Roker Roundup: Recently departed Bale exciting new boss & Sunderland owner releases catchy song

Hignett pleased with Bale signing

Sunderland academy product and former under 23s captain Adam Bale was released by the club earlier in the week and immediately signed a permanent deal with National League side Hartlepool United.

Pools manager Craig Hignett admitted that Bale still has a lot to learn but he’s convinced that the midfielder will get the crowd behind him:

Adam has a lot to learn, we like what we see and he will get about the pitch and get tackles in.

The crowd will like him and he’s come here because he knows he needs to play men’s football.

There will be a little bit of adjusting but we think we have got a player there.

He’s a bit different to what we have got in terms of winning second balls and being there when needed. I want to work with players who want to improve and work and learn and go onto better things.

I’m pleased to get him in.

Foundation of Light launches over 50’s initiative

Foundation of Light is launching a new project aimed at over 50s to help them keep active and healthy.

‘Extra Time Hubs’ is a national project from the EFL Trust, with Foundation of Light one of the 12 EFL Clubs chosen to deliver the first phase. Suitable for men and women, a range of activities will be available as part of the project including walking football, walking netball, seated exercise (Sit Fit and Strong) and table tennis.

Classroom-based activities will also be available offering information around nutritional advice and helping to improve participants’ cooking skills.

The launch of the Foundation’s Extra Time Hub has been made possible with thanks to National Lottery funding from Sport England and aims to bring together retired and semi-retired people to offer a range of positive activities and the opportunity to meet and spend time with like-minded people from the area, and to prove that you’re never too old learn to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Nicky Maycock, the Extra Time Hub Activator said:

I am excited to get the sessions started and it will be great for people to come along and meet others. We hope it will help address social isolation and be a meeting point for many. Hopefully I can share my experiences and inspire people to do activities they might not ordinarily do.

Mike Evans, EFL Trust Director of Operations added:

With the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing fund from the National Lottery, we will use the power of our football club badges will bring people together in a comfortable, familiar environment and allow them to shape their future path to improved health and well-being.

The FREE sessions run every Wednesday 10am – 12 noon at the Beacon of Light and commence from Wednesday 20th March.

For further information contact nicky.maycock@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 563 4777.

Sartori releases his campaign jingle

Juan Sartori’s run for president of Uruguay continues, with the Sunderland director still campaigning hard in his homeland.

To help his run, Sartori yesterday released an official campaign song - and it’s quite a catchy little number:

With Sartori, Uruguay wins!

With Sartori, Uruguay wins!

With Sartori, all Uruguay wins!

Sartori came to create more

opportunities to work

and well-being.

A future and hope

That all will come

Juan Sartori President

Counts on You

Come On, Come on Uruguay!

Sunderland AFC via Getty Images