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IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN STORE. FANZINE/AWAY TRAVEL/FAN SHOP: ALL @ ALSHQ OPPOSITE SOL. NO 1 INDEPENDENT FAN VENT SINCE 1989. NINE TIMES UK FANZINE OF THE YEAR

Following Sunderland AFC is easy. Being emotionally attached to them is a bloody nightmare. But then, we don’t need to tell you about that because you get it; you’re one of us. We know you’re one of us because you’re supposed to be doing something else now. Obviously, we don’t know what that something else is – we’re not psychic – but whether it’s working, shopping, cleaning, decorating or reinvig

orating that flailing relationship, the point is that you’re not doing it. You’re on here reading stuff about Sunderland, which means you’re all right by us. The world is littered with people like you and us, people whose day to day lives - the bits that happen in between watching the lads – are only made bearable by devoting as much of them as we can get away with talking about, thinking about, reading about and fantasising about a team that last won a major trophy in 1973. We’re all in it for the ride and not the destination, and we’re all on the same side, however tortuous that journey becomes. At the back end of the 1980s, football fanzines began to sweep the country and in 1989 we were presented with a new vehicle on which to enjoy some of this ride – A Love Supreme. ALS was a place we could all go to celebrate and commiserate being a Sunderland fan. Win, lose or draw, the pages of the fanzine became solace for many of us as we stumbled our way through our day to day lives, punctuated by the ups and downs of more match days than any of us care to remember. In the years since its inception, a stupidly ridiculous number of Sunderland fans have expressed their love for God’s own football team in their own way through its pages. Some of it was funny, some of it deadly serious, some of it critical, some of it complimentary, but all of it was heartfelt. Even the most biting, radical, critical stuff, written by fans at the depth of despair comes from the bottom of their heart, no matter how hard it is for many of us to swallow.

05/07/2025

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04/07/2025

SADIKI: FAN’S VIEW

Following the exciting arrival of Noah Sadiki, we caught up with Miro from bEUnion the fan club of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

So, Noah Sadiki has left Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for Sunderland! First of all, what are your general thoughts on the transfer?
I would say generally speaking, fans were prepared mentally that he will be leaving. After great season he had with so many good matches in Europa League, but also in Belgium, we could not keep him with our philosophy of not spending huge amounts on salaries.

The fee is reported to be €17m plus €3m add-ons. Are you happy with that price from a USG perspective?
The prices for our star players are always quite big to Belgian league standards, especially as we are buying these players for a small amounts. Our management is doing good job with fighting for a decent fee when selling someone. As he came for something around €1m, €17m sounds very nice, even though I would say in future he will be worth more, he is still just 20 years old.

Would you say Sunderland have overpaid, got a bargain or paid a fair price?
As I mentioned in previous question, I think it is a win-win situation for both of us. Sunderland with Premier League money can afford this figure and with proper development and playing time he can help the team and can be sold in the future for a profit.

What are Noah's biggest strengths and weaknesses?
For strengths, I would say his maturity. In his young age he is barely making any mistakes and can decide about a solution quickly. Also he is very strong on the ball with his lower centre of gravity. In terms of weaknesses I would mention that he is not the tallest person, therefore he can struggle with high balls.

Apparently, he can play fullback, centre back or centre midfield. Where would you say is his best position?
He barely played centre back but when he did, he did what coaches needed from him. But the preferred spot where he would feel most comfortable would be definitely midfield, with not being attacking midfielder nor defensive. I would compare his position with classic number 6, from history with someone like Xavi Hernandez. Union is playing 3-5-2, so it can vary in the midfield.

Sunderland's sole aim for this season will be to avoid relegation. Were you surprised to see Noah come here, did you think he would maybe join a team higher up the league?
We were surprised with move to Sunderland especially as I think he could go for the teams playing in European competitions. I would put him even on similar level than our biggest stars who left for the Bundesliga to play in rather bigger clubs (for example Boniface to Leverkusen). But I guess, that does not matter to him that much, because if it would, he would stayed and played Champions league with us.

We've already signed Habib Diarra who is described as an athletic, box-to-box player. Would you say Sadiki is similar to Darra in that profile?
Exactly, he is very energetic player who can help with defending or put the final pass in front of the net.

