FanZone's Nick Colling heads to Amsterdam for a behind-the-scenes report of Sunderland's trip.
FanZone takes a sneaky peek at Sunderland's Dutch adventure
Steve Bruce took his Sunderland side to the Amsterdam Tournament as part of their pre-season plans. So FanZone sent Mackem Nick Colling over the Channel to take a look at how his side were looking ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Here's part one of his holiday in Holland...
My journey really didn't start well, heavy rain on the way to the airport married with a missed turning proved to be the start of what we would be one of the most frustrating few hours of my life.
It's always nice when a friend offers to give you a lift to the airport for free, what isn't nice is when that same friend misses the turning. You can't really shout or tell him what you really think and sitting still and smiling has never been my bag.
Anyway, I am sorry for being ungrateful to James as I ran through the airport and just made my flight. But as I said in the car with a tone containing more than a hint of sarcasm, this really could be my only chance of seeing SAFC in Europe.
I've been to Amsterdam twice before so I feel I know the drill. The flight is short but long enough to enjoy, the people are friendly and welcoming, and the scenery picturesque.
I enjoyed the flight over and broadened my knowledge of Dutch football by speaking to a guy who followed FC Twente, the club who have the misfortune of being managed Steve McLaren.
What surprises me about Dutch football, and in fact the Netherlands as a whole, is that they have consistently unearthed players of such high quality including Cruyff, Van Basten, Bergkamp and of course who can forget Glen Helder.
I left my new Dutch friends behind at the airport and headed into the city, it was late when I arrived but a quick check of the local bars revealed they were all packed with Sunderland fans.
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Kick off at 7pm the next day meant I had the day to take in the city, and more importantly find the rest of the Mackems. Reports had told me that there were around four and half thousand out here. Amazing really for a pre-season friendly, but then again we're proper fans of a proper club, unlike you
Hymy Fisher!
The mood from the my fellow Red 'n' White worshippers was of optimism. Yes Crouch had sacked us off but the players from last year really did underperform and for what it's worth I feel only a few signings are needed. Let's see how that all develops...
So the first game began, but before it did I managed to have a cheeky little walk round for you FanZone readers to hear all about.
I managed to meander my way around the ground, and into the changing rooms!
I don't know who was more surprised as I sat down next to Kieran Richardson him or me, top guy though, when I replied to his question 'mate are you supposed to be in here?' with 'probably not' he just laughed and offered me a sports drink.
Encounters with Steve Bruce and George McCartney followed and then I made the short journey back to the area I was meant to be in and up to the press box. One thing that hits you about the Ajax arena once the pitch becomes visible is how impressive it is.
Last season I took in the San Siro, Old Trafford and the Emirates but if I'm honest only the San Siro is better than the Dutch giant's ground - not only is it steep and intimidating but also warm and welcoming at the same time.
Benfica
Sunderland lined up with the returning Marlon Fulop and Kenwyne Jones as they looked to make a positive impact in their first game of the Dutch tour. Jordon Henderson also made a start and looked like he has made further progress which is great to see.
I'm unsure how much you should care in pre-season friendlies really, the result is not the most important thing but taking good results into the new season can only be a positive thing.
The result as it turned out was fairly conclusive with Benfica winning 2-0 after a generous penalty and a killer second from Pereira killed the game, the best part of the game was the fact that a cute Dutch girl brought round some teas!
After the game I found myself being the only English guy in the press conference, which was awesome. Brucie recognised me from pitchside and bigged up FanZone - top man!
He confirmed the signing of Cana, the captain of Marseille, who surely has to be decent to have been their captain. A good day had by all despite the result.
Read part two of Nick's exclusive report from Amsterdam later this week...
