Keith Chapman, 27 years old, writes for Sunderland AFC’s Official Matchday Programme Red and White and official club magazine Legion of Light. He has followed Sunderland for 20 years and has also been a season ticket holder since 1990.

How long have you supported Sunderland?

I got bitten by the red and white bug when I attended my first match in the dark days of Division Three. We played Doncaster on New Year’s Day at Roker Park in 1988 and we won 3-1. I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere in the Fulwell End with the crowd urging the Lads on, and everything about the whole matchday experience.

Highlights of last season?

There were many. Burnley at home was a great evening, which effectively sealed promotion in front of a near full house. The game was a topsy-turvy affair, Sunderland went ahead, Burnley came back and went ahead, but we levelled and with only 10 minutes left (Roberto) Carlos Edwards hit a great long-range shot which almost burst the net. The emotion and the excitement which followed that goal will live with me for a long, long time. Our game at Luton was also a wonderful day as we won the league and hammered in five goals, but the gloss was taken off a bit by the team not being presented with the trophy after the game. Those two games stand out but the game for me that will live with me for the rest of my life is a non-eventful game at Cardiff City we narrowly won 1-0. However, I was one of the fans who were given a lift back home in one of Niall Quinn’s ‘taxis’. The story itself has been well documented. Niall was on the flight and after Easyjet refused to fly supporters home dozens of people were left stranded in Bristol Airport. Enter King Niall, who paid for a fleet of taxi’s to take us all home. What a man. I am so proud that he is our chairman.

Sunderland players to watch out for?

Roy has made some astute signings with more expected to follow. He’s brought in a lot of young, hungry players with a point to prove and I’m sure they will flourish under his guidance. I’ve been particularly impressed in the pre-season games with Paul McShane, who signed recently from West Brom. Last season he mainly played right back but under Keane on the Irish tour he’s been used as a centre half. He’s been our best player by a mile. Commanding in the air, good communication with his defenders, no-nonsense and a good, all-round defender he looks a bargain at £1.5m. On the wings Kieran Richardson and Carlos Edwards will be given the job of providing Michael Chopra the ammunition to make an impact in the Premier League. There’s been a lot of talk about Chopra’s move from Newcastle but he got 22 goals for Cardiff City in his first full season playing regular football and I’m confident he’ll score goals providing we create the chances.

Prediction for season?

I think we’ll surprise a few this season. We are under no illusions how difficult it is going to be but the whole outlook of the club is different now and a world away from the embarrassing lowest points relegation seasons. We’ve got a manager who is a born winner, a world-renowned figure who doesn’t settle for second best and arguably the greatest midfielder the Premier League has ever seen. We’ve got a Chairman in Niall Quinn who has a real understanding of the game and has big ambitions for the club. We’ve got financial backing we’ve never really had at any stage in our history not to mention a wonderful stadium and training facilities. Our support, especially away from home, will certainly add to the Premier League. I’m sure the future looks bright for Sunderland AFC.

Roy Keane?

He’s taken to management like a duck to water. He’s been absolutely brilliant and just what this club needed after the heartache of the embarrassing relegation last year. Supporters had fell out of love with the team and Roy has reignited that passion. His signings have been very astute and has the team attacking with pace and generally good to watch. He’s also learned off two very good managers in Brian Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson. He genuinely has big plans for Sunderland, no thoughts of survival or making the numbers up. Roy Keane wants to make an impact this season. I wouldn’t bet against it.

Memories against Spurs?

Over the years we’ve had a decent record against Spurs at home and tend to lose at White Hart Lane. Think every time I’ve been to the Lane we’ve lost. I remember a decent game between us at Tottenham a couple of seasons ago when we lost 3-2, Dean Whitehead scored a cracking free-kick and young Ben Alnwick saved a penalty. There’s a few others that stand out, a 0-0 draw at Roker Park in 1990/91 when Gazza got loads of stick.

Comments on Spurs

I think if there’s a team that can break the top four strangehold on the league then it’s going to be Tottenham. Martin Jol has brought some great players in recent years and are a very skilful side to watch. Dimitar Berbatov is a great player and along with Robbie Keane have the best striking partnership in the league. However, if there’s one weakness in the side it’s the defence and I’m surprised you haven’t strengthened more but there’s still time before the window closes. I think you might edge out Arsenal and get into fourth which you will be pleased about!

Prediction for the game

Tough one to call. At the time of writing we’re hoping to bring at least another couple of players into the club so that might have a major bearing on Saturday. I think it’ll be close, I fancy us to give you a tough test but it all depends how we cope with Keane and Berbatov. Based on our past record against Spurs at home I’ll say we’ll sneak a 1-1 draw which will be a decent start to the season.

Thanks to Keith for the comments. The Spurs Odyssey official preview is here. I'll be predicting a Spurs win - just!

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