Fan Letters: “If Sunderland are to progress then changes at the top need to happen soon”

Dear Roker Report,

Hello there, as a regular reader of your website and now a follower on Facebook, I would like to know what you think of the tv coverage situation for SAFC next season.

As I see it, Premier League officials have bent over backwards to cover all the remaining games. Matches on Sky, Amazon and even BBC. In comparison, as SAFC fans we get a streaming pass as part of our season ticket but no way to access live coverage on the tv. Sure, you can watch on a tablet, phone or desktop, but no tv.

Why the heck can’t the EFL waver the rules in the same way the Premier League have and allow for live 3pm games? The double standards are astonishing and it’s not fair on people who aren’t tech savvy or who struggle with smaller screens. We have apps for all kinds of streaming services on our smart tv now and streaming sticks etc., there is no excuse imo.

Lee Stafford

Ed’s Note [Tom]: Hi Lee, thanks for writing in - hope you’re safe and well. I think the EFL is basically handcuffed by Sky, and other big providers, who dictate the airwaves and pull the (purse)strings. I do think that there should be some kind of weekly mass EFL coverage - much in the same way as in the USA fans of the Premier League have been able to choose which Premier League match they fancy watching on any given weekend. I’m sure fans would be happy to pay for enhanced TV coverage, I guess maybe it’s down to the costs needed to get it off the ground? Either way, it’s disappointing, isn’t it?

Photo by Jan Christensen / FrontzoneSport via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I would love to see the season finish. BUT ...

Seems to me that if we don’t finish the season it should be made null and void. The governing body should make that clear and then put it to the vote. Not league by league but the whole effect.

It will never happen, but it would be the fairest way to do it in my opinion.

Bob Smith

Ed’s Note [Tom]: You’re probably right, Bob, but I just can’t see it happening as the Premier League will be desperate to try and finish the season for financial purposes. As such, there’s a trickle down effect in the football league as teams look to try and get a step closer to the riches of the top tier. Clubs are knackered from the financial explosion caused by Premier League TV rights and become incredibly unsustainable as they try to bankroll a charge up the leagues. It’s a real shame, and I have a feeling the pandemic might just be the catalyst required for some kind of systemic change. Hope you’re safe and well, mate.

Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I have to agree with Sam Lucas, Parkinson tried his best but failed, do you still employ the failed site manager. Time to cut cut losses and bring in someone with enthusiasm, it has been suggested Clough, I believe most supporters would go along with that, I would like to see him joined by Kevin Philips. Philips could maybe get our so called strikers scoring. I have listened to people saying some of the players don’t want promotion as they will be gone, possible. If we are to progress the changes need to happen soon. Whatever the decision about the end of the season we will not be involved.

Terry Debbage

Ed’s Note [Tom]: Hi Terry, hope you’re safe and well. I must admit I have some sympathy for Phil Parkinson after he was thrust into a difficult job with limited resources. That being said, a lot of the criticisms levelled at all parties has been relatively fair. The owners hired a manager with an entirely different footballing philosophy compared to the old gaffer and gave him limited resources to improve said squad. Yet the results under Parkinson have been very sporadic with some bright moments coming alongside some torrid displays. Ultimately, though, the owners have given Parkinson a 2.5 year deal, so I’m not sure he’ll be leaving anytime soon, especially with football’s financing being so severely impacted by Covid-19. I don’t think we could afford to fire and hire new staff. Stay safe!