve supported the Lads long enough to have experienced many false dawns.

Just when you think we’re establishing ourselves back amongst the elite, where most of us believe we should be, we experience another slump and another setback. I came into this world in 1958, coincidentally – the first time this great club was ever relegated. What a turbulent history we’ve had since then!

Maybe it’s all my fault!I remember countless people quoting phrases similar to: “The days of this club fluctuating between the leagues are over.” I know sentiments like that were expressed by Ellis Short, Bob Murray and even Niall Quinn, amongst others.

To analyse exactly why clubs – not just Sunderland – lose their elite status after seemingly being perfectly set up for decades to come is, of course, very complex. The whys and wherefores are varied and numerous. If there were one major factor, all clubs would ensure it never happened to them.

But no – multiple factors come into play.Having a dedicated owner with a long-term plan, a manager – or head coach – and backroom staff all singing from the same hymn sheet, while buying into the club’s identity and ethos, is crucial. Add to that a solid youth development system and player recruitment that identifies the right players who fit into the club’s trajectory.

Does any of this sound familiar regarding our current position? At the moment, it’s all beautifully aligned, but if any one of the long list of positive requirements goes wrong, the whole structure can collapse before your very eyes. Most notably in recent years – just ask Leicester City or even Wolves.

I’m not going to attempt, at this juncture, to explain exactly why it all went wrong for Pet