FAN LETTERS: “STUPID DIRGE!” - Should Sunderland change their run-out tunnel music at the SoL?

Dear Roker Report,

Greetings from the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

I follow the ups and downs of SAFC with my trawl of the internet averaging 10-12 times per-day, and whilst I am not familiar with many players we have been linked with, it is great to see that we can recruit and players that will fight for the cause. Having landed in South Africa in early 2004, I have only been able to watch on with disappointment as the club slid closer to the precipice. I was fortunate to be able to have access to watch every Premier League game on the local Supersport channel. The last few years left with me very few moments to cherish, and embarrassing conversations with South Africans and expats.

It is with renewed belief that I see the club being rebuilt with the rotten core being discarded and players signed who appear to genuinely buy into the club, finally we appear to have everyone pulling together.

Before left the UK I was living on the Isle of Man, and averaged around 15 games a season with my good mate Barry. Credit to the supporters who have demonstrated commitment in buying season tickets, and I hope that in my 50^th year of life that I will get opportunity to catch a couple of games in the UK supplemented with my plans to subscribe to online access (fingers crossed). I miss that camaraderie of a match day and feeling of a great day win, lose or draw with great banter.

Here’s hoping we can replicate the “G-force” to lead the charge for goals and that we can tear up the league and put smiles and regain the new generation of supporters.

And lastly, I have seen a few letters from South African residents living in the Western Cape. Be great to find a few more in Johannesburg with a view to getting an official South African branch going for my fellow supporters based in South Africa even if just via what’s app or similar to start.

Ha’way the lads and thanks Roker Report for providing a place to share.

Rod McPherson

Ed’s Note [JN]: Glad to see you still avidly following the Lads, Rod. Any fans who are also based in South Africa (the Western Cape and Johannesburg more specifically) get in touch with us and we will get you together. A South Africa branch sounds perfect, and hopefully you’ll all manage to get back some of those match-day vibes from afar.

Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Just wondering how many of your readers agree with me that we should get the club to change the stupid dirge that gets played whenever we run out.

It’s not inspiring at all! What song/tune do your readers think we should play?

Tom Glendenning

Ed’s Note [JN]: I presume you’re referring to Ready To Go? I love the tune me, it is an absolute classic. But then again I have rose-tinted glasses from hearing it as a bairn. Maybe something else Sunderland-related? Or simply a bit livelier to get the blood pumping? For what it’s worth the high-octane pre-match music at the World Cup (not the White Stripes, this) was excellent.

I’ve hoyed a poll in below for readers to express how they feel about the current run-out music, I urge you all to stick a vote in below.