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Dear Roker Report,
I’ve been a Sunderland supporter for all my life (73 years). We live for the odd highs, and put up with the vast percentage of the lows - moaning, of course.
The best games I ever saw were in the old second division, and of course the cup runs. I’m sure that will be the case again, and I include the third tier we now find ourselves in.
The Premier League is a poisoned chalice and an illusion for 90% of the teams in it. Are the majority of fans happy? I know we weren’t for the last few years.
Being at Manchester United in the semi-finals of the 2014 League Cup with some 12,000 brothers made the years of misery worth it. That’s what we’re about, and we can do that again albeit in the lower leagues.
We are better than the money grabbing agents/players that have nearly ruined our club. I’m really looking forward to next season because, as the saying goes, “things can only get better”.
Sam Lucas
Ed’s note [Gav]: I get your point Sam, and I’m also really looking forward to venturing into the unknown this coming season. League One is a real chance for this club to find itself again, and though I can’t speak for all supporters, I’m personally relishing the chance to watch my team win some games again - and whatever league we’re in when doing that really does not concern me.
The Premier League was, for the majority of the time, absolute hell and I really don’t want us to rush back there any time soon. Instead let’s get back on our feet, get people into the club that subscribe to the mantra of our new owners and get people falling back in love with football again.
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Dear Roker Report,
Can you ask Stewart Donald next time he’s on your Podcast about the loyalty points system?
I’m a season ticket holder and have been for 19 years (and through all the bad times), and I was never in doubt about renewing this season. I have a young family so I can’t get to away games, but I am at the SOL for every home game. However I get no loyalty points, nor does my dad or son for that loyalty over all these years.
So when we get to Wembley or a ‘good away game’ comes up a ‘new’ season ticket holder who’s attended a couple of away games qualifies before me and my family - how can that be right?
My son is older now and this season I’d like to go to Accrington Stanley, but have no chance as the loyalty scheme at present doesn’t qualify me.
Why am I not rewarded for my continuous loyalty? Surely as a long standing season ticket holder my loyalty points should reflect that, and should I choose to attend an away game I should stand a good chance of getting a ticket.
What do you think?
Quenton Carr
Ed’s Note [Gav]: We’ve had loads of letters recently about this subject and I think that the one thing you can say about it is that there’s absolutely no way that the club can keep everyone happy. Changing the loyalty system around will upset someone, and unfortunately for that reason I can’t see it being altered in your favour.
It could be worse, of course. At Newcastle they don’t quash loyalty points, meaning that fans who accrued them as long as fifteen years ago still have the ability to get tickets over fans who are just starting out. At least the current system encourages new supporters to attend away games and doesn’t allow fans who travelled away years ago to hold power over those that have significantly less than they do.