Roker Report
Sunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!
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Sunderland’s Membership Scheme: The Price To Pay For Success?
“Football is for the fans” is something everyone in the game should be fully aware of. The cost of following our teams is on the rise — whether that’s for match tickets, merchandise or the external cost of transport), and Sunderland’s new membership scheme is divisive to say the least, with non-season-ticket holders like myself […]
On This Day (29th July 1958): Inside Sunderland’s First Day Back After Relegation
It was the first day of pre-season training, and we were treated to a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes as Alan Brown set about the renaissance of the club. Relegated for the first time in their history the previous season, Sunderland commenced pre-season training for the 1958/59 campaign on this day, and the Journal’s Malcolm […]
Sunderland Must Keep The Threat Of Complacency At Bay
“Second-season syndrome”? Bah. Call it a coping mechanism or call it an aversion to the truth (“the truth”, in this case, is being peddled by the rent-a-soundbite doubters on radio and TV that seem to revel in the prospect of a red and white downfall), but I just don’t believe that a supernatural occurrence will […]
Hummel Deliver As Sunderland Honour The Spirit Of 1937
I’m a bona-fide, dyed-in-the-wool Sunderland AFC history fanatic. I’m utterly captivated by the rich and storied heritage of our club; editing and reading the always-fascinating “On This Day” articles written by my Roker Report colleague Andrew Smithson always gives me a great deal of pleasure, and I love to discover new stories and previously-unknown facts […]
Where Would Dayann Méthalie Fit Into Sunderland’s Squad?
Following several reports from reputable journalists – no Fabrizio Romano needed here – including Fabrice Hawkins and Sacha Tavolieri, all signs are pointing towards Sunderland making their second signing of the summer in a reported €30 million (£25.6 million) move to bring the young Frenchman to Wearside. Whilst clearly an exciting talent, this does pose […]
Haway The Podcast | ROOM 101 – Pt. 1 | What Gets On Your Nerves During Summer Holidays?
We’re back with another Room 101 as Andrew & Jonny once again try to convince Chris to get rid of their pet hates into Room 101! Today it’s the first round of three and we’re focusing on the things we hate about summer holidays! On today’s show: All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway […]
Exciting Times Lie Ahead For Sunderland
The game against York was a perfect start to the 2026/2027 season. Class weather, a regiment of the red and white army and a strong display on the pitch. As one of the many that travelled, it turned out to be a great day and really got me looking forward to the games to come. […]
Is No News Good News For Sunderland In The Transfer Market?
John Wilson says… Folks who are getting stressed or tetchy about an apparent lack of transfer activity, in my own humble opinion, just don’t get the positivity, the strong base and the long-term planning that our owner and directors have developed and put into place for this club — they deserve huge credit and support […]
Régis Le Bris’ Big Midfield Dilemma!
On the back of promising performances in pre-season friendlies against York City and Liverpool, Régis Le Bris is going to have a midfield selection dilemma ahead of the new season. Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki all showed their class at the World Cup, with Sadiki and Diarra standing out — Diarra bagging a […]
On This Day (28th July 2023): Eliezer Mayenda — From Prospect to Promotion Hero
On this day in 2023, Eliezer Mayenda completed his transfer to Sunderland from Sochaux for a fee believed to be just over €1 million. The French third-tier side retained a 25% sell-on clause. Mayenda had turned 18 in May and signed a five-year contract. He made his senior debut for Sochaux in a cup game, […]
Who is Dayann Méthalie? Sunderland’s Latest Left-Back Target
As the Black Cats look to bolster the squad and find that perfect balance of youthful exuberance and tactical flexibility, our scouting network has been working overtime. Today, we are casting our eyes across the English Channel to the south of France. Toulouse has become a breeding ground for elite young talent in recent years, […]
Haway The Podcast | Connor Bromley On Sunderland’s Lack Of Signings & His New Book
An old friend of the pod joins us for today’s show as YouTuber (and former RR podcast host!) Connor Bromley chats with Gav about the transfer window so far for Sunderland, and his new book – ‘Sunderland Are Back – The Story Of Sunderland’s Rise From League One To Europe’… Click here to pre-order Connor’s […]
Editorial: Don’t Panic – Sunderland’s Transfer Window Is Far From Over
Whilst, understandably, a lot of the club’s focus this week – on and off the pitch – has been on our tour of the United States and building up to the game against Liverpool in Nashville, much of the discourse online has centred around what people perceive to be a lack of transfer activity at […]
Chris Rigg Looks Ready to Dominate the Premier League
Twelve months ago, Chris Rigg was on the verge of becoming a Premier League player. Having been a fixture in the team that achieved promotion, it was always going to be a big test for an 18-year-old. In his early appearances, he looked a little lightweight and struggled to impact games. His withdrawal, when Reinildo […]
A Memorable Season Could Be Yours, Wilson!
