Roker Rapport

Gav was joined earlier today by our Martin Wanless - and our old friend Barnesy - to go over yesterday’s result against a pretty dire Crewe Alexandra side and to hear what head coach Alex Neil and goalscorer Dan Neil had to say following the game. What's the crack? The lads attempt to break down those (largely bleak) first 80 or so minutes; Nick gives us his thoughts on the performance... and Alex Neil’s response to some of his thoughts on the performance; Two quite wonderful goals - one a Dan Neil special and the other a well worked attack from a combination of Clarke and Roberts - so... what did the lads think of those substitutions? Would it be wiser to play your best team from the beginning - or is Alex Neil still unsure as to what the best team is after the short time he’s had? Can playing style really be ignored in favour of the results - for example if you don’t actually score that defensive strength doesn’t matter much does it - and should we be set up to attack from the off at home against weake

Our Chris Wynn returns to action as we look forward to another vital game (they’re all vital now aye) against Crewe Alexandra this Saturday - this week we’re joined by the lovely Tim Robinson of The Railwaymen Podcast - letting us in on all the goings on over at Gresty Road! What's the crack? How are things over at Crewe currently, and is that a daft question? How long has Tim himself been suffering from the terrible affliction that is loyalty to your club? So... where did it all go wrong this season? Are the Crewe fans as a whole pretty resigned to relegation from League One now? How is David Artell faring in all this - are there mitigating circumstances for the position they find themselves in? Tim tries his best to terrify us long-suffering Sunlun fans by pointing out how bad things are currently and how a result for them is unlikely... Why aren't Tim's mates and fellow Railwaymen answering his whatsapp messages about travelling up to the Stadium of Light this weekend? All this and much more! Listen in! #S

Brett and Ant got together very, very late last night to react to Sunderland’s nervy home victory against Fleetwood and the quite spectacular return of Luke O’Nien! What’s the crack? About that first half... Just how mad a game and atmosphere was that? From the strange decision making and poor performances in the first half to the dramatic changes and the rescuing victory from the jaws of... whatever that was... how do the lads feel about that win? SWEEEET LUKE O’NIEN BA-BA-BAAAAAA etc Who looked like we should probably see less of them in future... and just how important is the return of Sir Smilesalot? All this and more! #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav was joined yesterday by Tom - and the Chronicle's James Hunter - to look at Saturday's result, look ahead to Fleetwood and beyond, and to mourn what looks like the loss of the ray of light that is Alex Pritchard... at least until the scans come back. What's the crack?What did the lads make of that performance this weekend? More vitally perhaps - what do they make of the result for the sides around us? What does James make of what Alex Neil is trying to do so far? What does Alex Neil think of what Alex Neil is trying to do so far? The loss of Pritch - How bad could it be, not just for Pritchard himself, but for the team? Who could use the Pritchard injury as a possible way into the side?We've got a few experienced lads coming back in, how important will they be in the run-in? How does James and the lads think we'll approach the match tomorrow night? Gav gets all inspirational again and tries to convince himself and everyone else that we can still do this. HAWAY! All this and much more! #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOn

Bomber was joined by Malc yesterday in the immediate aftermath of the result, to react and give their thoughts on some of those performances from the lads down at the Valley. What's the crack?2 points lost or 2 games unbeaten - how would they like to spin this result? The only thing - arguably the most vital thing of all - we failed to do was score... So what did the lads make of the chances we had?Did Charlton turn up to their own party seeking a draw? Our Malc isn't sure they were fully up for it...How does this performance compare to the few others Alex Neil has been in charge for - a step in the right direction?All this and more! Listen in!#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav was joined by Sue - from the Addicks’ Pod Charlton Live - to have a bit of a chinwag ahead of Sunderland’s visit to The Valley this weekend!What’s the crack?How are things going down at the Valley these days?Sue and Gav reminisce about the times Charlton have ruined everything for Sunlun before... Sandgaard - How is the rock and roll owner of the Addicks getting along with fans now they’re really struggling?Was Tom White right to say that Charlton are in a false position in the league?How do the two clubs compare regarding their on and off the pitch problems down the years?Are injuries the real problem with Johnnie Jackson’s lads? What are Charlton fans hopes for the future regarding their current manager?Sue kindly sends on the condolences of the Charlton fans after the incredibly sad loss of Massive Lads Fan - Michael Waggott - who passed away last Thursday after suffering a medical emergency during our meeting with Burton at the Stadium of Light.#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne #CAFC See acast.com/privacy fo

