Sunderland fan group ‘Red & White Army’ request formal meeting with Ellis Short & Martin Bain

Newly-launched Sunderland Supporter’s group the ‘Red And White Army’ have this weekend sent a formal letter to the owner and CEO of Sunderland AFC in order to request an introductory meeting with the pair.

The group, which officially launched last week, have already garnered over 2000 members and are holding their first official meeting this coming Tuesday (3rd October) at the Peacock Inn (formerly the Londonderry) in Sunderland (starting 6.30pm) - you can click here if you’d like to register to attend.

In their mission statement, the Red and White Army are described as a “fully democratic, inclusive and independent supporters group” that “aims to give a voice to all Sunderland fans”, with the goal to “inform, liaise with and communicate with the club in the hope of strengthening fan relationships with Sunderland AFC”.

This is a great opportunity for all fans to put forward their opinions, discuss issues facing the club, and how they can possibly be solved in an organized and democratic manner. It’s a chance to have your voice heard.

The letter, which was forwarded by the group to the club yesterday morning, reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Bain,

RE: Request for meeting with the Owner and CEO of SAFC

The Red and White Army (RAWA), independent supporters' organisation, launched on Thursday 21st September 2017. We have had a fantastic response from across our passionate fanbase, already attracting more than 2000 members. We firmly believe our membership will grow and we will constantly review and adapt how we represent our diverse support.

RAWA is formally requesting a meeting with the owner and CEO of SAFC at the earliest opportunity to introduce ourselves, and begin a process of structured dialogue. We believe this will bring lasting benefits to SAFC and all of its supporters.

RAWA is aware of existing forms of engagement between various supporter groups and the club. We applaud the club and particularly those supporters who give up their own time to feed into these processes. We are not seeking to replace any of this but we hope we can enhance it.

For many supporters, their loyalty feels like a gift that is being taken for granted, as if they’re merely extras in someone else’s story. We want our fans to take centre stage again, in order that they can help shape the Club’s future.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Hird - Red and White Army Interim Chairman

Interesting times indeed - the hope now is that Messrs Bain and Short understand that it’s within the best interests of the club to hold structured dialogue with any group that are keen to improve fan-club relations. This is a genuine attempt by fans to try and engage with the club in order to ensure our voices are being heard, and if that sounds like something you agree with, then get yourself along.

Sound interesting? Well if you’d like to join the Red and White Army, simply head over to RedAndWhiteArmy.co.uk and subscribe to the group’s mailing list via the link on the homepage.