James Copley: Sunderland fans must savour Europa League adventure despite league woes – it could be another 53 years
Sunderland's league struggles cannot overshadow a rare European adventure that could deliver unforgettable nights on Wearside
Whatever happens in the Premier League this season, I hope Sunderland supporters can find a way to properly enjoy the club's European adventure.
I appreciate that might be difficult given the current league form. Nobody wants to see Sunderland struggling domestically, and there is understandable frustration surrounding performances and results. We all desperately want that situation to improve.
But the Europa League is something different. Something special. And I think it's important that we don't allow the problems in the Premier League to completely overshadow what should be a memorable experience for everyone connected with the club.
Sunderland have waited 53 years to return to European competition. That's more than half a century. Generations of supporters have grown up without ever seeing their team compete on this stage, and there will be plenty who wondered whether they would ever get the opportunity.
Now we're here, and there is a genuine possibility that the adventure could extend well beyond the league phase. Seven points from the opening three matches represents an excellent start. Sunderland have already beaten AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, while the draw against Lech Poznań leaves them in a promising position heading into the remaining fixtures.
There is still plenty of work to do, of course, but the prospect of knockout football at the Stadium of Light is an exciting one. Whether Sunderland progress through the play-offs or manage to qualify directly for the last 16, there could be some huge occasions waiting around the corner.
Imagine a major European club coming to Wearside for a knockout tie under the lights. Imagine the atmosphere, the anticipation and the opportunity to travel abroad following Sunderland in a competitive European fixture with something significant at stake. Those are the sorts of experiences supporters remember for the rest of their lives.
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Football is ultimately about creating memories. There will always be disappointing defeats, frustrating performances and difficult periods. Sunderland supporters know that better than most. But opportunities like this are rare, particularly for a club that has spent so much of its recent history fighting simply to return to the top flight.
We can acknowledge that Sunderland's Premier League form has been nowhere near good enough while still appreciating the significance of their European campaign. The two feelings aren't mutually exclusive. Nobody is suggesting that European progress makes domestic results irrelevant. Staying competitive in the Premier League is absolutely vital, and supporters are entitled to demand much better.
But when those Europa League nights arrive, I hope people can put the league table to one side for a couple of hours and embrace the occasion. Enjoy the away trips. Enjoy watching Sunderland compete against clubs and in stadiums we rarely get the opportunity to visit.
Because while we all hope European football becomes a regular feature on Wearside, there are absolutely no guarantees. It took Sunderland 53 years to get back here. Who knows how long the next wait might be? Let's make sure we enjoy this one while we've got it.