Fan Letters: “Sanderson & O’Nien should be our first choice centre back pairing going forward!”

Dear Roker Report,

What happened in the second half at Pompey when Lee pulled off a forward and put on a centre half? What were we playing then? Five at the back? Callum and Power were supposed to be wingbacks? I’m not sure I saw their play change much.

De Jay

Ed’s Note [Martin]: We went to a back three/five to see the game out, and this flexibility is something I’m liking a lot about Johnson’s approach. My colleague James Nickel’s excellent breakdown of the tactics used on Tuesday explains it far better than I can.

Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

The time is fast approaching for us all to decide whether or not to back Kyril with the purchase of a 2021/22 season card.

As far as I am concerned I intend to do so. However I face fierce opposition from the boss.

She says that I am too old to travel all that distance back and forth, and that I should stream the games if possible. I say if it is too far to travel let’s move house.

That went down like the contents from the bottom of the Wear dredger. I was immediately on the receiving end of a verbal attack from the other female members of my family.

What do I do to resolve the problem? I think I will do as I normally do ignore the feminists and BUY A SEASON CARD!

Mordey St

Ed’s Note [Martin]: You know what to do Mordey St! Anyway, I’ve heard Kyril’s looking for a lodger in his spare room if you get desperate.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

I think Sanderson & O’Nien should be our first choice centre back pairing going forward. People might say LON isn’t a proper CB - says who? He plays better there than Flanagan ever has.

John Petrie

Ed’s Note [Martin]: I agree John, they’re in possession of the shirts and they’ve done nothing to warrant losing them. There’s a lot of bollocks talked about O’Nien in certain quarters – as far as I’m concerned he’s a tremendous player at League One level in any position we ask him to play, and has the potential to be a Premier League player. He’s done remarkably well at centre back, and improves every week. Why change it?