Chris Coleman walking in a winter Sunderland as his players laugh and joke around despite 20-game home winless run
Black Cats host Reading tomorrow and the man behind ending British football’s worst home streak has backed Coleman to end the hoodoo
CHRIS COLEMAN has been told he can stop sorry Sunderland’s hoodoo — by the man who finally ended British football’s worst home streak.
The Black Cats host Reading tomorrow bidding to end a 20-game winless home run, the worst in English football history.
But Scottish outfit Cowdenbeath went 38 GAMES without winning on their own patch before boss John Reilly led them to victory.
Reilly’s boys ended their curse with a 1-0 win over Arbroath in April 1994.
He said: “We were labelled the worst team in Britain and Cowden-grief. So when the win finally came and we got the monkey off our backs, the sense of relief was huge.
“We beat Arbroath, who had Charlie Adam’s late dad, Charlie Snr, in their team. Willie Callaghan scored the only goal of the game and we finally ended the jinx at the 39th attempt!
“I don’t think Chris Coleman has to worry about beating Cowdenbeath’s record.
“But if I was to say one thing to him, it would be to always be positive and don’t let the players dwell on what’s gone on in the past. Every game is a fresh start and another chance to set the record straight.”
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Reilly was quick to point out that, contrary to a popular story, he did not hire an exorcist to help banish Cowdenbeath’s horror run.
He explained: “We had a famous Cowdenbeath fan, the Reverend John Ferguson, who wrote a book about his life and love for the club.
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“But the stuff in there about him ending our run with an exorcism or saying a few prayers in the dressing room is rubbish! I would never have allowed it.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland seemed to have snow worries that they will escape trouble.
The Black Cats are currently cut adrift in the Championship relegation zone, still two points from safety.
But their enterprising kids found a new line of defence yesterday by building a snowman as wintry blizzards hit the north.
Their new recruit could come in handy at the Stadium of White tomorrow as Sunderland host Reading.
Cats boss Chris Coleman was more Chris Coldman as he donned a pair of gloves to tackle the big freeze.
But he is bound to warm up if his players hit a flurry of goals against the Royals.
It’s just a case of making sure his men are chilled out.