Fan Letters: “It hasn’t been this exciting for many a year” says Sunderland fan!

Dear Roker Report,

Since Johnson arrived here we have played 20 games in the league and returned 39 points at a win rate of 55%. Impressive.

We are averaging 1.95 points per game in his 20 but if you just take the last 10 games (giving him time to assess his squad during the first 10) that’s up to 2.3 per game. Our last 7 and its 2.6 per game and only 2 goals conceded with 14 scored and 6 clean sheets. Chi k into that a cup win at Wembley. Remarkable.

12 games to go and we are on course, based on our last 10 form result returns, for 90 points. The obvious key games along the way are Hull, Posh and Lincoln. We must beat at least 2 of these along the way imo and for me, the last 2 are vital. Starting with Saturdays game v Lincoln up to the Posh game on the 5th April, we have a crucial 13 days of the season coming up and hopefully, we will be in control of our season as we come through it.

It hasn’t been this exciting or interesting being a Sunderland AFC fan for many a year.

Loving it tbh.

Kevin Twinn

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for your letter, Kevin, I think we’re all loving it! Lee Johnson is mint; he’s got the dressing room buzzing, he’s brining the best out of lads who were regressing under Parkinson, and he’s got us fans excited. Our form is, as you say, remarkable at the minute, and we’re going into every game looking like we’ll always find a way to win. Nine more wins - including against Lincoln, Hull and Peterborough - and I think we’ll be going up. But we all know that Sunderland hardly ever make it easy on us.

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Dear Roker Report,

Since arriving at the club, Luke O’Nien’s ability to play has been more than obvious - he’s not only a talented player but he’s a versitile one too. His character and the genuine love for the club is a rare characteristic these days, and I hope the new owners recognise this fact when renewing his contract.

Malcolm Donnison

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Nice to hear from you again, Malcolm. There’s not much left to say about the man is there, other than “get the deal done Mr Speakman!”

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Dear Roker Report,

Lee Burge has been a key player for us recently and nobody seems to be talking about it! Hats off Mr Burge, you have stepped up to the plate impeccably.

Thoughts Ed on his suitability for the club going forward?

Paddy Kay (Norn Iron Mackems!)

Ed’s Note [Rich]: That’s a really good question, Paddy. Lee Burge is a ‘keeper who has divided opinion throughout his two years at the club, and many were worried that he wouldn’t be as convincing a first choice this season as previous number one John McLaughlin, but I’ve always been a bit of a fan of his.

He first impressed me during our little run in the League Cup at the beginning of last season, making some good saves as we grabbed victories away at Premier League opposition, so if we do go up I think he’d do a job in the Championship. I guess his height, at only 6 foot, will always count against, and we definitely need to bring in strong competition to keep him on his toes, but a new contract surely has to be on offer regardless of whether we get promotion or not.

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