How different is the Belgian League compared to English football? Will Sadiki need time to adapt and bed in?
Well of course the level is lower. There are five or six teams capable of playing in European competitions, but then there is quite gap between them and the rest of the league. Similarity between the leagues can be the amount of matches, as we have the playoff system so the players can be pretty exhausted with all the competitions. Noah did this with ease, he is ready for the workload in the UK.

Do you know if he speaks good English?
I am pretty sure his English is ok.

What kind of character is he around the dressing room?
He brings the energy and the joy to the dressing room. I would say he was the entertainer in the team, always joking with other players and staff.

Finally, he's only 20 so there's plenty of room for development. These things are impossible to predict but where do you see Habib's ceiling being?
Tough to say at the moment as we saw many players being wonder kids, and then something happened. I predict that English football can suit him and if he plays well, he can reach the Champions League level even with top teams in Premier league. For him, already having this story written as our city rival Anderlecht did not want him in the squad, then he transferred to us, showed them how to win the league and now his first big step is happening, we are happy that we could see his magic for two seasons and we hope he will continue to rise and play on highest level. Good luck Noah.

04/07/2025

SADIKI SIGNS

Sunderland have announced their third signing of the season, another young but experienced midfielder from Europe, Noah Sadiki. The 20 year old joins us from new Belgian Pro League champions, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

After reportedly beating Leeds and many other Premier League teams to the signature of Habib Diarra, it looks like we've done it again with Sadiki. He was another player who was linked with several teams in the English top flight, but has been convinced to come to Wearside and participate in our 'ambitious project' as all the headlines say nowadays.

It's another signing that should make us excited for what is to come in the future. Another talented youngster who would have had their pick of many clubs that has decided Sunderland is the best place to display their talents. One that many fans might not have been aware of before the Sunderland links, but one that clubs all across europe were all aware of and we've managed to land him. Exciting stuff.

Upon signing for us he had this to say: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to Sunderland. This is a huge Club, but what convinced me was speaking to the people. They spoke about the history, what they want to build, and their belief in the part that I can play. I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field. This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”

Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman added: “Noah’s enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad. During his time at USG, he’s played in domestic and European competitions regularly, and the Premier League is a natural next step in his promising career. Our interest in acquiring his talents was long-standing, and we believe our culture and playing identity will enable him to thrive. He’s excited to be here, and we look forward to supporting him as he settles in Sunderland.”

04/07/2025

NOAH SADIKI: WHO ARE YOU?
BY BEN HARDIE

Sunderland have completed their third signing of the summer, bringing in DR Congo international central midfielder Noah Sadiki, for a reported fee of €17 million plus €3 million (£14.6 million plus £2.6 million), from Belgian Pro League champions Union Saint-Gilloise. Here’s a rundown of his career so far:

Born in Brussels, Belgium, in 2004, Noah Sadiki is of Congolese descent and represents DR Congo at an international level. Between U18 and U20 levels he was registered to play for Belgium and picked up a number of youth caps for them until switching allegiance to play for DR Congo’s U21 team. To date, he has picked up nine caps for the Central African country.

At a club level, Sadiki joined Anderlecht’s youth academy in 2011 and made his senior debut for the club on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, coming off the bench in the final few minutes in a 1-1 draw with Club Brugge.

The following season he played for both the senior team and for Anderlecht’s reserve side who feature in the Belgian second tier. Overall, he turned out 18 times for the first team and on 14 occasions for the reserves. The main highlight would definitely be him getting onto the pitch to play eventual Europa Conference League winners West Ham in the group stage of the competition.

In July 2023, the midfielder left Anderlecht and transferred to fellow Pro League side Union Saint Gilloise for a fee of €1.4 million (£1.2 million) and immediately became a regular name on the team sheet. He managed 53 games in all competitions, including matches in both the Europa League and Conference League, playing twice against Liverpool in the former of those. Saint-Gilloise finished runners-up in the league but they did manage to win their first Belgian Cup in 110 years. During the run to the final, Noah featured in every round bar the semi-final and appeared off of the bench as his club defeated Antwerp 1-0 to lift the cup.

Last season saw his first career goals, the first of which was the third in a 4-0 victory over KRC Genk in a league fixture. In 55 matches total, he scored twice and assisted eight times, which is a personal record for most number of games played in a season and most number of goal contributions. He also won the Belgian Super Cup but more notably, he helped Les Unionistes be crowned champions of Belgium for the first time since 1935.

