Roker Rapport

Well Lads and Lasses, our Chris Wynn had the opportunity to talk to the legend that is Ricky Sbragia about his career as a player, his ridiculously successful coaching career, and his time as a dedicated - yet reluctant - first team manager who guided Sunderland to safety in the Premier League following the sudden departure of Roy Keane.What’s the crack?Ricky started out his footballing life as a Birmingham player, later joining Walsall, Blackpool and York City where he played under the likes of Viv Busby and Denis Smith alongside a few players Sunderland fans would come to know well later on - which periods, players and managers stood out for him?Why did he make the move into coaching - and how many lads were left at York City after Denis and Viv left for Roker - besides a certain Bobby Saxton of course...Finally following in his fellow York City legends footsteps he joined Sunderland as a coach in 1994 - what were his first impressions of the club and manager at the time Mick Buxton?How were his experiences

Ahead of our return to League One action against Ipswich this weekend, we got the chance to go over not just our season so far but also our season looking ahead - as well as those of the sides around us - from a somewhat neutral perspective as our Chris Wynn was joined by Sky Sports EFL Editor - Simeon Gholam!What's the crack?Simeon covers all things EFL for Sky and in doing so conducts a great many interviews with managers and players throughout the divisions - including our own Lee Johnson and Elliot Embleton this season - so how much does he enjoy his role... and what stood out for him about both lads during those interviews?League One has never been an easy league to break free from - but just how strong has it got in recent years regarding the size of fellow clubs down here with us?Was the move to clear out the squad ahead of the summer recruitment process brave in his opinion, or does it look like it was the right thing to do to move the club forward?Lee Johnson; What does Simeon think of our manager an

The wonderful Jen O'Neill - editor of She Kicks women's football magazine (formerly On the Ball) joined our Rich Speight to discuss... well... pretty much everything!Including but not limited to:The origins of the side we now know as SAFC Ladies, and Jen's journey through the footballing world since childhood;Her experiences as a player for the Kestrels, and her role in the merger and transition to Sunderland Women;The problems with John MacPhail's shorts...Jen's journey through media - working on the official SAFC programs and her work with On the Ball/She Kicks since leaving her playing career; How far have we come regarding coverage of the women's game?The future of the women's game generally, and the need to match expectation with sustainability;Her experiences playing with the Lasses that went on to become household names... and make up half the National side;Her pride in Mel Reay's side and players like Keira Ramshaw who stuck with the Lasses as the FA condemned them to the lower divisions, and her hope

Our Gav was joined by Martin and Craig to discuss the downturn in performances from the Lads these past few weeks, and the surge in calls for Lee Johnson to be replaced we’ve all seen recently.What’s the crack?Craig had the misfortune of being present for an apparently sh*te performance in the FA Cup - was it as bad in hindsight as he thought it was at the time?How does Lee Johnson begin to diagnose form dropping this suddenly when he had the exact same squad pulling out brilliant performances mere weeks before? Is this a case of ‘streaky Lee’ or just... football?Johnson Out - Are we really going there now? Is everything the manager has achieved the past few months suddenly irrelevant because we’ve lost a few games?Social Media vs Real Life; It looks like the aftermath of a 12 game losing streak online right now - but away from Twitter and Facebook - are people far less in favour of making dramatic changes to solve a seemingly short-term problem?It appears Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman will be looking to

Our Craig and Paddy react from the bar after a 0-1 defeat and try to work out where this sudden drop in form has come from...What's the crack?Mansfield complete an unwelcome but deserved FA Cup double over Sunlun at the Stadium of Light as the Lads are knocked out by Nigel Clough...Again.The side look a mess right now - the polar opposite of what we've come to expect since the season started - so what's going on?Does this game matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not - but how is a side that strong suddenly struggling against League Two opponents?Aye. Mingin' #FACup #SAFC #EFL  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Chris Wynn was joined by Mansfield Town reporter and BBC Radio Nottingham presenter - Jake Garner - to go over tomorrow's FA Cup opener between Sunderland and Mansfield at the Stadium of Light!What's the crack?How did Jake come to report on Mansfield then?How are Nigel Clough's lads getting on currently?Speaking of Clough Jr - what exactly happened to his predecessors David Flitcroft and Graham Coughlan in the role?Who in the Mansfield side should Sunlun be watching out for tomorrow?Considering they aren't on a great run of form themselves, are the fans confident about tomorrow's game and is the club taking the competition seriously?Does any of this reduce the anxiety for our Chris over a fixture that may not be all that important compared to the League - but a result that may well be needed to help get the lads firing after a disappointing week for Sunderland AFC...All this and much more! Listen in! #SAFC #MTFC #FACup #EFL  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Warning: Explicit content, language and themes - Due to the topics discussed this podcast is intended for a mature audience. Parental guidance is advised.Rich was joined yesterday by Gav and Paddy to go over a terrible game for the Lads, as the squad capitulated on the pitch and sections of the fanbase embarrassed us all on Saturday at Rotherham.What's the crack?What the f**k is wrong with people?Racism in the stands - violent disorder - chants of a sexual nature in close proximity to families and children - disrupting the RUFC remembrance ceremony... What happened at Rotherham to our fans, and how do we address these issues as a collective?As for the football itself; What exactly went wrong there?To be perfectly honest lads and lasses the sh*t this weekend has been vile. This Pod is what it is - a frank discussion about some of our fans and a frank discussion about the state of that game. This isn't an invitation to enjoy, more to listen if you're willing, and there is some light at the end of the tunnel...H

