Roker Roundup: The Sunderland news keeps on coming!
03/27/2025 02:00 AM
Roker Report looks at some of the things you may have missed during the month of March…
Top man Carlton
The news that Sunderland stalwart Carlton Fairweather was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer came as a real blow to those who have worked with or encountered him since he joined the club as a coach.
Always a popular presence at SAFC during his twenty years plus as an employee, the former Wimbledon player worked with both the Women's team and the Academy of Light's professional development phase at different points and has had an influence on the careers of many players.
Everybody at Roker Report would like to wish Carlton well as he continues to fight his illness.
Social responsibilities
At the start of the month Sunderland and the Foundation of Light announced a new partnership with #Her Game Too, a campaign committed to promoting inclusivity and helping grow women's football. The following day was International Women's Day and the Beacon of Light held a dedicated Fan Zone ahead of that afternoon's Cardiff City fixture.
There will be another dedicated fixture this weekend when Millwall come to the Stadium of Light, with the Foundation's own 'Wear One' campaign taking centre stage. Sleeve sponsors Seriős Group have gifted their kit space so that the special edition shirts can carry the FoL logo and be subsequently auctioned to raise funds for the appeal, which helps support those trying to improve their lives and gain employment.
One of the ways you can help support the Foundation is by taking part in their matchday prize draws: Final pre-Foundation of Light Matchday Prize Draws
Changes afoot
The club has confirmed a major renovation of the Black Cats Bar will take place over the summer before it is reopened as a 'premium matchday option' ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Replacing it as an 'entry-level experience' will be The Founders, a new hospitality that is situated in the West Stand where the old club shop was located. Opened for Sunderland's 5000th league game, when Cardiff visited, the 300-seat suite pays tribute to the pioneers that first established the club in 1879 and is packed with historical displays and memorabilia, with various packages and one off upgrades available.
Altered images
The defeat at Coventry City was arguably the worst performance of the season so far, but there was a slight positive for fans of retro as the club's old ship crest made a sentimental return to the red and white stripes – albeit it featured an unwanted scene.
The intention behind the tweak was to raise awareness of the potential impacts of rising sea levels as 'SUNDERLAND' became partially submerged, SAFC hoping to continue their climate change awareness campaign that is running in conjunction with its Ready Eco strategy and 2028 renewable energy targets.
Getting tough
Sunderland's Chief Business Officer has opened up to The Northern Echo about the problems surrounding the sale of counterfeit replica shirts and how it is impacting the club and fans alike.
It can be a difficult balancing act for those that want to buy their kids a shirt but also need to look after the family finances, and this is something the club say they understand, but they also hope to protect their product and maximise revenues and have therefore taken steps to try and restrict the sale of fake items at source.
Estimates suggest that as many as one in 15 of the shirts worn to games are not genuine, and the article makes for some interesting reading: 1 in 15 Sunderland shirts worn at Stadium of Light is fake | The Northern Echo
And finally…
For those that like to idea of pulling on a Sunderland shirt for real and playing at the SoL, Play on the Pitch 2025 has been launched, and if you or your gaffer has deep pockets this might be your chance!
Play on the pitch at the Stadium of Light - Sunderland AFC
