Dear Roker Report,
Jarred Gillett: another embarrassing display from a referee who simply isn’t good enough, backed up by the nonsense you call VAR.
Once again, Sunderland have been let down by poor officiating and VAR decisions.
You should all be ashamed — absolutely dreadful, every one of you.
We were completely denied a win on Saturday because of awful calls.
Rob Brown
Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Rob. Thanks for writing in.
It really was another miserable refereeing performance from Gillett on Saturday, and it made things all the more frustrating because Sunderland did so many things well and would have fully deserved three points. But when decisions like that go against you — and in such absurd ways — it’s hard to know what more you can do.
I don’t usually like pointing the finger at officials when results don’t go our way, but this time it was impossible to ignore how much influence the referee had on the game. It should prompt a serious discussion about the standard of refereeing in this country, which feels as low as I can remember.
Dear Roker Report,
The recent transfer talk surrounding Robin Roefs made me reflect that whether he leaves this summer might not be the most important thing.
What really matters is this: he’s a fantastic individual both on and off the pitch. The partnership between him and the club has benefited both sides greatly, and whatever happens next, each will be better for it.
More broadly, Roefs is one of several current and former players we should be happy to welcome back after their playing days end — whether as a goalkeeping coach, scout, manager, or even Director of Football. People who truly understand Sunderland.
There have been — and still are — so many strong characters at the club recently, and it’s refreshing to see.
Credit to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Régis Le Bris, David Bruce, Florent Ghisolfi, Kristjaan Speakman, Stuart Harvey, Tony Mowbray, Mike Dodds, Alex Neill, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, Jobe and Lynden Gooch for helping drive the club forward in recent years.
And respect as well to figures from earlier eras such as Bob Murray, Peter Reid, Niall Quinn, Kevin Phillips and Stefan Schwarz.
Dan Ejstrup
Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Dan. Thanks for getting in touch.
I think Roefs’ popularity highlights something I’ve admired for a while: Sunderland aren’t just recruiting players for talent and physical ability, but also for character and values.
That approach has been developing over time, and while there have been a few mistakes in the transfer market, it’s hard not to be impressed by the overall personality of this squad and how they conduct themselves.
After years of bringing in poor-quality signings, this shift has been very welcome — and hopefully it continues for many seasons to come.
Dear Roker Report,
I’ve read comments from fans saying the atmosphere against Liverpool and especially against Fulham was disappointing — with much of the blame aimed at supporters.
From my perspective, those were two of our worst home performances, and there wasn’t much for fans to get excited about.
In the first half against Liverpool, we barely crossed into their half, and when we did, the ball was usually passed sideways or backwards.
The opening half against Fulham was similar, though I felt the crowd tried to lift the team by cheering every small positive moment and every time Fulham were forced to recycle possession back to their goalkeeper.
The atmosphere against Arsenal and Manchester City was much better because we pushed forward and took the game to them at times — which naturally energises the crowd.
Sometimes it feels like people expect supporters to generate constant noise for the entire ninety minutes plus stoppage time, but watching matches on television shows that this rarely happens anywhere.
Fans and players depend on each other. We must try to be the “twelfth man,” but the players also need to give the crowd something to respond to.
Peter Welsh
Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Peter. Thank you for writing in.
I’ve always believed that the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light is driven mainly by what happens on the pitch. Many of the best atmospheres we’ve had came when the team played exciting, attacking football — and I’d say the current squad has that potential too.
Our home ground is at its best when the Lads play with intensity, confidence and purpose. Against Fulham and Liverpool, though, we looked hesitant at times, and that uncertainty spread into the stands.
As you say, it’s a two-way relationship. Hopefully, when we return home to face Brighton later this month, spirits will be higher and the atmosphere will reflect that positivity.
