Fan Letters: The love for Luke O’Nien just keeps coming from Sunderland supporters

Dear Roker Report,

Just wanted to show my support for Luke O’Nien to be offered a long term contract at Sunderland. From the get go he became one of my favourite players of all time. I’ve been a Sunderland supporter since I was 8 years old and I was lucky enough to be at the old Wembley when we beat the mighty Leeds United when I was 16. I was behind the goal when Porterfield’s goal went in..I still get goosebumps!

So I’ve seen my fair share of players. Over the time that Luke has been with us, he’s shown us fans just what a wonderful character he is... cheeky little grins to the fans at the side of the pitch when he’d won a free kick... articulate, smiley and real during after match interviews, supportive and community minded, being able to play all over the pitch with such commitment and he never gives up or let’s his head go down.

He’s such a positive individual, he will always be a shining light and always be... Sweet Luke! I do hope that the new amazing regime that has quietly swept into Sunderland AFC, KLD, our lucky charm, will offer Luke a long term contract... I’m sure he will be instrumental in making Sunderland supporters dreams come true in getting back to the Championship and, ultimately, a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership.

Margaret Smith

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for your letter Margaret. Once in a while, there are players that join Sunderland who seem to just fit with us - the city, the club, and the fanbase - and who become legends. Gary Bennett, Kevin Ball and Kieron Brady are a few who leap to mind for me, and O’Nien seems on his way to joining the list of players we’ll never forget and we hope will be around the club forever. Luke and others have the chance to become, over the remaining 13 games of this season, part of Sunderland folklore.

Photo by Steven Hadlow/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

This is a message to Luke O’Nien.

Please, please stay with us - we all adore you.

You will become a legend here, and we are going upwards now.

Stay for the ride - you will love it.

Irene Cameron

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for writing in, Irene, and you’re absolutely right - the man has proven his worth over the last three years and needs to be offered the kind of long-term deal befitting of the vital senior player he has become.

Dear Roker Report,

Luke has to stay. He was outstanding on Sunday. Plays with a smile on his face. Fantastic attitude all round. Has springs in his heels. Cool under pressure.

A great example to young players. Get him signed up. Pass it on.

Kevin Johnson

Ed’s Note [Rich]: You’re spot on, Kevin. If he could bottle that attitude of his he’d make a fortune. As it is, with KLD in place, the salary cap gone, and the Championship on the horizon, I can’t see any reason why the club won’t make the kind of commitment to him that could see him in a red and white shirt for a good few year to come.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Luke has the ability, professionalism and personality to become a latter day Charlie Hurley.

We most definitely must give him a new contract.

Ralph Wilkinson

Ed’s Note [Rich]: That’s high praise, indeed, Ralph, but I can’t argue with it. As well as the ability and work-rate, Luke seems to possess that most valuable attribute in any walk of life, let alone football - the drive to constantly learn and continually improve. He can stay at our club as long as he wants, as far as I’m concerned.