THERE'S a passage in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind which has stuck with me ever since I saw the movie.

Discussing the possibility of extra-terrestrial life, one of the characters comments that the only common language between two different planets would be mathematics. Another way of stating Einstein's belief that the laws of physics are universal.

Well, I believe there is another universal language - football - and it wouldn't surprise me if within minutes of aliens landing on earth they began discussing prospects for the forthcoming World Cup.

I've reached this conclusion following discussions with various businesses interested in investing in the North-East.

Three times in recent weeks very senior figures interested in multi-million pound investment in the area have opened the conversation with the words "aren't Middlesbrough doing well". Whether this is good or bad I don't know, but it demonstrates the impact a successful football team can have on a town and a region.

Not only does it project a positive image outside the area, it also creates a feelgood factor within the town. Sir John Hall often stated that Newcastle's economy boomed during the Keegan years, production was up and there was a buzz about the city.

But, as Einstein also pointed out, for every action there is a reaction. If success in football is positive, then failure can be negative.

Which brings us to poor old Sunderland. Just when their fans thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. Relegation is one thing but being thumped 4-1 at home by the old enemy is about as bad as it gets.

I was interested to see a fan run up to the dugout and throw his season ticket away in protest. Of course he shouldn't have invaded the pitch but it was done in a non-aggressive way and summed up the exasperation many must have felt.

It was very reminiscent of the actions of a Middlesbrough fan a few weeks ago when the team had been well beaten at home.

The turnaround since then is all down to the belief within the club, the leadership of Steve Gibson, Keith Lamb and Steve McClaren, and the hard work of the players.

This column is written before the result of last night's game in Bucharest was known but, whatever it was, I'm confident the team will reach the final of the UEFA Cup.

It is a remarkable turnaround considering 20 years ago the gates of Ayresome Park were locked, there wasn't enough money to pay the players and there was a real doubt that the club would survive bankruptcy.

It's a thought for suffering Sunderland fans to cling on to. No matter how bad things are, they can be turned round with good leadership.

There is a lot of talk about how clubs have to spend millions of pounds on players nowadays but personally I think management is far more important than any player.

Just look at the results Middlesbrough has achieved with a number of home-grown players. And at Newcastle Glenn Roeder has achieved wonders despite having to cope with the same injury crisis that supposedly hampered Graeme Souness.

Leadership will be the crucial factor in determining whether Sunderland fans enjoy promotion or endure a close encounter with third flight football next season.

Published: 21/04/2006