Roker Rapport

The latest special guest to join us on the Roker Rapport Podcast is former Sunderland AFC manager Alan Durban, discussing his turbulent time on Wearside between 1981-84 with our Connor and the ITHICS lads. You can listen, for free as usual, on iTunes. Acast, Spotify, TuneIn, and of course YouTube.What are we talking about this episode?Alan tells us why he took the managers job at Roker Park at such a difficult period in the clubs history;What it was he tried to bring to the team, and in particular to the young lads coming through;His relationship with former Chairman Sir Tom Cowie, and how the situation behind the scenes affected his ability to push on with his vision;The players he spotted, nurtured and brought to the side not only as manager, but also later on in an advisory role with Peter Reid;Give Us Tomorrow Now: Alan Durban's Mission Impossible - A new book written about his time at SAFC;Some wonderful stories and memories shared from his lengthy career as a player and manager, and his opinions on the

Joining us to preview Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light between Sunderland & Wycombe is Max from ‘The Wycombe Wanderers Podcast’. You can listen for free on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube - get stuck in!What are we talking about this week?What does Adebayo Akinfenwa bring to a team beyond sheer presence?The benefits of including community in your club;Luke O’Nien - whilst he’s not been a regular at Sunderland, why is he so weirdly likable and what do Chairboys fans miss most about him?Wycombe’s strengths and weaknesses - where could we hurt them, and who should we look out for?How have Gareth Ainsworth’s team responded to a difficult start to life after promotion, what has improved and where do they still struggle?Who does Max fear most from the Sunderland line-up?This, and so much more. Enjoy the show!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In an attempt to gain some deep insight on how Sunderland’s Academy of Light really works, we sat down with AoL manager Paul Reid and club legend Kevin Ball for another exclusive episode of the Podcast. You can listen on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube.What are we talking about this episode?Getting to know who Paul Reid really is;What is Kevin Ball’s role in the Academy these days?Bally talks about his various relationships with the many players that have came through Sunderland’s academy under his guidance;What are their plans for the Academy going forward?How do things work at the AoL?All this and much, much more. Tune In!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sunderland won AGAIN this past weekend in the FA Cup, and joining us to discuss the performance and goals in all their glory is the Chronicle’s James Hunter! You can listen for free on iTunes, Acast, Spotify, Youtube and Tunein.What are we talking about this episode?Another win for Sunderland on the road; Can we keep this up?Talking tactics; How did Ross do in his first FA Cup tie in charge of the lads?Player performances and Honeyman-rating faux pas;Returning players; With Watmore's return on the horizon, where does he fit in to the current squad?If we haven't moved up a gear yet (according to certain stats) what happens when we do?All this and much more! Tune In!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sir Bob Murray sat down with Roker Report this week for a chat in what was undoubtedly one of the biggest, most honest and in-depth Podcast interviews we’ve ever recorded. You can listen on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube.What are we talking about this episode?How did Sir Bob come to own Sunderland AFC?Is he still a massive Lads fan?What was his relationship like with former managers including Peter Reid, Denis Smith, Mick McCarthy and Howard Wilkinson?How he feels about Ellis Short;Why he cannot forgive Niall Quinn for two things he did as Chairman of SAFC;All this and much more. Tune In!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week our resident Xtra host Graham had the pleasure of catching up with the absolute gentleman and legend that is former Sunderland AFC Captain (and hard-as-f**k midfield enforcer) Lorik Cana! Answering questions on his life, his career, and his time at the club! You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube.What are we talking about this episode?Lorik talks about the events and circumstances which shaped him as a young man, and what drove him to become the player he was;His first thoughts on coming to Sunderland at that specific point in his career: What or who sold our club to him?His thoughts on what it means to play for a club like Sunderland, and his love and respect for the fans and the region;HARD AS F**K; Knowing the limits and pushing them as far as they can be pushed;Lorik reflects on the team, his favourite players, the craziest man he's ever met, his relationship with Catts, and his influence on a young Hendo;Favourite moments; What are his most precious mem