Gav was joined yesterday by our Phil and SSN’s MLF - the lovely Tom White - to go over Sunderland’s win at the DW Stadium; looking back at the transfer business and managerial saga, and looking forward to Charlton’s next attempt to once again f*** everything up for Sunlun.What’s the crack?Gav finally gets to say something positive about Sunderland after the chaos and heartbreak of the last month or so...We get Tom’s thoughts on the performance on Saturday - did he see that coming at all?Alex Neil thinks football is often ruined by people talking too much bollocks - so what has he been saying to the lads on the training pitch about the simplicity of the beautiful game?A bit of a retrospective about the timing of the sacking of Lee Johnson, the transfer window business in general, and the Keano and Kongolo deals/talks falling through - as Tom is all ITK and well... we’re interested.Can Sunderland turn this into a run - is anyone confident about our chances of getting to the play-offs off the back of this result

Sunderland have won the football! Aye, after a month of misery and chaos we've finally remembered we're trying to get to the Championship. These two lads from distant lands are feeling the high - as our Bomber hosts our Kev - but how long will their high last?What’s the crack?HMS P*ss the Play-offs? Maybe? Without getting too carried away? We can dream can’t we? F*** it - It’s a win.A vital first win for the new gaffer which we think may have took everyone - ourselves included - by surprise after looking over that starting line-up; How does Alex Neil build on this result?A great team performance - a few issues but not enough to let Wigan get a sniff really - so who stood out for the lads, and where do they think that performance came from?MATETE - What do Bomber and Kev make of a lad who is looking like a very smart acquisition?Goals from Bailey Wright and a couple great Pennas from Rossco and we’re firing again - The lads think about the vital games to come and the psychological benefits of such things.A bit

Gav was joined by Chris from Wigan Podcast - Pie at Night - to preview this weekend's fixture as Sunderland travel to the DW Stadium to face Leam Richardson's men.What's the crack?Well since we last spoke things have changed a little - How are things going over at the DW Stadium?Leam Richardson - He’s done very well this season hasn’t he?Chris tries to alleviate all Sunlun fans nerves ahead of the match... How does the Sunderland capitulation look to the rest of the EFL? How is Charlie Wyke doing at the moment? Also, how are former players McClean and Power performing for the Latics? Sunderland need 3 points just to stay in the race for the play-off positions but with Wigan chasing the top spot... well... who is this match now more vital to? All this and much more! Listen in!#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne #WAFC See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav was joined yesterday by the always lovely Jeff Brown of BBC Look North, and our Martin Wanless of (currently) down under, to look at the result against MK... and Sunderland's ever-decreasing chances of promotion this season. What's the crack? Where did it all go wrong, Jeff?Where do we go from here, Jeff?"Aaaaargh Jeff man what's going on man aaaargh"Again we ask the question: What exactly is Alex Neil supposed to do? Whilst also pondering why you might put Pritchard on the wing..Kristjaan Speakman - How much does this all come down to the Sunderland Sporting Director's questionable decision making?Sharegate - that all helps the mood doesn't it?Was Defoe signed for any reason at all beyond nostalgia/emotion?All this and much, much more! Oh and we play Burton this Tuesday... waheeeeey!#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav was joined by Malc and Deano at the bar after another disappointing match for the Lads, this time a loss at home against MK Dons!What's the crack?Ah man... What do you even say to that?What can Alex Neil even do in this situation?Cba.#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As not much has gone on this week in the life of a Sunlun fan, Gav and Phil thought they’d get together to talk about the weather. Honest. Even dragged the sports editor for the MK Citizen - Toby Lock - on for a chat about cloud formations.What’s the crack?Gav and Phil react to the news regarding the share split between KLD and the rest of the old gang that is MADROX; the ultimate all-for-profit nemesis of football fans everywhere.As we wait for the minutes from the RAWA meeting with the club, what do the lads make of the volley of communications from both SD and CM - as well as KLD and the other SD - the timing of all this is fascinating isn’t it.Charlie, oh Charlie - every mackem’s favourite Ibiza obsessed Etonian is back! Sort of. The lads come up with an elaborate plan to swap fixture lists to temporarily confuse him.We react to news of the end of an era as the Legend Kevin Ball’s time at the club is confirmed to be over - more great timing obviously - what do we know so far about this news and how are th

Gav was joined earlier today - to react to the news of Alex Neil's appointment as the new Sunderland AFC Head Coach - by our Martin Wanless - as well as Preston North End fan Jake Oates of From the Finney Podcast - to give us some insight as to what sort of a man Alex Neil is, and what we might expect from our new prospective saviour. What's the crack? So... Is this a good appointment for us from the outside looking in?How exactly do the fans of Neil's former clubs feel about him?What sort of a managerial style should we expect, and what sort of football are we likely to see played now at the Stadium of Light?Why does Alex still split opinion in the North End fanbase?After Jake leaves the lads to get to his actual job... Gav and Martin wax lyrical about the appointment and the dreaded process it took to get us here.As the news of the appointment coincided with the Keane news, how did the lads feel about this appointment in that moment - just yesterday morning - compared to how they feel now?All we can do is b

