Fan Letters: I cannot see the point of sending out a 21-year-old player to ‘gain experience’

Dear Roker Report,

I cannot see the point of sending out a 21-year-old player to “gain experience”, if we bring in a 20-year-old who isn’t even from this country, who has played, according to the “stats” six games in three years. Baffling. What must Diamond be thinking?

Unless this new lad hits the ground running, I think it’s a waste of time and it certainly sends out the message to Diamond that he needs to find a new club to further his time in football.

Anthony Lynn (52 years red n white)

Ed’s Note [Martin]: I can see your logic there Anthony, but I disagree. Jack Diamond (who is a player I really rate and think he’ll be a great asset to us in the future) needs a season of regular football under his belt, and he’s not going to get that at Sunderland this season. It’s evident Johnson doesn’t see him as pushing for a regular first-team place this season so, for his future development, he needs to go out on loan. Dajaku has come in and, despite his relative inexperience, they obviously believe he can push for a first-team place. He’s coming from a much higher level than we’re at currently, so despite his lack of first-team experience they obviously believe he’s a better option than Diamond at present. To me, it’s excellent business, and I hope Diamond benefits from his loan in the same way Embleton did last season.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

As an older supporter, I no longer go to home matches but watch all of the available matches on SAFCSee. Last year, because of lockdown, I was able to watch all of Sunderland’s games, home and away. I paid £440 to SAFC. This year I am no longer able to stream Saturday home matches.

Could our club not develop a system whereby older supporters can watch these matches? Or are we being discriminated against because of our age?

The technology is there... and I, for one, would be prepared to pay.

George Shovlin

Ed’s Note [Martin]: Thanks for your email George. Nothing to do with age discrimination, nothing to do with the club, it’s the EFL who ban the live broadcast of 3pm Saturday games. The system and technology are there, but unfortunately, the EFL have the antiquated view that broadcasting the games live will be detrimental to crowd numbers. I fundamentally disagree, and wish they’d change their mind on this one.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

So it’s become apparent now that season ticket holders don’t get free admission to U23s games

What’s the reason behind this, we were once known as the caring club but that’s not the case now

Ronnie McGuire

Ed’s Note [Martin]: Hi Ronnie, I’m not sure when that stopped being a thing. Maybe it’s because some games are played at the AOL which isn’t set up to accommodate spectators? It’s a shame, it’s a small ‘bonus’ to having a season card and it doesn’t seem right it’s been taken away. Hopefully the club reconsider this one.

Photo by Will Matthews/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Dear Roker Report,

I agree with Billy Bell about the badge. I like Matthew’s design but I think it is important to remember that coal mining, as well as shipbuilding, was part of the heritage of Sunderland and of course the ground itself is built on a former colliery. The two black cats holding a miners lamp or a colliery wheel would work for me.

Chris Wilson

Ed’s Note [Martin]: Thanks for your email Chris – it certainly would be nice to see the city’s history being better represented.

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Dear Roker Report,

Why can’t we open our club shop it’s daft the club would benefit from it. The only reason we have a surge in sales from online is because of the shop being closed.

Ben Ridley

Ed’s Note [Martin]: It’s ridiculous that it’s remained shut all of this time. Not only are the club missing out on direct sales, particularly on matchdays, they’re also missing out on that community aspect that’s important to any football club. I’ve heard talk of it reopening in the next month or so, but it’s another off-field thing (along with the ticket office) that the new regime haven’t yet sorted out.

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