Fan Letters: “Keep the faith, everyone!”

Dear Roker Report,

I’m a big fan of Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage, recently anchors from Roman ships have been discovered... it has a long history and tradition. Also the ship badge is appropriate, I feel the present one with its heraldic scrolls is not fitting for the club... let us be bold and interesting to herald a new era in the club’s history.

Jim Inkson

Dear Roker Report,

I’m all for keeping the new badge - the old one was great during it’s time, but like you I think we have to move on. If it is to be changed then I think it should be decided by ALL the supporters, and not the few who are pushing for change now.

Roy Mills

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I guess the diplomatic way to do it would be to put out a survey asking season card holders/people with SAFC.com logins/BLC & RAWA members to vote on whether we should have a new badge, and if they decide yes, then involve all supporters in the consultation and design, and then allow the same fans to vote on it.

I doubt that there’s a change coming but if they ever do it, they need to involve all fans.

Photo by Sunderland AFC/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

We have had constant letters about LJ and his team selections - some to the point - and (IMO) some a bit off the mark. One point I have continually made is the fact that, despite some comments, LJ does not regularly play 4-3-3 - with 3 genuine midfielders - O’Brien is not a midfielder and neither is Gooch.

I appreciate we’re a bit short in that category as he obviously is not adding Neil to the equation (why he doesn’t beggars belief in my eyes) and we have Power and Lukey covering our defence.

If we have players in that position available we should use them as such. Playing Younger at CB (McLaughlin if fit) instead of O9 would totally refresh our midfield outlook with him moved there Leads, O9 and Neil in midfield would be a good start for me as I think it would be a major boost to what looks like a very tired team. O9 and Neil with Leads looks good to me in midfield. There’s a lot of energy from O9 and Neil on the front foot and Leads doing what he does best. LJ seriously needs to do a little reboot even at this late stage or we are going nowhere fast.

Chris Jackson

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I’m inclined to agree - I think Johnson has hinted at having McLaughlin and Flanagan back at some point soon, which is welcome given we only have one defender, and it’s up for debate whether or not he’s even fit.

I would have started Younger against Blackpool personally, in a back three.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Once again our season has been blighted by too many draws - 16 has meant a possible 32 lost points. It’s like other seasons, dropping too many points. Even if we’d won half those games, we’d have been top of the league by a long way.

I’ve followed Sunderland since the early 60s and I’m a Geordie. The stick you take as someone from Newcastle following Sunderland is obscene.

But we’ve got to support the management, we’ve got too many players who aren’t capable enough even in Div 1 never mind the Championship or the Premiership. But the fans deserve better and I’m sure the new owner agrees. We are a big club who just need some good fortune and better players. Keep the faith everyone!

Beema45

Ed’s Note [Gav]: Absolutely, keep the faith! The season isn’t over yet...