Boy Jumps Ship discuss their beloved Sunderland to coincide with the release of their new single “Burn”.

How did you come to support Sunderland?

My uncle was a big Sunderland fan and often got tickets for games at Roker Park, so he’d always take me along. Plus I could see the ground from my bedroom! I wasn’t going to support anyone else.

What are your thoughts on the season so far? And what are your expectations for the rest of the season?

I really hope we survive. I know there are a few murmurs around Sunderland fans that going down could be good for us, so we can start afresh. But I’d disagree, I think them fans are just struggling with the fact that it might actually happen and we get relegated.

Do you think Sam Allardyce is doing a good job?

Yes. I was pretty underwhelmed when Big Sam came in and I still am. But he’s the first manager in a long, long while that Sunderland has had who has real Premier League experience. I think it is proving vital, especially if he gets us out of the sticky situation we are currently in.

Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?

Big Sam seems to be trying to tighten up our defence, which we’ve desperately needed for a while. Stop the goals. Personally I feel it’s our right-back position that needs most work. I can’t remember the last full-back Sunderland have had who really ticks all the boxes both defensively and in attack.

Considering he had a horrid start to the season, Patrick Van Aanholt has been a real surprise. It’s great to see how he’s turned it around. I get the feeling he could become a real key player in years to come, maybe the full-back we’ve been looking for!

Have you managed to get to the ground much to watch them over the years?

Like I say, I have real distant memories of visiting Roker Park when I was young. But I had a season ticket for the first four seasons at the Stadium Of Light. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like now. Maybe a few times a season.

Would you be able to name the first, best and worst games you’ve ever been to?

First would be Sunderland v Oxford at Roker Park, we lost. If only I had realised nothing was going to change! Best has to be 4-1 v Chelsea in ’99 with ‘that’ half volley from Kevin Phillips. Worst has to be the Championship play-off final v Charlton at Wembley – that was a long train ride home.

Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for your team in your time as a fan, who would you pick?

We love a good cult player up here in Sunderland, so I am going for: Thomas Sørensen, Stanislav Varga, Lorik Cana, Allan Johnston, Djibril Cissé.