WHILE the importance of football has to be kept in context, it does have a special value to the people of the North-East.

Success for our football teams can lift the mood of the region, as demonstrated by Newcastle's surprise qualification for the Champions League under the guidance of Bobby Robson, a man who will surely get his knighthood soon.

Equally, failure has a demoralising effect, which is why it is to be hoped that Sunderland avoid relegation in their final match this afternoon.

It is extremely unlikely that Sunderland will fail to get a point at home to already-relegated Derby, and that Ipswich will beat Liverpool away from home - but anything is possible.

It is therefore imperative that the inquests into Sunderland's disappointing season wait for another day. It hasn't been good to watch, and a club which enjoys such passionate support should not be fighting for its Premiership life.

But today is about the fans lifting their club to safety so we can have three clubs from the region in the top flight next year.

Come on Sunderland!

Farewell,Frank

IT must be some kind of record for one man to devote his working life to covering the same football club for 42 years.

Frank Johnson has done just that as The Northern Echo's Sunderland reporter. Today is his final match and we wish him a long and happy retirement.

And let's just hope that the team ensures it's a happy send-off.