Our Chris Wynn returns to Xtra duties as we face Rotherham United this Saturday, and joining him to chat about t'Millers (and a bit about t'footballing hotbed that is Yorkshire) is Rotherham's official match commentator - Matt Goodwin!What's the crack?Before we get going... Matt took part in the making of an exceptional 2018 documentary film about Barnsley by the name of 'Daydream Believers' - so how did all that come about?How did Matt become the Rotherham commentator?How are the Millers doing this season? Are the fans still happy with manager Paul Warne?How stable is the club since dropping into League One after that mad end to the Championship season?Are they confident Warne will take them back up?What should we expect from Rotherham's players this Saturday?Oh and how is our old friend Will Grigg? Have flames been sighted at all?All this and a lot more! A lovely chat with a lovely lad! Listen in! #SAFC #RUFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Whatever will be, will be...” Join Gav and Martin as they reacted to Sunderland’s penalty shoot-out win in the League Cup away at Queens Park Rangers - GET IN!What's the crack?Had a bit of a celebratory-beer-on-mic thing last night that killed that recording so... Gav got this in before work as our Martin down under got on before bed. Bless them...LEE BURGE - Well played lad, well played indeed!A great team performance; How did we measure up against a pretty strong QPR side?Have some lads played their way into the Rotherham game in the League on Saturday?Who do we want next in the cup?HAWAY THE LADS! #SAFC #EFL #CarabaoCup #LeagueOne #LeagueCup  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Martin was joined by our Malc and our old friend Barnesy to go over Saturday's home loss, look ahead to the next few fixtures in the league itself, and chat a bit about QPR - and another dear friend - referee Darren Drysdale.What's the crack?Right... What did everyone make of Saturday's result and the overall team performance?Player performance aside - was that the worst refereeing performance we've ever seen at the Stadium of Light?Do we need more physicality in the side specifically to match opponents who bring far more of it? How do we feel ahead of the next few league fixtures - is there any need to panic if we lose a couple games or should we relax a little?QPR in the cup - that's a free hit isn't it so... more time for the youngsters?Is McGeady fit enough to start games even when he's fully recovered... and why is Luke on free kicks?How confident is Nick ahead of the run up to Christmas?All this and much more! A bit late we know but some weird techy struggles our end... HAWAY THE LADS! #SAFC #EFL #

