Dear Roker Report,
I have sent the below to the legends way support: Good evening, I have purchased a stone to be positioned next to ‘a legend’. I know that your FAQ says people can not decide their location, but I feel strongly about this given the announcement yesterday of who has been chosen for this installation. Frankly, some of those chosen are an embarrassing insult to the illustrious history of Sunderland AFC. If there is any way, please position my stone next to Raich Carter. And not next to Peter Reid, Bob
Murray, Jill Scott or Jermain Defoe. If possible, I urge you and Sunderland AFC to reconsider the chosen people as soon as possible, as there is widespread outrage and dismay about those announced. This should have been easy but there are glaring omissions of true legends in favour of ridiculous recency bias and people who hardly played for Sunderland and won nothing. I hope my wishes can be respected. I paid a lot of money to be next to a ‘legend,’ and quite simply, some of those chosen do not come anywhere near that status. Your website even used Bobby Gurney to advertise the products and he has not been chosen! Please, please, reconsider the choices. It’s embarrassing.
Daniel McGwinn
Editor’s note [Martin]: Thanks for the email Daniel. I do feel this has been badly handled by the club – is it a coincidence this happens after David Bruce left? Difficult not to put two and two together. In the interests of transparency, I think the club should have the votes independently audited – I can’t see more people voting for Bob Murray than Bobby Gurney. People reading this may think that’s over the top, but this project is going to be a huge part of the club, and it’s essential that it’s right. And this isn’t right, or reflective of the club’s history at all. Peter Reid and Jermain Defoe weren’t even on the shortlist. I love Reidy, but you can’t tell me he’s *the* managerial legend for SAFC? It’s been badly handled, and it’s a real shame given it’s such a good idea. I actually feel sorry for the likes of Jill Scott and Jermain Defoe – they’ll likely be embarrassed they’ve been selected. As a fan base, we need to create a noise about this, because otherwise it’ll just happen. Right now, it feels more like a PR and political stunt than a genuine way of honouring Sunderland legends. My suggestion – extend the whole thing, and add in the players and managers who should be there.
Dear Roker Report,
I find it unbelievable that when former players are remembered for their achievements at SAFC Bobby Gurney seems to be forgotten about. All there is to remember Bobby Gurney is a mural on a wall at Silksworth. He’s the club’s leading goalscorer. He won a First Division title and an FA cup. I think the people at Sunderland football club are a bit short-sighted when it comes to remembering the real legends of SAFC. I rest my case.
David Hepple
Ed’s note [Martin]: It’s disgraceful many of the true legends of the club haven’t been honoured previously. Bobby Gurney, Jimmy Millar, Raich Carter, Jimmy Thorpe, Johnny Mapson – thousands of games, loads of goals and trophies between them. But apparently Jermain Defoe and Jill Scott did more for the club…
Dear Roker Report,
Hello I put this on pure football and they said to share with fanzines and podcasts so you guys can create something and make traction. Show our thanks and support to the squad and staff for a remarkable season that none of us could of dreamt about. Warmer weather, pyro, chants and cans of skol with fellow supporters. Make the most of the good times as we have been through the ringer with the club over the last couple of decades.
Carl Weeks
Ed’s note [Martin]: Not really sure what’s going on here Carl, but if you’re organising a party let us know. We’ll be there.
Dear Roker Report.
Robbie Earle is a retired footballer who provides commentary for Premier League games on U.S. TV at halftime and post-match. Several weeks ago, I believe it was at halftime of the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, Mr. Earle gave his opinion that Régis le Bris was the Manager of the Year. At that time, SAFC had accumulated 36 points in 27 games. Since then, the Black Cats have gained 10 more points (including 3 from the Hosts) in 5 games, to reach 46 in 32. This further strengthens the validity of Mr. Earle’s point of view.
I am providing this information, since those of you in the U.K. are not likely to watch the lads on U.S. TV. We are indeed fortunate to have our squad managed by the Breton Wizard.
Mac Craig
Ed’s note [Martin]: Thanks for the email, Mac. Le Bris has got to be in contention for it, and should be guaranteed it if we get into Europe. He’s had a superb season – just as he did last year. Bar a few clowns on social media who seem desperate to get rid of him when we lose a game or two, everyone else can see just what a good manager we have. Hopefully, he’s flown under the radar of other clubs for the time being.
