Fan Letters: “Here we go again for another attempt at getting out this dungeon of League One”

Dear Roker Report,

Could you comment please on Marcus Maddison?

I don’t understand why SAFC doesn’t seem to want to entertain his playing for Sunderland.

At times over the past few seasons he’s been touted and felt to be too expensive presumably. After each transfer window newspapers report how influential a player he is and how he drives a team forwards.

He’s now without a club, and we’re looking for an attack minded midfielder.

He seems like someone we could use.

Or am I being naive and SAFC have made approaches, but agents etc are getting in the way?

It’d be good to know definitively then if an approach has been attempted previously.

Martin Smith

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Cheers for your letter, Martin. There’s no doubt that Wearsider Marcus Maddison has been one of the top players in the League One during our time in the division, so it has been surprising to hear that he’s not had contact from Sunderland. There are over a thousand unemployed professional footballers out there looking for clubs - some will have more options on the table than others, and some will be waiting to see whether the salary cap is brought down in court. I suspect that Maddison would be looking to move up to the Championship next season, but I can also see him being a classic ‘deadline day’ signing at the Stadium of Light.

There are other considerations that Parkinson and others involved in the recruitment of players this summer will be taking into account, including the mix of characters in the dressing room, that may also explain why MM hasn’t been approached.

Dear Roker Report,

Here we go again for another attempt at getting out this dungeon of League One football, and proving that goals get you promoted.

We start with Leadbitter and Wyke, which seems to me that will be who leads the line and who will supply. Well, I’ll tell you my opinion - get rid of both now off the wage bill; Leadbitter sideways and backwards or giving ball away with bad passing. Wyke has absolutely nothing; no skill, no energy, no thought-process. The perfect description of the proverbial plank.

Been tried last season not worked, no rewards. Please, Parky, before I part with a penny - I will not be happy with either of them in the squad.

Jeff Angus

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Let’s first off remember, Jeff, that we’re two pre-season games into our preparation for the campaign ahead.

And also remember that Grant Leadbitter has been through some of the toughest times imaginable in anyone’s lifetime, and he is a great servant to our club. His experience and leadership in the dressing room alone is probably worth the money he’s on. But, like you, I don't see him featuring heavily in the first team this season in a position where Max Power is surely first choice.

Charlie Wyke is clearly a trier; it’s not for lack of effort. Being the main striker for Sunderland AFC carries a massive weight of expectation, and I too doubt whether he has the quality in front of goal. Keep the faith!

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images