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Dear Roker Report,
The last three matches, at home and away to Coventry, and that unforgettable fantastic day at Wembley will live long in my memory. But then to start the Premier season in the same vein with an unrecognisable team.
Does this show the beginning of a new era of football?
Unfortunately, I can remember the day you never knew which team would turn out, the result of that game bringing unrest as a Sunderland supporter (for may I add is now some
sixty years).
I see a new type of game where the footballers are definitely up for it, or is it that I am being over optimistic about my beloved team? Onwards and upwards!
You replied to my last outburst when I said that we will never hear our local lads commentating again, is that so?
Harry Nixon
Ed’s Note [Gav]: I think that these days there is a deeper understanding that it’s a squad game, and that all of our players have a part to play in a game. I’m sure that everyone wants to start every game, but that just cannot be the case. It’s not always about who starts a game, though – just look at Tommy Watson in the playoff final, or Wilson Isidor last weekend against West Ham. We need every single player ready to play their part, both physically and mentally. I think the fact we have such an intelligent coach who can communicate with his players effectively is the biggest reason why we seem to have done a good job at this.
Dear Roker Report,
I read that Ogunsuyi scored a superb hattrick against Spurs on Monday night — so, this is why I’m saying we should give him a shot in the first team now before it’s too late.
Ian Frame
Ed’s Note [Gav]: Before what is too late, Ian? He’s only 18 year old — he’s got plenty of time on his side! I really like Trey Ogunsuyi, and we may well see him get some minutes off the bench in the cup game on Tuesday night, but if it was me making the decisions I’d be getting the lad a move out on loan somewhere where he can test himself week in, week out against proper blokes that are going to kick him up and down the pitch. That will be the true test of his ability, and after a season away we can reassess. There are several strikers ahead of him at the moment and, given we’re now a Premier League club, he’s going to struggle to get many first team minutes this season. The fact he signed a new contract last week should give us plenty of reassurance that they have a solid plan for his development, and I for one am looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Dear Roker Report,
In a letter earlier this week I questioned if Sunderland’s starting lineup was the first time without an English man in it. It appears that Dan Ballard was born in Stevenage, so we did have one starting. Pleased about that.
Bill Fisher
Ed’s Note [Gav]: I guess you’re right – yes, he was born in Stevenage. But as we all know, he’s been capped many times by Northern Ireland and is entitled to Irish citizenship, so I guess you’d have to ask Dan himself if he’s English or not!