Able to play in his primary role as a central midfielder, or as a defensive midfielder as well as a right back, Noah Sadiki becomes our third midfield signing of the summer. Additionally, he becomes our second signing likely to miss a portion of the season as his national team have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place between the 21st December and 18th January. The amount of games missed for us depends on how far Les Léopards progress in the tournament.

04/07/2025

SUPERIORITY
BY JACK SPENCER

Sunderland AFC stands as a shining example of footballing tradition, community spirit and historical achievement, particularly when compared to their long-standing rivals, Newcastle United. While football rivalries often spark passionate debate, there are numerous compelling reasons why Sunderland can be considered the superior club; from their rich history of on-field success to their deep-rooted community values and moral leadership.

Historically, Sunderland boasts a more impressive record in the top flight of English football. The club has secured six First Division titles, a notable accomplishment that places them among England’s historically elite clubs. In contrast, the Mags have managed a measly four top-flight titles. Sunderland’s famous 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United remains one of the most iconic upsets in the competition's history, symbolising grit and determination. We’re not discussing the League Cup here as it is nowhere near as noteworthy.

However, trophies only tell part of the story. What truly sets Sunderland apart is its incredibly loyal and passionate fan base. Even during difficult periods — including relegations and financial challenges — Sunderland fans have consistently shown unwavering support for their club. The Stadium of Light regularly sees impressive attendance figures, even in lower divisions, reflecting a fan culture that prioritises devotion over glamour. This is perhaps best encapsulated by the widely sung chant “Sunderland till I die,” which has also inspired a critically acclaimed Netflix documentary that showcases the emotional bond between the club and its supporters.

Sunderland's commitment to the local community further exemplifies the club’s values. One powerful example is the club’s ongoing support for the Bradley Lowery Foundation. The heartfelt friendship between young Bradley and former striker Jermain Defoe captured the hearts of the football world, and Sunderland’s continued involvement (including donating an executive box to the foundation and fundraising initiatives like donating £1 from every ticket sold following Defoe’s return) shows the club’s dedication to causes greater than football. These acts underline Sunderland’s deep-seated commitment to compassion, morality, and local pride.

In contrast, Newcastle United has faced growing criticism in recent years, particularly surrounding its controversial ownership. The club's acquisition by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund raised serious ethical questions due to concerns over human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Many critics argue that this state-backed financial takeover undermines the integrity of the sport. Ironically, Newcastle fans who once criticised the heavy financial backing of other clubs have now embraced similar wealth, drawing accusations of hypocrisy. Celebrity “fans” who claim to be socially aware are also happy to appear in Saudi promotional videos and turn a blind eye when it seems to suit them best. While Newcastle has enjoyed an influx of cash and rapid on-field improvement, many argue this success is not earned in the traditional sense, but rather bought. It’s a concept that runs counter to the ideals of fair competition and club heritage.

In sum, while football debates often dwell on league tables and transfers, Sunderland’s superiority over Newcastle lies deeper: in a proud legacy of achievement, an unshakeable bond with its fans, strong moral values, and a community-first ethos. Sunderland may not currently sit at the top of English football, but in terms of heart, history, and honour, they remain second to none.

04/07/2025

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04/07/2025

OTD: CROSBY BORN

Born on this day is former assistant manager, and subsequent manager, Malcolm Crosby. The South Shields native was Denis Smith’s right-hand man at York City, and moved with Smith to Sunderland.

Crosby took over as caretaker manager when Smith was sacked, but Sunderland struggled to find a permanent replacement. While caretaker, the former midfielder took the lads to Sunderland’s fourth FA Cup final in our history, which brought calls from fans to give him the job.

Before the FA Cup final, Crosby was officially given the manager’s job. We were midtable a the time and although Malcolm was a really nice bloke, there was slightly a feeling that the board "had to" give him the job because he'd led us to a final. However, Sunderland lost the final 2-0 to Liverpool and left London without silverware. Despite taking the lads to Wembley, the new manager was unable to inspire his side in the league, treading water in the second tier.

Crosby was relieved of his duties in 1993, with Terry Butcher taking over as manager. After leaving Wearside, the Sunderland fan became assistant manager at Oxford before briefly taking over as caretaker.

He then took a variety of roles, such as reserve team manager at Middlesbrough, Oxford’s head of recruitment, Birmingham’s chief scout, Derby County's senior scout and now chief scout at Exeter City, a position he has held since January 2023.

