Fan Letters: “There’s too much close contact after each goal” says Sunderland fan Malcolm

Dear Roker Report,

I am quite intrigued on the thoughts of the manager regarding which end we attack at kick off, or more importantly, the second half. I realise that there are no fans at present and the above question may be seen as insignificant, however under previous managers we have always attacked the north stand which in more recent years has been sparsely populated.

Since the re- introduction of the Roker end in the south stand in recent years (where I currently have my season ticket), wouldn’t it be more prudent to be kicking towards the bulk of the vociferous support to spur the team on, especially in the latter stages of the game? It’s just my opinion, but I wonder if Lee Johnson has any thoughts on this.

Russ Hodgson

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for writing in, Russ. I have to say I’ve not give it much thought before now. Maybe it is better to have the Roker End behind the team at the start, flags waving and all? But then again, it’s hopefully the start of a new era at the club so, when we fans do go back in the ground, maybe this is something Johnson might change to mark the change. Who knows?

Dear Roker Report,

The win over Wimbledon was a good result, but I think that there is too much close contact between all players after each goal.

All footballers, not just ours, should and must set examples, and keep the social distance.

Malcolm Donnison

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Alright there, Malcolm. I noticed that the idea that players should stay apart when celebrating got the support of the Match of The Day panel on Saturday night following James Maddison’s socially distanced celebrations after scoring for Leicester.

I guess like anything, it’s going to be hard for players to break the habit, and in the heat of the moment lapses will happen, but with so many footballers and managers testing positive and falling ill with the disease, the more that can be done to reduce transmission the better. The FA, EFL and PL should act sooner rather than later.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I see Cardiff, who play in the Championship, have tried to sign Dion Sanderson on loan from under our noses.

Does this not tell us that we should be playing him more often? He’s good enough for a decent Championship side, but not a midtable (currently) League One team?

Something not right about that is there? I’m glad rr pointed this out on twitter.

Steve Leggett

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for your letter, Steve. I think we’ve all seen that Sanderson is a class act at this level, especially on the ball. Obviously we’ve got senior players coming back to full fitness all the time who might jump ahead of him in the pecking order at centre back or right back, and I’m not convinced that he’s the right person to cover for Hume on the left. But with the volume of games coming up I expect to see him feature in Johnson’s plans a lot in the weeks and months ahead.

Dear Roker Report,

Re: the article on 18/01/2020 - “Reader’s Corner: In defence of George Dobson”

Then why blame Dobson?

The manager plays him there, so what does that say?

John Fenny

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Hi John. The argument that our reader Jack made in that piece was that Dobson has never been played in the right position - defensive midfielder - whilst at Sunderland under three different managers. He’s always had stiff competition for a midfield role, and with Carl Winchester’s arrival at the club, it’s probably best for everyone if he at least goes out on loan for the remainder of this term.