The Italian Francesco Farioli was strongly linked via a reputable source, and Mowbray himself commented on the situation, saying he’d spoken to Kristjaan Speakman about the situation – however, hints at any resolution were missing. In fact, it would have been more concerning if they weren’t. Results wise, this coincided with a run of one win in ten, so it would be no surprise if the powers that be weren’t ramping up their due diligence on alternative head coaches in case that run continued.

He’d spent six weeks bemoaning Ross Stewart’s absence and talking of problems, not opportunities – and had seemingly written off any chances of promotion. That Stoke result seemed to provoke a bit of a reset in Tony Mowbray’s attitude. Off the field, we’re still hampered by mediocrity, particularly around the ticket office situation, and the general condition of the Stadium of Light, while on the field while there’s been significant highlights, we’ve endured some poor results at home, and the capitulation at home to Stoke will never be completely forgotten. While the transfer business we’ve managed to finalise has, on the whole, been superb, the business we weren’t able to do undoubtedly left us short. We’ve stayed up comfortably, were a centre half away from gaining promotion, and have enjoyed some of the most entertaining football I’ve ever seen us produce in my four decades of supporting the lads. All in all, I think it’s fair to say we’ve had a successful season.

Lockwood no one is talking about this