ROKER RAPPORT PODCAST: Reviewing Sunderland’s Lincoln horror show w/ Phil Smith & James Hunter!
Joining us on the Podcast this week to talk about Sunderland’s performance at Lincoln, the Jack Ross in/out debate and more are Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo and James Hunter of the Chronicle. You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in.
The Magnificent 7: Buckfast... Dogs... the Mag meltdown, and eight red cards in five minutes!
Ye olde Buckfast tonic wine makes an appearance in the Europa League, the World Cup of Dogs begins and red cards for Yeovil’s ball boys all make an appearance in our compilation of this week’s best bits from the world of football.
Finlay’s Report: Even the Sunderland fans who were on the fence are starting to doubt Jack Ross
"After Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Bolton, fans debated whether Jack Ross should stay at Wearside, but now I think that the majority of supporters are keen on Ross leaving the club" says RR’s junior journo Finlay Anderson.
Fan Letters: “Every time we lose all you hear is Ross out!” - reader David backs Sunderland boss
"I genuinely believe he is a good manager, we’re not where we want to be right now but it’s a long season and I do think we’ll get there." RR reader David feels a miraculous optimism most don’t share in these Fan Letters. Got something to share? Email us at RokerReport@Yahoo.co.uk!
The Stat Man: Why “look at how Luton started” doesn’t wash when it comes to analysing Sunderland
"Look at how Luton started last season!" is something often said in defence of Jack Ross but, as Steve Tiltman explains, the Hatters were always on course for promotion. Sunderland must improve - and quickly!
The Latest
Talking Points: After Lincoln debacle, how much time has Jack Ross got left as Sunderland boss?
Now that the dust has settled, we look back at the Lincoln performance and pick out the key Talking Points - including why Sunderland must part ways with Jack Ross, why Jon McLaughlin needs to be dropped and why our lack of pace is hindering us.
Talking Tactics: The main flaws in Sunderland’s plan that led to Lincoln embarrassment
This weekend’s defeat away to Lincoln was a particularly poor performance - Sunderland‘s flaws were highlighted by the Imps as more pressure mounts on Jack Ross.
Roker Report’s Sunday Brainbusters #9: Are you a Sunderland statto?! Test yourself with our quiz
Think you know everything that there is to know about Sunderland?! Take our quiz and test yourself! Best of luck, and let us know how you get on...
Mental Health & Grassroots Football: Sunderland, and all clubs, have a duty of care to carry out
"As an Under 8’s coach in the Russell Foster League, I see the issues in professional football spilling into grassroots football" writes RR’s resident researcher Neil Graney.
“Sunderland owner Stewart Donald needs to seriously consider finding a new manager - here’s why”
"I’m not particularly keen on shouting for a manager to be sacked, but I’m now undeniably worried that Sunderland’s owner, Stewart Donald, is making a huge mistake in sticking by Jack Ross."
PLAYER RATINGS: Lincoln 2-0 Sunderland - Here’s how the Lads rated after dreadful performance
Sunderland were God awful at Sincil Bank today, losing 2-0 without mustering anything resembling a fight against struggling Lincoln. Here’s how our man watching the match rated the Sunderland players.
Played for Both: FOUR players to have played for both Sunderland and Lincoln City!
We take another trip down memory lane and focus on FOUR players to have played for both Sunderland & Lincoln City - let us know if you can think of any more!
With pace, power & skill in abundance, will these 3 Lincoln players cause Sunderland problems?
Ignoring the fact that Lincoln are in poor form, it’s important to recognise that they have some handy forwards who are capable of embarrassing defences on their day. Will they cause Sunderland problems today?
Roker Riches: Sunderland are 15/8 to keep a clean sheet at Lincoln - will we FINALLY do it?
It’s October and Sunderland still haven’t kept a clean sheet in a league game. Will we finally nab one today at Lincoln? The bookies aren’t sure - they’ve priced it at 15/8.
Match Preview: Will Sunderland make it three straight wins today against out-of-form Lincoln?
Sunderland are aiming to make it three straight wins when they travel to Lincoln. Can the Lads pile the misery on the Imps and new boss Michael Appleton?
Cans & Megabus Away Guide: Everything Sunderland fans need to know about their trip to Lincoln
Imps, a steep hill and a cathedral that incited the wrath of the actual Devil - here’s everything you need to know about Sunderland’s trip to Lincoln on Saturday.
ONE CHANGE! Is this the starting eleven that Sunderland will field today against Lincoln City?
Is this the starting eleven that Jack Ross will pick when Sunderland head to Lincoln today? We’re anticipating that there will be ONE change - what team would you pick?
Talking Tactics: Will a change in style yield more positive results for Sunderland?
Sunderland have changed their style of play in recent games. There’s still work to be done, but will this help the Lads in achieving regular wins moving forward?
Fan Letters: “Joey Barton has a point!” - Why do you think Sunderland decided to call off game?
Today our readers discuss the issues surrounding the Fleetwood postponement and whether Lincoln’s new boss should have been a managerial appointment at Sunderland. Got anything to say? Email us: RokerReport@Yahoo.co.uk!
