The pick of Roker Report’s coverage of Sunderland AFC this week

We’ve been a busy bunch in the week leading up to start of the new Football League season, as well as our regular daily features we’ve had a bit of nostalgia, a special guest podcast, transfer exclusives and strong opinion pieces.

So, to round it up, in our new weekly Editors’ Choice feature, head-honcho Gav and the rest of the editorial team have selected their favourite piece from this week’s offerings on Roker Report.

Here’s what they’ve chosen, and why...

Gav chooses... “Coming Up”, by Will Jones

I’ll be honest, I’m a bit of a pig when it comes to getting to know the rest of the teams League One - I haven’t the foggiest idea who most of them are, and when it comes to their players... well, forget it.

Thankfully for me (and, I suspect, many of you out there) the likes of Will Jones exist, and he’s handily put together this very interesting guide on what Sunderland fans - and the rest of the league - can expect from the four clubs promoted to League One from the fourth tier.

Ever heard the name Perry Ng? Well, you ought to have.

Did you know that Northampton Town have had their squad absolutely ripped to shreds - including losing their best defender for a seven-figure sum to moneyball club Brentford - over the summer since their ascent? Nor did I.

There are stacks of info in this piece that should get you right up to speed with everything, so make sure you check it out.

Rich Speight chooses... “Exclusive: SuperKev”, by Andy Tomlinson

I find reading about and listening to the perspectives of club legends on the current Sunderland team absolutely fascinating. Many of Andy Tomlinson’s exclusive articles pick out the gems from our hour-long pods, and this week he didn’t disappoint.

His short piece packs a lot in; featuring Super Kev’s views on Will Grigg, Danny Graham, Aiden O’Brien and him bumping into some bloke with a beard and an energy drink who wanted a selfie.

Brett and Mike did a fantastic job getting Phillips’ insights into the season ahead on the Roker Rapport Xtra pod, including his views on changing room dynamics and the mentality of strikers, and Andy’s article this week is a great summary of the key points from an entertaining chat.

Chris Wynn chooses... "Why sign Danny Graham...?", by Gav

How did you react when we were first linked with signing Danny Graham, and was your reaction any different when it was confirmed he signed on the dotted line?

This piece summed my feelings on the signing up perfectly - he wouldn't have been on my wanted list but it made sense.

I don't think I was alone feeling confused about re-signing Danny Graham, but Gav helpfully made it all make sense again.

Martin Wanless chooses... “Roker Roundup: Three former Sunderland free transfer trialists find new clubs”, by Andy Tomlinson

I always find something our when reading Andy’s news round ups, and this was no exception. Chris Maguire’s comments on Jon McLaughlin were commendably honest, while news of former Sunderland reserve players and trialists always makes for interesting reading.

The highlight wasn’t something alluded to in the headline, however, but it was the fact that Steed Malbranque, one of my favourite players of the past 15 years, is still playing football.

The best part of a decade after being labelled as too old to be of any use to us whatsoever, 40-year-old STEEEEEEEEEEEEED will play this season in the French Fifth Division. I guess he’s the type of person who just loves playing the game.