04/07/2025

REINILDO: ATLETI'S VIEW

Although the club haven't officially announced the signing of Reinildo Mandava following his departure from Atlético Madrid, it's been widely reported that he has agreed a two-year deal on Wearside. So, we spoke to Jeremy Beren from Into The Calderon and That Atleti Podcast to discuss what we can expect from the experienced defender and why he was loved by the fans over in Spain.

Reinildo joined Atlético Madrid in 2022 for what was reported as a 3 million Euro deal from Lille, and played over 100 games during his three years there. Were Madrid reluctant to keep him in Spain or does it seem like he wanted a fresh challenge?
Reinildo's exit wasn't necessarily a foregone conclusion, but the matter was certainly trending in that direction over the past several months. His Atlético contract was expiring, he had been second-choice at left-back for much of the season, and the club is trying to get younger in key positions. I think both sides understood that this was the right time to part ways.

In this new modern era of football that demands full backs to be an asset offensively as well as defending, how does Reinildo stack up? Is he more defensive/offensive or can he do both?
Reinildo isn't exactly terrible on the ball, but he is much stronger out of possession than in it. At Atleti, he looked most comfortable as a wide center-back in a 3-5-2 formation, a position in which he used his speed, strength, and terrific instincts to harass and bully opposing wingers. He was serviceable-to-good as a natural left-back in a 4-4-2, but attacking contribution never has been his strong suit -- he scored two goals and assisted one more across 103 total appearances for Atleti.

Having been fighting for a top four spot in the La Liga for the last three years, will he be just as much of an asset off the pitch for our young players as well as on the pitch during games?
I think Reinildo's experience and leadership could be valuable to a team that is trying to re-establish itself as a Premier League mainstay. Though he was a "late bloomer" and did not play in a major European league before 2018, Reinildo is a seasoned international for Mozambique, and he was an important player during Lille's Ligue 1 title win in 2021. He was very popular in the Atleti dressing room and always had a great attitude despite his lack of minutes last season.

Looking at the social media response to the news of his confirmed departure, it seems as though he was adored by the Atleti fans. What is it about him that the fans liked the most?
Our fans really do love him. He has a great personality and really embraced Atleti and Diego Simeone's way of playing. He never had a bad word to say about anyone, never caused any problems in the dressing room, just a model professional through and through.

Given his experience, having played in the top flight in France and Spain, would you be more than comfortable to say he'd cope with the demands of the Premier League?
As we'll get to in a moment, Reinildo suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 that sapped some of his effectiveness as a defender. And Premier League football is played at a faster pace than the football in Spain. That said, he did fit in very quickly upon joining Atlético in 2022, which speaks to his tactical intelligence and ability to ingratiate himself within a dressing room. It may not take him long to start impacting games positively for Sunderland.

So, tell us about that injury. What's his fitness record like?
The defender had a spotless injury record until he suffered a torn right ACL during a Madrid Derby in February 2023. The injury cost him 10 months, and he struggled to regain his starting spot under Simeone after that. His loss of pace and acceleration were noticeable this past season; he relied heavily on those traits during his first year-plus at Atleti.

At 31, could you see this as perhaps his last transfer to a club in one of the top five European leagues?
Yeah, I feel this is Reinildo's last chance to play in a competition as important as the Premier League. I know for a fact he is getting a substantial salary increase relative to what he earned at Atleti. I'm not too certain what his next move would be post-Sunderland, but this is his shot to play in the Prem and earn a really good pay packet he wouldn't have earned in another league.

Us Sunderland fans are having quite the summer, witnessing exciting potential deals one after another. To maintain this excitement, can you give us a quick rundown of everything we can expect from the Mozambican?
I'm excited to watch you guys play in the Prem again! Reinildo is an ambitious signing who can offer a lot to the Black Cats. I think he is still good for several lockdown defensive showings a year, and his leadership could be vital when the season hits tricky patches. I wouldn't expect many goals or assists from him, but he's a charismatic guy who plays with a lot of passion and, at his best, will be a nightmare for wingers in one-on-one duels.

