"Simon Grayson shares disappointment over unexpectedly grim football season chronicles in Sunderland 'Til I Die"
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The documentary series "Sunderland 'Til I Die," produced by Netflix, offers an unfiltered look into the football club's tumultuous 2017/18 season. The season, under the management of Simon Grayson, resulted in the team's relegation to the third tier, marking a historic low point for the club.
The series starts with Grayson taking over the reins from David Moyes, following Sunderland's relegation from the Premier League. The team was facing a significant "hangover" from that relegation, with many players leaving and generating nearly £40m in sales. However, the club had limited funds to rebuild, bringing in about 10 new players for around £1 million in total.
The season was fraught with challenges, as some players, such as Jack Rodwell, either did not want to be at the club or refused to leave and trained with the youth team to receive a hefty salary. Grayson's management was laid bare within this grim context, as Sunderland continued to struggle, culminating in finishing at the bottom of the Championship and suffering a second consecutive relegation. Grayson was sacked after just 18 games in October 2017.
The documentary portrays a "nightmare season," contrasting with initial hopes of a promotion-contending campaign. Instead, it captures a club mired in crisis, turmoil, and poor performances. Grayson later described Sunderland as the "right club but at the wrong time" for him, highlighting the severe challenges and unstable circumstances during his tenure.
Despite Grayson's early departure, the club continued to struggle in the 2018/19 season, finishing 24th in the table and dropping down to the third tier for only the second time in their history. The new players brought in by Grayson were unable to prevent this unfortunate outcome.
The documentary's first season, premiered in December 2018, offers a candid look into the club's struggles during the 2017/18 season. A second season, showcasing the 2018/19 season, was released in 2020. Interestingly, the third and final series was released in February 2024, ending by following the club's promotion back to the Championship.
In summary, Grayson's stint at Sunderland during the 2017/18 season was a difficult period marked by limited resources, poor player morale, early sacking, and ultimately, a historic low point for the club on and off the pitch. The documentary series "Sunderland 'Til I Die" provides an unfiltered look into these challenges, offering a compelling narrative for football fans.
The Sunderland 'Til I Die documentary series, a part of the movies-and-TV category, provides entertainment by offering an unfiltered look into the club's tumultuous years, including struggles in sports such as football and European leagues. Despite the challenges faced during Grayson's tenure, the documentary also highlights the resilience of the football club, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, entertainment can be found. For instance, sports enthusiasts might find it fascinating to watch the club's journey from relegation to promotion, showcasing the ups and downs of football entertainment.
