Roker Roundup: Your rundown of random Sunderland news!
Today at 01:00 AM
Roker Report launches a new regular feature, catching up with the bits and bobs of Sunderland news that fans may have missed over recent days and weeks…
Sunderland recognition
Plans are being put in place for two new initiatives that are set to take place in coming weeks, as officials looks to celebrate the history of the club and some of its most esteemed supporters. Taking place later this month, Founders' Week marks the 145th anniversary of Sunderland's formation with a series of events with a historical bent, whilst Hero's Week in the lead up to Remembrance Day highlights the links between the club and the region's armed forces.
Another no doubt popular hummel Retro Capsule is due out as part of Founders' Week and there will be interactive Beamish displays around the Stadium of Light on the day of the home match with Oxford United, whilst Veterans meals have been pencilled in ahead of the men's and women's first team Remembrance fixtures on the 9th and 10th.
Short term deal
New Chief Commercial Officer Ashley Peden continues to increase revenue streams and ahead of last week's Derby County fixture the club announced that a new back-of-shorts partner had been found for the men's first team. After debuting during the victory against the Rams, the logo of Houghton-le-Spring based firm Total Construction NE Ltd will be seen until at least the end of 2024-25 as part of the arrangement.
In addition to that, it is now possible to buy home shirts featuring the Lasses' principal partner Nuby direct from the club shop.
Spreading the word
Sunderland spent last week's two home fixtures to try and bring different health challenges into focus. The Foundation of Light hosted a dedicated fan zone at the Beacon of Light on Tuesday to promote several vital charities and initiatives, whilst the Leeds United clash was used to mark a milestone in the British Heart Foundation's 'Every Minute Matters' campaign, which has now helped inspire over 90,000 people to start learning CPR.
For more information about any of the initiatives, use the links/ contact details below;
Every minute matters bhf.org.uk/revivr
Game of II Halves (mental wellbeing)
jade.gilbertson@foundationoflight.co.uk
R;pple Suicide Prevention
www.ripplesuicideprevention.com or email info@ripplesuicideprevention.com
Impact North East (mental health support for fans and families)
SPACE North East (helping men find support)
Branch Liaison Council's Matchday Mental Health Hub
Mental Health Hub – SAFC Branch Liaison Council (safcblc.com)
All bets are off
Now that a third-party service has dropped out, the Stadium of Light will not have any in-stadia betting terminals in operation until further notice. Fans can still place bets online or via the club's principal partner's app, although there will be many that are only too happy to see the absence for the time being…
Building up to the big one
Billed as the 'biggest women's game in north east history', this weekend sees Sunderland take on near neighbours Newcastle United, who were promoted into the Women's Championship last season after their majority owners the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia decided to take an increased interest in women's sport - despite Amnesty International stating that females living in the Kingdom itself are still being heavily discriminated against on a daily basis.
On the pitch, Mel Reay's team have turned things around after a surprisingly poor start to the season – winning twice and then drawing at top of the table Charlton Athletic on Sunday. England youth star Eva Bewicke made her senior debut for the Lasses in the Women's League Cup during this run too, playing the second half of a 2-1 win over Sheffield United, and the squad should go into the derby in decent spirits.
