From underwhelmed to planning trophy lifts: How Sunderland fans are feeling ahead of the new campaign

From the initial excitement at being able to plan out the next nine months of your life, to the underwhelming feeling felt when you see some of the opposition Sunderland are now brushing shoulders with. From cautious thinking to blind optimism, supporters feel it all.

And today, Sunderland fans have been no different.

With the first League One fixture of the season just over three weeks away, and so much uncertainty still present across all levels of the football club, fans are perhaps torn between excitement and trepidation.

So we asked a simple question – how are you feeling about the new campaign now the fixtures have been released?

And there were a wide range of views expressed by fans on social media, and via our WhatsApp breaking news service.

Here’s a selection of the responses we received from Sunderland supporters:

Michael in Southwick said: “Parkinson needs to have the players prepared, drilled and ready to go from the first minute on the 12th September! He knows what is needed to get out this league. If the players aren’t prepared to graft and fight to get us out of this league then they need to be shown the door”

One anonymous supporter added: “Absolutely underwhelmed and so we should be! Let’s see, Bristol Rovers at home or Man City I know my choice.”

Mark in Chester-le-Street wrote: “Excited about the new season, hoping for more exciting signings. Looking at fixtures and hoping we are lifting the trophy at home to Northampton!”

Josh in Leeds simply said: “Nervous!!!”

On Twitter, @SUNLUN4LIFE posted: “Nervous. Will never get promoted with this squad!”

@sportmad72 tweeted: “Be happy with 11 points from those first 5 games. 10 would be my marker as a first target for automatic chances of promotion”

@JohnKaysCanoe posted: “The fixtures aren't a problem. Its always the same, we play everyone twice. My worry is the ownership, the lack of recruitment and the lack of any meaningful dialogue from within the club.”

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