Our Phil West took on hosting duties after the match from the bar as we looked at the poor performance from Sunlun - and the match officials - that resulted in our loss this afternoon!What's the crack?Opportunity missed; Some of the Lads just weren't in it today - should we be worried.. or simply take it on the chin and move on?Where are the problem areas for the Lads?Changes to be made?Should the Charlton goal have been allowed?Any positives to take from that or should we all just get p**sed?Aye... #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rich was joined by a few exiled marras in the away end just now as they went over our lovely away win against Crewe Alexandra!What's the crack?How was that for a performance?Who really stood out tonight?What about those goals... Who got the best of the night?Who the f*ck is banging that drum?HAWAY THE LADS #SAFC #EFL #League One  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav caught up with our Ant and Martin to go over Saturday's away victory over Steve Evans' Gills side in detail, and to look ahead to Crewe away on Tuesday night!What's the crack?So is everyone happy with that result?The Hoff - He’s quality isn’t he…The Embo deal/challenge - A great decision followed by a poor decision? Was that a harsh red or not?Was Steve Evans chasing a red or did a pie whistle just past his head?Dan Neil. Aye.Crewe away tomorrow and the mag u23s tonight - Looks like LJ is going to be drawing from our talented pool of youth players.. How do we feel ahead of the next League clash?Is the club on the right path?All this and much more! HAWAY THE LADS! #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The lads were still in the ground when recording a very quick reaction to 3 vital points for Lee Johnson's men - before rushing away to catch a flight home!What's the craic?How did they think the Lads performed today?How did the crowd perform today?What time is their flight back?HAWAY THE LADS #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rich was joined down the line for our Xtra preview this week by BBC Radio Kent's Gills commentator - Ben Watts - for a quick chat about our upcoming fixture down at Priestfield on Saturday!You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in. What's the crack?It's been a bit of a battle in recent meetings - how confident are Gillingham currently?Transfers - Have the new lads brought in by manager Steve Evans during the Summer window actually settled?Tactics and style of play - How are Gills setting up this season?How have players such as Gillingham Captain - Kyle Dempsey - and last season's top scorer - Vadaine Oliver - performed up to this point?Who do Gills fans see as the threat from Sunderland on Saturday - do we look a different outfit to previous years from the outside looking in?So... Is it likely to rain? Asking for a few friends... All this and more! Listen in! #SAFC #Gills #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and o

Ant got back from the match a bit cold last night and tried to warm himself up by having a cosy chat with our Malc - as they went over the Sunlun youth victory over the Man Utd youth - as well as giving a few thoughts on the Embo deal!What's the crack?EFL fines - What's the point?Watching the young lads develop; We've got some great talent coming through right now haven't we...Embo 2025; Brilliant business from the club. Dan Neil next please!Stephen Wearne and Tyrese Dyce; What a match for the lads - and a goal each!Taylor talk, Younger chatter and all the rest of the young lads making us proud - We seem to be seeing a real identity running throughout the club now regardless of age - How bright is the future looking?HAWAY THE LADS #SAFC #MUFC #EFL #PapaJohnsTrophy  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Brett was joined by Malc late yesterday evening following the final whistle at the LNER stadium to go over a (youthful) Sunderland victory in the EFL Trophy group stages! What's the crack? A very young side played last night with a lot of changes made by Lee Johnson; How did they do overall?Dan Neil - What a hit that was lad.Stephen Wearne gets a goal on his senior debut!O'Nien came on for a few minutes before heading back off again as a precaution following a knock - He's really taking a battering at the moment isn't he?Is that a good example of why Johnson, Speakman and the rest of the team thought it was time to part ways with our old friend - and former King of Sunlun sh*thousery - Chris Maguire?Aye. Good to put that other result against Pompey/Peterborough (or whatever they're called) behind us.Haway the lads! #SAFC #EFL #PapaJohnsTrophy  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rich and Gav were joined by Massive Lads Fan (and former Hartlepool & Carlisle left back) Matty Robson to review Sunderland’s drubbing at Fratton Park, and to look ahead to Lincoln! What’s the crack?Let’s get the weather out of the way...We run through each goal and try to work out what went wrong;How will Lee Johnson respond?Lincoln away in the EFL Trophy then...What should the gaffer do team selection-wise?Searching for positives after a bad day at the office;All this and much more! #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris dragged our Bomber and Brandon on immediately after the final whistle to go over the Fratton Park washout as quickly as possible before pouring a bit single malt and ignoring it all.What's the crack?So... There was a touch of light drizzle...Can we blame the conditions for that result, or was it accompanied by a weak as p*ss performance?Brandon gets his stats out and has a look at the data for us;Is this one to put behind us as soon as possible?Are Pompey averse to drainage as a rule?Aye. Wet'n'wild and a bit f*ckin sh*te'n'mingin says our Sacko - Enjoy/Endure! #EFL #SAFC #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aye - we just dropped the Cheltenham reaction a few hours ago so if you haven't heard that yet, listen to that first... or this first... whatever suits you lovely people!Chris was joined on the Xtra preview this week by Freddie from Pompey Pod - PO4cast - to chat all about our upcoming game at Fratton Park, and to look at how the Cowley brothers are settling in!You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in. What's the crack?So Kenny Jackett was kicked from the club - What happened there then?How are things going with the Brothers Cowley? Are the Portsmouth faithful all behind Danny Cowley's plan in spite of results recently?What did Freddie make of the summer window?How are the fans feeling about Portsmouth owner Michael Eisner?What is the realistic target for Pompey this season?Who should Lee Johnson and the Lads be wary of on their trip down south this weekend?Predictions, possible line-ups, tactics, systems and everything else you need to know