FAN LETTERS: Watching Sunderland on a legal stream at 3 o’clock on a Saturday - a novel concept!

Dear Roker Report,

I just wanted to stop by and commend you all for the fantastic work you have done recently in keeping the fans connected to what is going on at the club.

Your coverage of the transfer window was unrivalled, and the Podcasts since the end of the last season both with journalists and the Sunderland owner have been nothing short of brilliant. Your website is the first place I head to before and after a game (and first thing in a morning for Andy’s news roundup!).

I live in Bulgaria and have been here since retiring three years ago, and as you can imagine there aren’t many other Sunderland supporters around here that I can talk to about the match. The stuff you guys produce helps me to stay connected to the football club I grew up loving, alongside my father at Roker Park. For that I want to extend my gratitude, and please be aware that I will be back in touch around Christmas when I’m home to catch you for a pint or two as a way of saying “THANK YOU”!

Keep the Faith and Haway the Lads,

David McGovern (in Borgas)

Ed’s Note [Gav]: Wow - thanks! All I can say to that is that you are welcome, and I’ll definitely be up for meeting you for a beer when you’re over for a game.

Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

It was an interesting decision to lift the 3pm block on Saturday games this weekend.

Are you able to ascertain what the uptake was on the streaming service? There was still a quality number at the Stadium of Light so rather than depressing crowds could a permanent lifting of the Saturday block be on the cards?

For supporters who cannot logistically attend home (or away) matches its an excellent way forward not to mention a sizeable revenue stream for the club. With technology as it stands and packaged correctly its a must for all clubs to broaden the appeal of teams and the game as a whole. It however must be said it will never of course beat attending a match, especially away days!

Jeff Davison

Ed’s Note [JN]: Usually, due to broadcasting rules across the UK this was previously impossible. This year, EFL games hae been streamed legally any time outside of the UK, and with the 3pm Saturday kick-off’s limited inside the UK.

Stewart Donald on the most recent Roker Rapport Podcast with the owner addressed a few issues with the service. He mentions that the control of the streaming service is largely out of the hands of the club, and is directed upon them by the EFL itself.

The ban was likely lifted due to the international break. To tell the truth, I don’t have a clue why aside from this. I’d imagine lifting the break would increase interest from those who would likely not even bother pay attention to the third or fourth tier.

Either way, from next week you can still sign up to the international broadcast which still streams these 3pm kick-offs.

Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images