Fan Letters: “George Honeyman deserves a nice goodbye from the Sunderland supporters!”

Dear Roker Report,

I’m in two minds about the loss of George Honeyman.

To be losing our captain should be seen as a massive blow, but this feels almost like a relief. It is no secret that George Honeyman splits opinion massively as to whether or not he fits into the team. My opinion of George is quite hit and miss. He had his good games, there was a period last year where he was injured and we did miss his constant running, however since his injury i don’t feel like we saw the best of him and he became anonymous.

His performances in our biggest games of last season (play off and checkatrade final) were very poor and as a captain in those types of games you need to stand up and be counted. I personally don’t feel like he showed a captain’s performance in either of those games and frankly forgot he was playing. I personally think the grief he got was unwarranted at times, but can understand why some fans would have this sort of opinion.

Overall I think this is a great deal for all parties. Hull get an extra and able body in to help them in their Championship season and we get some free wages and cash up front to sign a proper number 10 as his replacement to push for promotion. Saying that, he could have easily left us in the lurch last season after the relegation but stayed when the club needed players the most. This is probably the best time for him to move on. I certainly wish him all the best for the season and beyond and hope he goes onto have a long and successful career.

Martin Wigham

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I agree with pretty much all of that, Martin - a fair assessment.

I particularly resonate with your point about the fact that this almost feels like a relief.

Honeyman became a target of abuse from people who just never warmed to him as a player, and the fact he was seen as an unsuitable captain of the team led to unnecessary toxicity. It’s perhaps for the best that we move on now - it feels like the right time to sell him and he’s getting a good move to a club in the league above on a decent contract, one not too far from home.

I’ve always been a fan of George but I’m not ignorant to his inadequacies as a player. He’s limited in his ability and I think we’ve got better players ahead of him in his position, both in attacking midfield and the centre of the park. He’d largely be a squad or utility player in this team this season, and is that really the best for his career? At Hull he might be handed a more functional role, without the pressure on him of being the team’s captain, and that is probably for the best at this stage. He goes with my best wishes.

Photo by Leila Coker/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I don’t want to keep pushing the Honeyman debate but I feel as he’s leaving we should be clear with giving him a nice goodbye.

We have had so many scroungers at the club who have undoubtedly had the talent but never put in the effort. I don’t think anyone can question Honeyman’s commitment and passion for this club and although he hasn’t been the best of performers in the last few years and, to be honest, I didn’t see how he would fit into the side this year, you cannot question his morals!

And so on that note I wish him all the best and thank him for his passion and drive for the club he supports.

Rob Hadden

Ed’s Note [Gav]: Hear, hear!