Connor and Alex have the pleasure of hosting Sunderland Echo’s former chief Sunderland AFC writer, Tales from the Red & Whites contributor/editor (and passionate lads fan) Graeme Anderson! Discussing all things SAFC - past, present and future! You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube. What are we talking about this week?In depth analysis of our latest win against Plymouth;Overall progression of the club this season, and how that progression compares to previous years; Tales from the Red & Whites; Graeme gives some insight into the upcoming third volume, and their interviews with Knighton, McMenemy, Crosby, Reid, Poyet and Grayson!An evolution of sports journalism; Graeme talks covering Sunderland over the years, his relationships with different Managers, Players, Owners, and the press pack itself (as well as the considerable distinction of writing more words on SAFC than any other journalist in history!)Investing in youth; The importance of keeping hol

He’s the face of Monday Night Football - and now he’s on the Roker Rapport Podcast! David Jones joins us in the studio to talk about why he’s such a Massive Sunderland fan. You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube.What are we talking about this episode?David talks about his upbringing and how he became a Sunderland fan;He talks about his heroes growing up watching the Lads;His experience of working as a director at Oxford United;His relationships with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven;All this and a great deal more! Sit back, tune in and enjoy.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's that time again! Our esteemed host Connor Bromley sits down with Sunderland owner Stewart Donald to discuss how he's feeling about our progress so far this season, and to let us know some of the goings on behind the scenes, as well as answering as many of your fan questions as possible! Listen in!What are we talking about this episode?Stewart gives his thoughts on manager Jack Ross and how well he's done with the squad;How certain squad members have been settling in, along with Contract talk and thoughts on the January window;The fanbase and their continuing relentless support;Juan Sartori and his role at the club in coming years;The Ndong and Papy saga; What's happening now?Mags at games... What does the Chairman make of it all?All this and a great deal more! Two hours or so of pure SAFC audio gold!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fresh off a couple of successive away wins, the lads are back home this weekend to face Southend United. Graham sat down for a chat with All At Sea Fanzine to see what the Shrimpers have been up to since last we met, and what to expect on Saturday! You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and of course YouTube.What are we talking about this week?Reminiscing about our previous meetings; There’s a distinct smell of something in the air at Roots Hall and it isn’t Shrimp..Chris Powell; How has he been doing since taking over from the less than popular Phil Brown?A few familiar names as Big Michael Turner makes a return to the SoL; Is he still the Usain Bolt of defenders?Likely lineups, tactical analysis, injury talk and predictions;Dost thou feareth the King of Sh*thousery; Chris Maguire loves making friends everywhere he travels...A view from the outside; How do others see our performances on (and off) the pitch this season?This and much more! Listen in!  See acast.com/priva

Joining the Lads this week in the Roker Rapport studio to talk about Sunderland’s season so far is Phil Smith, football reporter at the Sunderland Echo. You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and YouTube.What are we talking about this week?Sunderland’s performance at the weekend against Shrewsbury;Where does George Honeyman fit into the team now, and does he deserve the criticism he gets from sections of our support?Lee Cattermole and captaincy - debating whether he needs it or not;Are Sunderland primed to go on a long winning run?Looking ahead to the next section of fixtures;And much, much more - it’s honey for the ears!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The international break is finally at an end for all us poor souls craving club football. As we travel to Shrewsbury this Saturday, our Graham chats with Glyn from Shrewsbury Pod - Salopcast! You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn and of course YouTube!What are we talking about this week?Flashbacks to the last league game between the two clubs; A few names you might recognise..What should we expect from John Askey and his team?How have the years been treating Shrewsbury and their fans?A few suggestions for the travelling SAFC faithful; Places to drink, have a laugh, and how to get to the stadium.Players to watch, likely tactical lineups and predictions:Is Max Power actually Lee Barry in his youth? Also.. Does anyone else remember the film Face Off?This and much, much more. Listen in!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The lads welcomed back regular podcast guest Simon O’Rourke to the studio and they were in celebratory spirits after the Black Cats picked up all three points at Valley Parade. You can catch this week’s show on iTunes, Acast, YouTube, and now Spotify!What are we talking about this episode?Connor discusses attending an away game on his own for the first time;Simon explains why he dressed as Dumbledore and missed the game;The lads talk about how class Jon McLaughlin and Chris Maguire were at the weekend;How should the club and management deal with Max Power after another sending off?And much more! Plenty to get stuck into.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