Gav was joined late last night by our Craig/Angryman to get a few things off their chests regarding recent results, terrible player performances, terrible team selections, recruitment gaffes, sh**e coaches, strange decisions and the first real test for the new ownership! What’s the crack?What it says on the tin really - The lads aren’t happy at all after that s***show. Player performance woes - what the f*** are they playing at?#DoddsOut - The team selection has broken our Gavin...Speakman - Gets plenty praise when it’s deserved but does he deserve much praise at all for his failings recently, especially given how significant they could yet prove to be?Gav’s Keano Rant™ 2022 Edition - Give Roy what he f***ing wants, stop playing games and just get it done aye.Is Keane now Kyril and Speakman’s only real option?Have the club just s*** the bed in recent weeks - given the lack of defensive cover after selling the couple lads we could’ve done with just after sacking the head coach with no immediate replacemen

Well... Ant was joined in the pub almost immediately after the game by Malc and Paddy to react to whatever the f*ck that was supposed to be - as half the squad downed tools once again - this time in front of a packed Stadium of Light! What's the crack?The fans turned up at least.What was that team selection?How badly do we need the new manager/head coach in... and how much do we need it to be Keano? Not all agree.The lads get all radge about the things you'd expect and then try to convince themselves it'll be fine, as you do.Aye.#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gav was joined last night by Martin and Craig to react to the news of Lee Johnson's sudden departure from the club! What's the crack? Lee Johnson sacked - Does this seem a bit reactionary the eve of deadline day?Did LJ do enough wrong to warrant such a decision partway through his first full season?Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Speakman seem to have abandoned this long term plan of theirs... Or have they?Was the Bolton result the deciding factor or is there more going on here than the club are letting on?Sunderland fail to actually shock the footballing world by simply attempting to repeat the same process until something works - So who's next on our wonderful managerial merry-go-round?What's the plan now? Is promotion achievable bringing a manager in with just 3 months of the season remaining?All this and more! Listen in!#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne #LeeJohnson #TransferDeadlineDay  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Chris Wynn returns to action for the Xtra preview this week, as he catches up with Chief football writer for The Bolton News & ‘The Buff’ Podcast host - the wonderful Marc Iles - to preview the Lads trip to the University of Bolton Stadium this Saturday! What's the crack?Before we get going, how was Marc’s last trip up to the Stadium of Light? Did he enjoy himself after all?Is the Bolton News newsroom a veritable hive of activity this January transfer window?How are Bolton getting on since last we met? Is Ian Evatt still absolutely certain he’s got one of the best sides in the division?So is it a case of ‘he who scores first wins’ this week?Nearly 6,000 Sunlun fans are heading to Bolton this weekend, and many more are still chasing tickets - what do the lads think makes this fixture such an event in the calendar?All this and much more! Listen in!#SAFC #EFL #BWFC #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rich Speight was joined yesterday by our good friend Barnesy to go over Sunderland's win over Pompey at home, and have a little chat about our transfer business and the current Jermain Defoe hysteria! What's the crack? Player debuts - What did Nick make of Batth's performance on Saturday?What's going on with the state of the pitch at the Stadium of Light?Is this criticism of Lee Johnson over the ongoing Defoe transfer saga fair or logical at all?Transfer business - What does Nick think of the business so far, and what positions are still lacking a bit of depth?Looking around at the rest of the division - we're still very much in it aren't we...The Mighty Rossco - Is he the best forward in the League?Can the likes of Wigan make the most of their games in hand?All this and much more! Listen in!#SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne #TransferWindow  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Gav, Tom and Ant were kindly invited to watch the match with our friends from the Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen today - as Sunderland took all three points from Portsmouth - and the lads may have had a few beers to wash it all down before recording at Full Time... What's the crack? Streaky who?The lads reflect on the performances and that great goal from Embo!How vital was that win?Andrea drops by after spending the day with Bally and a few special guests - what did she make of the occasion?Gav is a bit worse for wear... Aye.HAWAY THE LADS! #SAFC #EFL #LeagueOne  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aye we've had a bit of a mad one these past few weeks but the Xtra previews are making a return - starting with previewing tomorrow's game against Pompey with Andy from PO4cast! What's the crack? How are the Fratton Park faithful feeling about their recent form?Hume on the horizon - How would they feel about the signing of young Denver?How are the Cowley Brothers getting on overall since last we spoke?What are the Pompey fans expectations for the season?Would Andy take a point from tomorrow's game... or are they coming for all three?Gav tells everyone how much water on the pitch is required to beat us...All this and much more! Listen In!#SAFC #EFL #Pompey #League One  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.