One has to conclude that if any prospective managerial candidate witnessed the action from Southampton they would have to possess a degree of optimism that extends beyond the norm or, alternatively, they have such conviction in their own abilities to improve those under their care. 

We can cite the inexperience of the starting eleven – those who are starlings more than stars, but on an afternoon where the brightest part of Sunderland's presence was the chartreuse strip, it's difficult to expect any new manager to bring success without an overhaul of sorts. 

 

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As the unforced error tally increased in the first half, we had to be thankful for a home side somewhat wasteful in the final third. As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the ignominious 8-0 defeat at St Mary's, that day would have entered the minds of the away contingent here. Adding insult to injury was Adam Armstrong's glee at his first half penalty conversion, one suggesting greater satisfaction at who he scored against rather than who he scored for. 

Alas, this is where we are at. All of which is demonstrated perfectly by a support who looked at the Huddersfield-West Brom game on Sunday and, unthinkable not so long ago, may have been hoping for the home side to drop points, and who may have done likewise when Middlesbrough went Birmingham on Tuesday.

 

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I doubt relegation is a serious consideration. Further, I don't foresee the closing games becoming the proverbial six pointers. Nevertheless, the fears of fans are understandable. Pointless from the previous 18 and with only infrequent periods within games to provide optimism, it should impress upon the decision makers that what we have seen of late has its roots in sub-standard stewardship and a policy that offers occasional entertainment, but without meaningful and sustainable effect. 

With every passing game the task becomes all the more challenging for Mike Dodds. What may have seemed like an audition for opportunity is rapidly descending into him being a victim of circumstance. For him, unfortunately, we have not reached a stage in football where you can apply to be a manager but only for the second half of games.

On that note, it's easy, yet predictable, to refer to the improvements in the second period of games. This disregards any change in the approach from opposing players, some of whom may feel the points are relatively safe and may adopt a more cautious approach. While some consolation can be taken from the two goals on Saturday, we simply can’t ignore the home side could, and perhaps should, have had the points secured by half-time.

This weekend will see Queens Park Rangers arrive at the Stadium of Light. Their league position, ordinarily, would not strike fear into the hearts and minds of Dodds and his players, beleaguered as they may be. This, however, has a different feel to it. They, QPR, have won their last two away league games, including at Leicester City. A bigger worry would be an atmosphere that begins to resemble that which was so evident during the last but one Championship season, and the toxicity throughout, which culminated in third tier football.

While confident that we will not see any repeat come the end of the season, that belief is not based upon a resurrection of consistent form, more that enough has been done over the season to date to avoid such a fate.