“Oh no”, you might be thinking. “More pro-Wilson Isidor propaganda from that motormouth West? Can’t he find something else to write about?” OK. I admit it: I love the bones off the lad and I make no apologies for that, but humour me for as long as it takes you to read this article, because […]
On This Day (27th July 1993): Sunderland Bag Fergie And Chase Irish Defender!
Terry Butcher and the rest of the footballing world were seemingly in agreement on this day in 1993 – everyone was queueing up to tell Sunderland they had grabbed a bargain by signing Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson. Manager Terry Butcher splashed out £460,000 in cash, plus £150,000-rated John Colquhoun, to land the former Rangers midfielder […]
Matchday Musings: Worthwhile Workout For Sunderland In Nashville
People who listen to our Podcast are probably fed up of me labouring this point, but pre-season friendlies and the performances you see don’t actually matter a great deal, and we shouldn’t try and read too much into them. For me, pre-season games are all about taking every positive that you can from them. And, […]
Talking Points: Plenty Of Positives As The Lads Begin US Tour
We all know deep down pre-season means very little in the grand scheme of things, but it’s always nice to see the players back in the red and white – or the pink, as it was on this occasion – and show some promise for the season ahead. Despite the score line, there was a […]
On This Day (26 July 1992): Child’s Play In Scotland As Crosby Tests System
Having made a shock appearance in the FA Cup final at the end of the 1991/1992 campaign, thoughts were turning to the new season at Sunderland – with a different trophy now up for grabs. The Lads began their 1992/1993 pre-season programme at Falkirk, whose kit was also provided by manufacturer hummel. The Danish brand […]
Haway The Podcast | Reaction To Sunderland’s Defeat In Nashville!
Martin, Kelvin, and James got together on the final whistle to talk all about Sunderland’s game against Liverpool in Nashville as the lads went down 4-2 in an entertaining clash. On today’s show: All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show. Want […]
Just Good Business: The Sensible Geertruida vs Meunier Decision
Following Lutsharel Geertruida’s farewell post on Instagram earlier in the week, fans now have closure on this early window saga or whether or not the well-liked Dutchman would stay on Wearside following the expiration of his loan deal from RB Leipzig. To caveat, I’m a big fan of Lutsha, and this article is in no […]
Can Football Go Global Without Losing Its Soul?
The 2026 World Cup has finished, and it’s a good time for reflection — especially as, coincidentally, Sunderland have arrived in the United States. So, I ask myself: what can we glean from the tournament, and how can Sunderland influence perceptions of football while on tour in the USA? Because there’s a bigger question here. […]
Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 2-4 Liverpool – Canny Runout In Nashville
Melker Ellborg: 6/10 Played around an hour, didn’t have chance with either goal, both being well struck. Made one good save when he came out quickly to save with his feet in the second half but most of his participation in the game was using his feet to play around the press. Nordi Mukiele: 6/10 […]
Fan Focus: What Can Sunderland Expect From Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool Side?
Arne Slot was sacked as Liverpool’s manager after a title defence that saw you lose the same amount of league games as Sunderland. Did fans feel it was the right decision? I think it was the right decision in the end. Of course there was some mitigation and he managed a lot of problems off […]
Haway The Podcast | MATCHDAY PREVIEW | Sunderland Take On Liverpool In Nashville!
YEEEEEEEEEHAW! Sunderland take on Liverpool in Nashville later today and we’re right up for it, so join Gav, James and Andrew as they chat ahead of the match! Coming up on today’s show: All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show. Want […]
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