Fan Letters: The subject of ‘fan abuse’ towards Sunderland’s owners rears its head again

Dear Roker Report,

I totally agree with Harry Cole. Abuse of the Owner through social and general media by fans has been nothing short (No pun intended) of a disgrace.

I agree at director level managerial mistakes have been made. For example, the appointment of Coton and Hill to lead recruitment and football operations has proved in the main to be disastrous, the approach to player recruitment is hopefully now changing for the better.

Revenue costs have been reduced too enabling the Club to be more sustainable.

The Owner shows he is learning by correcting his mistakes whilst continuing to support the Club. Note for example the Manager’s thanks to him in the recent recruitment of Bailey Wright. So give credit where its due.

We are all disappointed with our Wembley performances and League position and frustrated with the current takeover situation, however turning the Club around takes time.

I suppose the level of abuse shows how passionate our fans are and a general impatience for some modicum of success. Come on though, please express views in a more constructive manner. Keep the Faith.

As a footnote. My local club is Oxford United. As a result of external advice Oxford have an excellent player recruitment model. Regularly selling players at a profit with little impact on team performance. Same guy who advised Oxford is now advising SAFC.

Dr Alan Blackburn

Ed’s Note [Gav]: All forms of abuse are wrong. That said, I’m not comfortable with people who simply hold the owner to account being labelled as abusers, which is just as unfair. I’ve been called abusive when I’ve been anything but, and I’m sure others feel the same.

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

The fans are angry, the abuse Mr Donald is getting can be over the top and downright nasty and probably dangerous, it could also put potential buyers off, but the fans have been abused to some extent by Stewart Donald by the deceit and lies.

Alan Fenwick

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I get what you’re trying to say. Some fans are angry as a result of his inability to follow through on promises. I don’t agree with contacting people to be abusive, but surely those idiots are in a minority.