Fan Letters: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds us” - Hughie preaches patience w/ Sunderland owners

Dear Roker Report,

Here we go again.

The season is just over one week old and some fans are already sniping at the owners for lack of leadership. We need to be really careful here. Can anyone tell me what will actually be achieved if Methven and company decide they have had enough and want to ship out?

We are NOT in the Premier League. We ARE in League One because that is how good we are. These two guys have been a breath of fresh air to our club.

Please, let’s not bite the hands that feed us.

Where does anyone think we would be without these two? In all probabilities, we would now be in league two. I am as inpatient as anyone to get back up there. Don’t judge after two games. This league is one hell of a slog, and we really do not want to give the owners the impression we have had enough. If it happens and they walk, what then – anyone?

Hughie

Ed’s Note [TA]: Hi Hughie, thanks for the letter!

You make a good point here, and while scrutiny of ownership is something I would always back, I think you’re right in the sense that the manner in which some of our fans verbally attack our owners - and players - is really disappointing.

Donald and Methven have made some really positive moves and they’ve also made a few errors, but by and large I think they’ve done a fairly good job. If people have an issue they should express it in a respectful, logical manner.

Sunderland AFC

Dear Roker Report,

Re: Pumping long balls forward...

We all know that the definition of madness is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result. But we keep on doing that.

I am no tactical expert, but playing to your own strengths has got to be better than playing to the other teams. If it don’t work, change it... and change it quickly.

We can play good football... when we keep the ball.

Stephen Haswell

Ed’s Note [TA]: Agree entirely, Stephen. When McGeouch gets on the ball and dictates play from deep, or when Dobson moves the ball forward with intent and accuracy, we look threatening.

I think the problem is that our players struggle to up the tempo when in the opposition’s final third. That combined with the fact we have limited pace in the team means we struggle to play on the break. As such, our players seemingly try to go from A to B as quickly as possible - but it just doesn’t really work.

The formation change also hasn’t helped, so it will be interesting to see what Ross does in the two games this week in order to combat the issue. I’d like to see us play try and take the game to the opposition and play a direct style of play that sees the midfield looking to support our forwards making runs into dangerous areas. We’re too pedestrian at times.