James Lowson takes over hosting duties this week as he chats to the Chronicle's Mark Douglas about his beloved Bantams (while Mark tries not to wake the bairns) and Sunderland's journey to Valley Parade this weekend! This episode is available as usual, for free, on Acast, iTunes and Youtube.What are we talking about this episode?How are Bradford doing so far this season?Players to watch; Who poses the biggest threat?Ownership struggles; Who wins a game of worst chairman... Ellis or Rahić?Referees in League One: Are they all this bad?Possible lineups, tactics and much more! Listen in!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Julio Arca popped into Roker Report HQ for a nice two hour chat about his career, Sunderland and what he wants to do in the future. We dive into everything from managers, certain goals and his whole career - it is a must listen for any Sunderland fan. As always, you can catch this week’s show on iTunes, Acast and YouTube. What are we discussing this week?Analysing Sunderland’s draw with Coventry at the weekend;Should George Honeyman get the chop?Julio’s memories of signing for the Lads;What it was like to score on his debut against West Ham?His views on why Sunderland were relegated in 2003 and 2006;Why he left the club;And much more! This is two hours of must listen podcasting if you are a Lads fan!!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paint your wagon and come along to hear our Connor and Alex bask in the warmth and the glory of the tweed, as BBC Newcastle's resident gent Mr Nick Barnes joins us to talk Sunderland's latest home win and all things SAFC! You can catch it as always, for free, on iTunes, Acast and YouTube!What are we talking about this week?All the action, reaction and more from the Lad's 4-1 mauling of Rochdale on Saturday;Momentum; Just how important was this win for the confidence in and around the team and fanbase?Ndong in the North east; What's happening there?The glamour of covering games and getting caught short...Loads of chat, in depth analysis and answering all your questions;Listen In!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Connor Bromley sat down for a chat with his good friend Alex Jones, who also happens to be a huge Rochdale Fan. Listen as they preview the game, talk Sunderland and what to expect from a League One campaign. You can catch it, as always, for free on iTunes, Acast and YouTube. What are we talking about this week?Is this the biggest league fixture Rochdale have ever had? How worried should Sunderland be about Ian Henderson?Will our wingers get much joy against their full backs?Plus much more! Listen in!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining Connor and Alex in the Roker Rapport Podcast studio this week to analyse the Burton loss and more is the wonderful and very funny David Callaghan! You can catch it, as always, for free on iTunes, Acast and YouTube.What are we discussing this week?Connor's inability to go 5 minutes without saying something inappropriate;Alex reveals details of the exclusive financial package he receives from dark and shady forces every weekend in order to influence his match ratings, and in particular, to give George Honeyman at least a 6 every game;Our first League defeat of the season; The lads try to cope by railing at local bakeries, and actually talk in depth about what went wrong!Tactics; Did we get it right this week? No. Can we do better? Yes. How? Dunno but we try to work it out...Other serious stuff. It's all extremely serious and rage filled and that. Aye. Listen In!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining our Graham this week to give us an opposition perspective on proceedings ahead of the game down at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday is Josh Murray, sports writer for the Burton Mail! Listen In! This episode is available as usual, for free, on Acast, iTunes and Youtube.What are we talking about this week?All the goings on since our last meeting with The Brewers in the Championship last season;Players to watch; Burton's been undergoing something of a rebuild themselves since relegation, so how have their new lads been fitting in?Nigel Clough; How's he been handling things down at the Pirelli and what can we expect from him tactically?Predictions, Players to watch and everything in between! Give us a listen!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fresh off an interview with Stewart Donald, Connor welcomed Sunderland legend Gordon Armstrong, alongside Andrew and David from RAWA to discuss the Fleetwood match and all things SAFC! Listen in! You can hear this episode as usual, for free, on Acast, iTunes and Youtube. What are we talking about today?Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Joey Barton's Fleetwood Town on Saturday; Some in depth analysis.How do the lad's feel about the way things are going so far on and off the pitch? The Red and White Army's attempts at interaction with the previous regime, and namely their experience of Martin Bain;What the RAWA's ideas and plans are going forward and why as many fans as possible should take part if they can;Stories, Connorisms, origins and much more!Again, too much to put down here ladies and gents! Give us a listen and hear for yourself!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.