Fan Letters: 1953 and all that...

Dear Roker Report,

This afternoon, while I was watching near-relegated Aston Villa thrash Liverpool, 7-2, the announcers mentioned that the last time a defending champion allowed 7 goals in a game was in 1953, when Sunderland scored 7 vs. Arsenal. Alf Wight (a/k/a James Herriot) was then in his mid-30s and in the second decade of his veterinary practise in Thirsk.

I am certain the Sunderland native whose writing and history influenced my decision to support SAFC football enjoyed that result very much.

The Roker Report features recounting past matches are both interesting and informative. I would love to see a story describing that notable conquest of Arsenal by Sunderland.

Mac Craig

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Hi Mac. I’m really glad you enjoy our daily look-back at the club’s history, and that’s a fantastic suggestion. I’ll definitely mention it to the lads who write the “On this Day” feature, and keep an eye out on 30th October!

Photo by S&G/PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

The transfer window closes soon. Will Parkinson sign anyone else?

I don’t feel like anything is imminent.

Geoff Hall

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Cheers for your question, Geoff. I can’t see how the club can go through this season with only one senior left-back, so surely there will be a signing made to at least provide cover if not competition for this position. On other fronts, there was a trialist on the pitch when the U23s beat Newcastle 4-0 on Monday afternoon. We also need to keep in mind that although transfers between Premier League and EFL clubs passed on Monday evening, the EFL clubs will have until 5pm next Friday, 16th October, to complete transfers between on another and there are still hundreds of free-agents who can sign contracts at any point during the season.

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

Dear Roker Report,

Just a word on the article from Rich Speight about ‘Donald being the least of our worries right now’. I concur.

I want rid of him as much as the next fan but there’s a bigger issue at play right now in the world A.K.A. COVID-19.

I wouldn’t trust anyone trying to buy a football club with the financial landscape looking as sketchy as it is. Let’s just get through this period and make sure the club falls into the best possible hands.

Keep the faith.

Laura Elliott

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Cheers Laura, it’s much appreciated and thanks for taking the time to read what was about 2,500 words.

There are exceptional circumstances where League 1 clubs will change hands during this crisis - Charlton and Wigan have gone from the brink of oblivion to being taken over by new owners who appear on the surface to be legitimate and trustworthy.

However, listening to one Charlton fan speaking about their situation over the weekend brought home a lesson that I think many of our fellow Sunderland supporters would be wise to learn; in January that fanbase was pilling the pressure on the EFL to allow East Street Investments to take control from the hated Roland Duchatelet, and look where that got them!