The early signs are good - Willis & Lynch have potential to solidify Sunderland’s leaky defence
In Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch have Sunderland stumbled upon a central defensive partnership that will give them the base to improve their clean sheet record and, in turn, shoot up the League One table?
Interview: ANOTHER 1-1 draw?! Lincoln fan Gary predicting a miserable afternoon for Sunderland
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Lincoln we sat down for a chat with Imps supporter (and blogger) Gary Hutchinson to gather his thoughts - and whilst his side are in poor form, he’s predicting a miserable afternoon is coming for Sunderland.
The Stat Man: Sunderland are barely on course to make the play-offs - and here’s why!
"Putting it plainly, no team in the last ten years has been automatically promoted from League One performing in the way Sunderland have done so far this season" writes RR’s resident stat man Steve Tiltman.
Power Rankings: Sunderland’s goal-scoring midfield hero reaches first place in a mixed fortnight
Check out which Sunderland player claimed the #1 spot in our charts for the first time in the fourth edition of the 2019-20 Power Rankings!
ROKER RAPPORT XTRA PODCAST: Previewing Lincoln City v Sunderland with the BBC’s Michael Hortin!
Joining us on the Podcast to preview this weekend’s game between Sunderland and Lincoln is Michael Hortin from the BBC! You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in.
Barnesy’s Blog: The club need to do more to take the pressure off Sunderland manager Jack Ross
"The club can play its part in changing the mood and the mind-set, but for that it needs strong leadership and the manager, whoever it may be, needs someone who can take those pressures off their shoulders" writes BBC Newcastle’s Nick Barnes in his latest monthly Roker Report blog.
Fan Letters: The never-ending debate over Jack Ross’s future as Sunderland manager continues
It feels like a never ending discussion, but today’s Roker Report readers Mick and David continue to analyse Jack Ross’ role as Sunderland manager. Got something to say? Email us: RokerReport@Yahoo.co.uk!
Is Aiden McGeady still Sunderland’s Ki to success?
"They always say a great midfield player can dictate the tempo of a match, but as with Ki, McGeady seems to slow the game while he thinks what to do next. It isn’t really his fault, but there is no urgency around him" says Gary Engel.
What do you make of the decision to call off Sunderland’s game v Fleetwood at short notice?
Yesterday, Sunderland called off their game with Fleetwood, prompting debate amongst bemused supporters over why such a decision was taken at relatively short notice. Was it the right thing to do?
“Why I back Jack Ross” - Michael Graham on why he’s still behind the Sunderland manager
"So, take it or leave it, agree with it or disagree with it, but please don’t tell me that no one can possibly have any reason to back Ross" - Michael Graham has his say on the Jack Ross in/Jack Ross out debate.
ROKER RAPPORT EXILES PODCAST: More MK Dons reaction, away day nightmares & the road to Lincoln!
Join our intrepid crew of exiled Podcasters as they talk about the MK Dons win, their away day nightmares and the Lincoln game on Saturday! You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in.
Who do you think should start in goal for Sunderland on Saturday - Jon McLaughlin, or Lee Burge?
Who do you think should start in goal for Sunderland on Saturday - Jon McLaughlin, or Lee Burge? Gav and Tom Albrighton go head to head as they argue over who they think should play - who do you agree with?
Fan Letters: Assessing criticism of Jack Ross - when will he convince his doubters he’s the man?
What will it take for Jack Ross to convince the supporters who aren’t behind him that he’s the man to lead Sunderland forward? We discuss it all today in Fan Letters. Got something to say? Email us: RokerReport@Yahoo.co.uk!
Roker Roundup: Riveros on Sunderland ‘dream’ & Mark Campbell’s Falkirk takeover talks continue
Ex-Sunderland midfielders Cristian Riveros and Lee Clark have been talking about when they signed for Sunderland, whilst former takeover contender Mark Campbell is still in talks to buy Falkirk.
Are victories enough for Jack Ross to win back the faith of the Sunderland fans who dislike him?
Calls were strong after the Bolton game for Jack Ross to lose his job, but after two wins in a week the mood amongst the fanbase appears to have dampened. Will winning games, in albeit unconvincing style, be enough to change how some fans feel about our manager?
They say a week is a long time in football - particularly if you are Sunderland and Jack Ross!
"It had been a tough week, but we emerged from it (reasonably) unscathed. Four league points, two impressive debuts, and a last-sixteen berth in the League Cup. Sunderland. Never dull, is it?" writes Philip West.
League One Review (September): Sunderland’s promotion competitors starting to emerge already?
Whilst the form of Lincoln has taken a serious downturn, one or two other sides have emerged as serious promotion competitors to Sunderland already. Join us as we look back at the month that was in September.
Happy, content, or sceptical - what did YOU make of Sunderland’s performance & win on Saturday?
Now that the dust has settled, how do you feel about the way that Sunderland played during their win over MK Dons on Saturday afternoon?