Fan Letters: RR reader Paul wants to know why Sunderland’s takeover is taking ages

Dear Roker Report,

My last e-mail, was of course, tongue in cheek, I do not believe a pre requisite of a successful football manager is to not wear a baseball cap. I particularly enjoyed the comment from someone who said, “Klopp is not and Englishman but he wears a baseball cap and is the best manager of our generation”. Like he’s read my e-mail and thought, “what the fuck is this bloke on about?” Although I stand by my comment, “never trust an Englishman in a baseball cap”, but then, who am I?

Good to see us scrape a win against The Shrews, I say see, I didn’t actually watch it as recently the performances have pissed me off no end and ruin my night. And I say recently, I mean for as long as I can remember. I will watch on Tuesday as we’re on Sky, and let’s be honest, if we are to hold any hope of promotion we have to go there and win. Ipswich aren’t doing great and if we want to go up then it’s must win.

For quite a long time now, people have been saying that there are deep rooted problems at Sunderland, and that may well be true, but the bottom line is, our recruitment, for the most part, has been appalling. We’ve dropped into the third tier, we’re by far the biggest club in the division and we still can’t sign the best at this level. In the Premier League it’s kind of understandable when we’re left with the shite because the players who don’t sign for the top clubs are, nine times out of ten, not good enough, so they filter down the league until a side like Sunderland say, “we’ll pay you big money, come here”. (There are plenty of exceptions but I’m referring to the Jack Rodwells of this world). But in this division there’s no excuse. The best at this level should be identified and take no enticing to sign for Sunderland and play in front of thirty thousand every week (pre pandemic).

As far as I’m concerned, until we get the recruitment right, we won’t get anywhere. I’m probably stating the obvious but how can the sixth most successful football club in England get it so wrong for so long?

Keep the faith.

Dominic Walsh

Ed’s Note [Gav]: Firstly, apologies we didn’t get to this before the Ipswich game - you’ll be glad that we won then! Regarding your point on recruitment, you’re absolutely spot on. It’s the biggest issue to have plagued this club right from the Premier League to where we find ourselves now. Thankfully, the summer offers us the chance to reset with so many players out of contract. Speakman and Johnson - backed by a team of scouts, analysts and data-types - can go out and bring some proper players in. I’m actually excited to see what they achieve.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Every day, at least ten times a day, I look on SAFC news and other sports media, and nothing is being mentioned re: our takeover.

Please don’t tell me that these things take time... we aren’t stupid, but nothing is being reported, how come when it involves Sunderland every thing takes longer?

The silence is deafening.

Paul Crawley

Ed’s Note [Gav]: You mightn’t want to hear it, but... these things do take time. The EFL have to complete their due dilligence on the deal and also have a bunch of other problems to deal with, so it’s quite possible that it’s not high up on their priority list. I dunno. I’m not worrying about it because it’s a formality, and we’re already seeing changes made at the club with key appointments like Steve Davison at COO, Kristjaan Speakman as Sporting Director, etc. I wouldn’t worry too much about it if I were you.

Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Steve here in Australia. I paid for the year to stream the games. The communication at the SAFSEE is dreadful!

- How do I pay?

- When it says you don’t have the package, can they not say why?

- I have the app, but so much info is not on there...

I just give up with it. Thank you for listening.

Steve Hossack

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I agree, the service is poor. It’s probably easier to use from a laptop web browser, but the StreamAMG service that the club use is so buggy, and I can well believe that for some people it’s almost impossible to use. I wish I could help more... give the club SLO, Chris Waters, a bell. He’ll do his best to help, I’m sure. Click here for his details.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Is Maja available? He would be ideal to join Charlie up front.

He doesn’t seem to be playing or scoring much in France.

Just a thought... maybe LJ could have a look and sign him up on loan before the end of the transfer window. Defoe is still sitting on the bench as well.

Paul (Pados)

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I admire your ambition Paul but... no chance.