03/07/2025

LATEST ROUNDUP

Yesterday was a bit mad at Sunderland. The only thing officially confirmed by the club was the appointment of a new Director of Football, but various news outlets have suggested that a number of deals have actually now been fully completed. It was very difficult to keep track of all the rumours, but we’ve given it our best shot…

FLORENT GHISOLFI
First, the worst kept secret in this transfer window has to be Florent Ghisolfi’s arrival at Sunderland. The club have at last announced his appointment. Officially, he actually starts work today (July 3rd) but given Sunderland’s busy start to the window and the transfer links to his former associates, it seems that SAFC have already been taking advantage of his contacts list. It’s important to note that the 40-year-old is not replacing Kristjaan Speakman - instead, the pair are expected to work alongside each other in similar yet different job titles. Speakman is Sporting Director as opposed to Director of Football (word soup, I know). It appears that Ghisolfi will take on some of the recruitment burden while Speakman will be able to focus on the other aspects of his job…

NOAH SADIKI
Fabrizio Romano continued his Sunderland summer love-in by revealing out of nowhere that the next Sunderland player through the door is going to be Noah Sadiki of Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise. It is said that Sadiki, aged 20, can play centre midfield, fullback or centre back. With the Lads set to face a gruelling Premier League survival campaign, it could prove useful to have such a youthful utility man in and around the squad. Fabrizio reckons we’re paying €17m plus €3m add-ons for the DR Congo international who was born and raised in Belgium.

DJORDJE PETROVIC
With OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka opting for a big-money move to Neom in Saudi Arabia (we can’t compete with those finances), it appears that Sunderland are closing in on a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Blues reportedly value their keeper at £25m but, of course, Ghisolfi and Speakman will be doing their best to agree a reduced fee for the 25-year-old. The Serbia international impressed during a loan stint with Strasbourg last season - where he played alongside Sunderland’s new record signing, Habib Diarra. With Robert Sanchez established as Chelsea’s number one, Petrovic is said to be keen on a move to pursue regular top-flight minutes. The recruitment team are reportedly keen to get this deal completed as quickly as possible due to competition from other clubs, with AFC Bournemouth one of those sides named.

PATTO LINKED AWAY
It looks like Sunderland are targeting a top quality number one this summer which potentially leaves question marks over Anthony Patterson’s future. Recently relegated Southampton are reportedly plotting a move for the 25-year-old who was named Man of the Match in Sunderland’s play-off final win in May. Former Saints scout Mick Brown believes that the South Coast club are looking at Patterson in the event that Aaron Ramsdale leaves St Mary’s.

MELVIN BARD
Although former Atletico Madrid fullback Reinildo has reportedly already agreed a deal at Sunderland, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins claims that the Black Cats are also actively pursuing OGC Nice left back Melvin Bard who made 34 appearances for the French side last season. He reports that we’ve offered the 24-year-old a four-year contract with the option of a fifth year, although no agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs. It has also been said that negotiations will be made more difficult due to the relationship between the clubs following Marcin Bulka’s failed transfer… although it is unclear how Bulka deciding to go to Saudi would lead to a breakdown in this relationship. Nice are also keen to retain the player as they gear up for their UEFA Champions League qualifiers later this summer. If Sunderland are actively pursuing another left back despite having already secured Reinildo's signature, some fans have speculated where that leaves Dennis Cirkin.

GEORGES MIKAUTADZE
Perhaps the most ambitious transfer target we’ve heard so far, it would be a real statement if Sunderland manage to bring Georges Mikautadze to the Stadium of Light. The Georgia international is currently a Lyon player but, with the French side suffering administrative relegation to Ligue 2, several of their players are looking for a way out of the club. Mikautadze is certainly not short of suitors with Nottingham Forest, Roma, Frankfurt, Tottenham Hotspur and unnamed Turkish and Saudi clubs all credited with an interest. However, Corriere Dello Sport have reported that “negotiations are underway between Sunderland and Lyon” for the forward who registered 26 goal contributions with Lyon last season (17 goals and 9 assists) in all competitions.

03/07/2025

REINILDO: WHO ARE YOU?
BY BEN HARDIE

According to several reports, Sunderland are set to bring in free agent defender Reinildo, who most recently turned out for Atlético Madrid. The Mozambique international will make history, with him becoming our first player from the Southeast African nation as well as the Premier League’s first player from the country. How has he fared so far in his footballing career?

Born in 1994 in the city of Beira in Mozambique, his career started with local team Ferroviário da Beira in 2012 where he stayed for two years before transferring to GD Maputo in his country’s capital. A year later he moved to Europe, joining Benfica’s B team but he’d only manage to make one appearance for them, instead spending the bulk of his time there out on loan with clubs in Portugal’s second tier. The first of these was with Fafe, who he was relegated with and the second was with Sporting Covilhã, where he did manage to avoid relegation by a margin of just three points.

