Fan Letters: “It’s football suicide!”

Dear Roker Report,

In terms of a fan protest, how about for the Lincoln game at home. Every fan could wait outside the stadium until the game reaches the 15th minute, or whatever position we are in. We need to show Donald that this simply isn’t good enough and change has to be made.

Jake Newton

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I agree, if it is going to happen then it needs to happen soon. Hopefully the lack of time between now and then isn’t an issue, and if it’s going to happen people can get on board and involved with it.

Photo by Owen Humphreys - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

My dad has been following Sunderland home and away for 50 years. I’ve been following them with him home and away for the last 18 years of my life. Since I was born, we have lived 150 miles south of Sunderland making it a 300 mile round trip every other week to the stadium of light.

The away games are actually more ‘local’ shall we say it but we attend 20/30 games a season home and away which is canny support considering the cost of travel and time out of the day to watch our beloved Sunderland play.

However, no travel expenses or early morning get ups could ever cover the cost of what it feels like to support a club like Sunderland. Sunderland is my Dad and I’s love and passion. Nothing will ever come close to the feeling of hearing Wise Men Say around the ground before kick off, or when Quinn, Phillips, Defoe and Co would hit the back of the net. Personally, I’ve never experienced the so called ‘glory days’ of the Peter Reid era for example. Only videos, photos and conversation of what our great history entails.

Since relegation to the championship and throughout that dreadful season, we stuck by the team as did 30,000 other mad supporters, hoping things would turn around. After relegation to the third division, (something I never thought I would witness after the 3-0 win against Everton) we all thought we had been saved by Stewart Donald and the toxic owner Ellis Short was gone. A fresh start in the 3rd division with a new manager.

The start of last season was the best atmosphere and aura I’d seen at the club along with the Big Sam days. Maja was banging in the goals, Mcgeady was ‘Running down the wing for me’ and my Dad and I just couldn’t wait to get the next game. But it’s the hope that has always killed me as a Sunderland fan for the first 18 years of my life. Every time we take a step forward it’s five steps back.

The owner turned out to have no money, the football went dull and was shocking after January. The old cliche ‘we got the 3 points’ could only hold out for so long until our consistently poor performances led to dropped points.

Low and behold it did. Losing 2 finals at Wembley and bottling promotion was an absolute disaster, and Ross should of gone at the end of last season and us fans given a new manager (Super Kev) and a whole summer to build his team and get the fans back on side, for what would be a difficult 2nd season in this division.

But no, the owner stuck with Jack Dross. Despite having almost 2 points a game, the performances were pathetic and the fans had enough. Donald finally responded and sacked Ross, the correct decision. Our 30 goal a season striker, our hero was waiting in the wings to take us back to where we belong, but no. The owner once again takes the cheap option and appoints a manager with as much personality and personality as a loaf of bread.

The football is horrendous, the players are under coached and have no idea what to expect of each other. Ultimately, this has led to a club record low of 15th in the 3rd division. I never thought I’d see the day.

Our club is on its knees with this owner. He is slowly killing the club that I love. And for that reason, the Doncaster, Fleetwood and Lincoln games will be my last for the foreseeable future. I never thought I would say this because I love Sunderland but I can’t put myself through it anymore and I know a lot of other fans can’t either. It’s a real sad state of affairs and I hope Donald sees what he’s doing to this great club and sells up and leaves. Or at least give us Super Kev back in the dugout. My hope has finally faded.

Over and out lads, hope you’ve had a Merry Christmas.

Joe Smith

Ed’s Note [Gav]: You aren’t alone - the Boxing Day game felt like the straw that broke the camel’s back for many fans and all I seem to have seen on social media is fans talking about giving up on going until things change. I won’t be trying to convince anyone to change their mind. It’s all very sad.

Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I’m not someone that usually feels compelled to pen such an email however desperate times mean desperate measures. Even if this only gets this anger and frustration off my chest as a fan of 30+ year’s and seeing so many ups and downs.

Sometimes as a owner you have to admit you’ve got it completely wrong and Stewart Donald blatantly has in his appointment of Parkinson.

A hugely underwhelming appointment initially has turned into everything we feared despite fans being prepared to give him a chance.

14 games into Parkinson’s reign and the team has gone alarmingly backwards. Only 2 wins and more significantly the team looks devoid of any confidence , belief and tactics. Negative aimless football , 5 at the back home and away , 2 holding midfielders. The only bright attacking spark is Gooch. There are no signs of any positives in any recent performances. We were told that exiting cup competitions that would allow Parkinson to work on the training pitch would in turn reap its rewards. We’re still waiting.....

Brought in for his supposed expertise and know how of league one Parkinson has changed Safc into relegation candidates , an staggering achievement given the size of the club and despite the players underperforming I believe they are capable of challenging for the playoffs as a minimum.

Parkinson’s demeanour is dour and this has filtered not only into the team but now onto the terraces , the point of no return.

The owner simply cannot let this man loose in the transfer market - it’s football suicide. Act now Mr Donald and get rid. Bring in someone to lift the gloom , a charismatic invigorating manager who will give the whole club a lift. An Ian Holloway type character with SKP as a suggestion.

You don’t have to be a tactical genius to get a club out of league one , you just have to have everyone pulling together fighting for each other and a never say die attitude , their ability will do the rest.

I live in hope that a change will happen but fear we are stuck a manager who’s simply not good enough.

Over to you, Mr Donald...

Lee Barker

Ed’s Note [Gav]: It’s frustrating that almost everyone but the owner appears to recognise that things are getting worse and will only continue to do so. His statement in the match programme for Bolton suggested he feels the atmosphere at the club is the best it has been since he arrived - pure delusion. I hope privately he’s questioning his actions and thinking about the best way to change things.