Fan Letters: The Dion Sanderson Edition

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Dear Roker Report,

Wolves reportedly want £2m for Sanderson who at 21 and continuing development will be an increasing asset. Wyke, 28, unlikely to improve and one dimensional, reportedly wants a multi million (£2m?) signing on fee to remain plus double existing wages and a four year contract. Which is the better deal for SAFC? It’s a no brainer!!

I hope Dion, before he even considers any offer from up the road, read yesterday’s Magblog which outlined the role they see for him. It amounted to very limited playing time, mostly in the stiffs with the occasional run out, if he’s lucky, in the first team; a short term bit part player rather than someone a team will likely be built round. Job satisfaction - zilch!

Ian Hodgson

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for your letter, Ian. I’ve not heard anything about Wyke looking for a huge signing-on fee, which is his prerogative; I doubt Wigan, despite having a new cash injection, would have been up for a deal like that either. Anyway, it hardly matters now; he’s gone and best of luck to the lad. As for Sanderson - he’s perhaps the best defender I’ve seen at this level, certainly has all the quality to go far in the game. Personally, as much as I’d love to see it happen, I suspect the combination of price and interest from the Premier League will mean he doesn't return to Wearside. But I hope I’m wrong.

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

I agree with your comments re Sanderson. If you think he is going to the top in playing sign him they are worth mega bucks if they make it its about backing your judgment on a player we have lost players like Maja no body will back there judgment or is it lack of?

Roger Stokell

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Alright there, Roger. It’s a balancing act, isn’t it? I’d love it so much if we could pull off the transfer but Sunderland have fallen foul of overspending so often in the past, it might be too much of a stretch to bring him back. The whole ethos KLD and Co. are meant to be developing is around responsible, long-term recruitment planning, so I doubt that they’ll break the bank and go outside their budgets for one particular player who has caught the imagination of us fans. And as painful as it might be to think he might get snapped up by a Championship cub or even the Mags, ultimately we’ve got to recognise where we are in the pyramid and where Sanderson’s career is headed.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

There is an old saying which could apply to sunderland afc regarding their transfer targets.

He who hesitates is lost. Pay the money and move quickly.

John Hunter

Ed’s Note [Rich]: By all accounts, our offer for Sanderson came pretty early in this window, John, so I don’t think the fact he’s not signed for us is down to a lack of speed. It’s so tempting to just say “splash the cash”, John, but let’s be realistic. If Sanderson has the chance to play in the top flight regularly, he’s going to take that - he’s a professional footballer. This feels a bit like the Shay Given situation many years ago; a top-class loanee who we all fall in love with but then breaks our hearts.

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

Hi. In reply to a recent I sent to you regarding the number of players required during this transfer window you mentioned that the return to training of Jordan Willis could prove important. I recently read that the injury to Jordan which kept him out for most of last season is likely to keep him out for most of this season also.

Do we have any update on Jordan at all. Is he training and how close to returning is he?

Alan Garnham

Ed’s Note [Rich]: Thanks for your question, Alan. As far as I can tell you’re right, the latest news I can find on Jordan Willis is from April, when the injury was said to have reoccured and would keep him out for another 9-12 months. So perhaps he’ll be back in the New Year? It must be devastating for the player and isn’t great for our team, as it’s been clear for a while that he’s one of the best defenders in the league. All we can do is wish him the speediest of recoveries.

Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

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