Not the most popular statement a Sunderland supporter can make here, and directly at odds with the first line of the song, but it is the season of goodwill …

Bolton’s fortunes have evolved hugely over the past 6 months. A new boss, bringing a new Bolton into a new, technically dominant world.

Here we are, getting closer to the halfway point of the season and the Cats are, give or take a place, two-thirds of the way up the Premier League table and only 10 points behind Manchester Untied.

After Chris Hughton’s shock departure last week another manager with a Toon connection was heading for the dole queue last night as Blackburn and their new owners dispensed with the services of self proclaimed great manager Sam Allardyce. 

SCOUSERS COME TO TRY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TURMOIL 

ALAN PARDEW CONFIRMED AS NEW BOSS 

 JOL TO FILL THE GAP OR ANOTHER BIG SURPRISE?