He must have been decent enough despite not playing for teams who were, admittedly, not very good as he was picked up by Belenenses SAD in 2018 of the Primeira Liga. Just under 20 games later he was loaned out to Lille and despite barely featuring for them during the loan spell, he was signed permanently.

His first full season for Lille saw him play Champions League football but in his second season he helped them to win Ligue 1 and he was also named in the UNFP (the professional footballers’ union in France) Ligue 1 Team of the Year. Reinildo would spend another half-season at Lille after this, winning one more trophy (the Trophée des Champions), before moving to Spain with Atlético Madrid in 2022.

The full back played Champions League football in every single one of his seasons on the red side of Madrid and racked up just over 100 appearances in all competitions total. He’s never been a natural goalscorer, scoring just nine goals in 257 career games at club level and four goals in 49 matches for his country. The final game he played for his last side was at the Club World Cup. His final words as an Atleti player: “I love you all for allowing a Mozambican boy to live this incredible dream.”

For next season, Reinildo’s country has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. The dates for that are between the 21st December 2025 and 18th January 2026, of course how long he is absent depends on how far his country progresses. He is also capable of operating as a left-sided midfielder and centre back alongside his primary role as a left back, where he is most likely going to be providing tough competition for Dennis Cirkin.

In terms of the data, last season he ranked in the top 8% of full backs for interceptions and was better than 70% of full backs for defensive actions and 60% for aerial duels won in La Liga. One thing is for sure: you don't play 100 games in a Diego Simeone defence unless you're prepared for a proper battle. Even if he doesn't play every minute of every game, this signing is a shrewd one and could be crucial in our Premier League relegation fight.

03/07/2025

💙SHOP THE RETRO RANGE💙

Celebrate the away kit launch by purchasing a retro mug or pin badge from the ALS Shop!

Available in store Monday-Friday 9-5, or 24/7 online 🛒

03/07/2025

OTD: BOULD SIGNS

On this day in 1999, Sunderland signed decorated centre half Steve Bould from Arsenal. He arrived as a 36-year-old and ended his playing career by helping us to a seventh-placed Premier League finish. It was a brief spell here but he had a massive impact.

Bould turned professional with his boyhood club Stoke City in 1980, making his debut away to Middlesbrough a year later. Still a youngster, he was sent to Bruce Ricoh’s Torquay United to gain more experience. Upon returning from Torquay, Bould was moved from right back to centre back, a move that turned out to be a masterstroke. The defender excelled for the Potters, and was regularly described as the best defender in Division Two. This excellent form attracted the interest of both Everton and Arsenal, with Bould opting to join the latter in 1988.

At Arsenal, Bould became part of their famous back four alongside Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn and former Stoke teammate Lee Dixon. In August 1992, the defender scored Arsenal’s first ever Premier League goal. It came at Highbury against Norwich City, although the Canaries went on to win 4-2.

Injuries meant that Bould was often left out of the team and was second-choice behind Martin Keown when Arsene Wenger took over in 1996. However, the Frenchman's arrival ignited a revival for Bould, who became a key player in Arsenal’s team that won the double in 1997/98.

In 1999, Andy Melville left Sunderland to join Fulham, alongside club captain Kevin Ball. In an effort to replace Melville, Peter Reid brought in Bould for £500,000. He soon named the experienced defender as our new club captain following Bally’s departure. Age wasn’t on his side, admittedly, but Wenger’s innovative nutrition and training regimes had given Bould a new lease of life and he would later go on to describe his time at Sunderland as "him in his prime"!

The defensive partnership of Steve Bould and Paul Butler was extremely formidable, as Sunderland took the Premier League by storm in the first half of the season. We were fifth in the league in January before Bould had to drop out of the side due to injury. It was a real shame and we ended up dropping down to seventh by the end of the campaign.

The following season saw Steve play just once (in the second game of the season, against Man City) before injury forced his retirement. His final game tallied his total up to a round 500 career league games, with exactly 400 of those coming in the top flight. Only 21 of them had come with SAFC but the defender’s experience was instrumental in helping develop youngsters such as Jody Craddock, Darren Williams and Darren Holloway.

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