For Those Who Dreamed of Seeing Sunderland in Europe

Like me, I am sure that you have consumed every single fibre of content before the AZ Alkmaar game – whether it be articles in Roker Report, press conferences from Régis Le Bris and Granit Xhaka, or some of the promotional material from TNT Sports. It still feels very much like a fever dream. Sunderland are in European competition. As Nick Barnes mentioned in the press conference, it was five years ago when we were drawing 2-2 against Simon Grayson's Fleetwood Town. Now, we're preparing for one of the biggest nights in the club's recent history.

So, it goes without saying, but I am certain that the lights will feel a bit brighter. The rendition of 'Wise Men Say' is going to hit a bit heavier than usual. The noise that will encourage the lads before kick-off is going to carry over 50 years of anticipation.