Fan Letters: Sunderland “could make their streaming service more fan friendly” says fan

Dear Roker Report,

Am I the only one who feels that our owner, not content with taking all our parachute money, is now playing games with the supporters by allowing this clown Storey to be given credibility? It’s either true or not that Storey is taking over our club, simple.

Why hasn’t SD given out a statement confirming 100% either way, instead of allowing our club to be ridiculed by this clown Storey?

Another example of the contempt SD holds for our club.

Sam Lucas

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Cheers for your letter, Sam.

William Storey was described by in court, by a judge, as follows:

He often did not answer questions directly, preferring to make speeches about his vision for his business or alternatively seeking to evade questions by speaking in generalities or in the third person plural. He only answered several questions when I intervened. He had a tendency to make impressive statements, which on further investigation or consideration were not quite what they seemed.

In my view, no further comment is needed by anyone with an interest in Sunderland AFC in connection with that man.

Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

(Re: the club’s streaming service)

I know they have no choice but to charge us a tenner but the quality of the service is terrible.

One camera, crap replays... would it really be hard for them to do some commentary too? I know that it’s easier to use Nick Barnes and Benno’s feed from BBC Newcastle but if I’m honest I don’t enjoy their commentary, so if there is no contractual obligation to use it then why not get two others to do commentary, perhaps the lads who provide their voices for the club podcast, Danny and Frankie, or even two RR Podcast lads?

I’m just brainstorming some ideas here but there are plenty of cost-effective ways that the club could improve their streaming service to make it fan friendly, but of course that would require them putting some effort in beyond the bare minimum...

I’m expecting too much, I know.

Julian Fordyce

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Cheers for writing in Julian, I agree entirely. The one camera set up is not great and the lack of alternative angles does make it difficult to really see the action. As much as I personally like Barnsey and Benno’s radio commentary, they’re doing it for a radio audience, so I think the club could look at that too and Frankie and Danny would be great.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask. At the minute the product doesn’t match the price, which, as you say, isn’t controlled by the club. But it’s all we and the club have got and the revenues are vital to our survival during the crisis. So I hope the club do work with fan groups to find ways to improve the experience for the viewing audience.

This live stream is the only way they have to get their “product” to their “customers” after all and the more people watching, the more advertising they can sell too. We all want a club to come back to once we’re allowed.

Dear Roker Report,

Just a word on the Podcast boys... loving all of them recently and didn’t know how else to tell you how much I appreciate it so keep it up.

Love the interviews with Andy Reid, Poyet, Smithy, Kimpioka, Phil Gray and SKP recently, as well as all the pre and post match shows, invaluable content for me as an exiled fan in Nepal who lives nowhere near another Sunderland supporter.

You guys have become part of my life!

Take care and keep it up.

Gary Fortune (living in Kathmandu)

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Namaste, Gary. Cheers for that mate, it’s brilliant to hear that we’re appreciated. Everyone knows that, wherever you seem to go in the world, you’ll always find a Sunderland fan, and to know that we’re keeping exiles like you informed and entertained is what keeps us going. Keep the faith!