Tony Gillan: A positive end to a dismal campaign can only be good for Sunderland

Chelsea's Willian (out of pic) scores his sides first goal past Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in May, 2017.

Wins are always welcome, however forlorn.

On the final day of the 2015-16 Premier League season, already relegated Newcastle enjoyed a 5-1 win.

At the time it seemed little more than consolation.

But the confidence it restored was carried into the next season.

On the final day of the 2016-17 Premier League season, already relegated Sunderland endured a 5-1 defeat, which foretold of the omnishambles in the year to follow.

It isn’t quite that simple. Newcastle’s most recent relegation season ended with a good manager in charge.

Sunderland’s ended with David Moyes still in place.

Newcastle spent £60million on a promotion winning side.

Sunderland got what they could for six marbles and a catapult.

Both approaches attained the expected results.

Even so, a positive end to a dismal campaign can only be to the good.

And this is what Sunderland must try for in the remaining four fixtures.

It has been a shamefully incompetent two years at the Stadium of Light, on and off the pitch, and it’s too late for this season to end the incompetence now.

But late is better than never and Sunderland need something – anything – positive to take into August.

They really should just go for it during the death throes of 2017-18.

The points acquired might not particularly matter.

But when times are this desperate there is no such thing as a meaningless win.

It would boost morale among the faithful.

There is another, easier way to boost morale among the faithful.

To dispel an atom or two of the current contempt.

The club could unveil a new home kit for next season.

And make damned sure it looks nothing like the eyesore they’ve used in this one.