Roker Rapport Podcast

Chris Wynn had the opportunity to chat with Brace (while he was waiting for some football to resume) looking back at his three stints at the club as a player through the 80s and 90s and his years behind the scenes! You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in!

What are we talking about?

• Back to the beginning: Joining the club under Alan Durban in 1983 as a young player on the up, and his thoughts on Alan and his vision as a manager.
• Leaving us (the first time) to head to glory at Everton alongside Reidy in midfield in that incredible Toffees side of the mid 80s;
• The injury - resulting from a typically hefty Billy Whitehurst challenge - that dogged his playing career, forced him to change his style of play and amplified his fixation with playing at all costs, any way he could;
• Returning to Sunderland again under Denis Smith and the ride the Lads went on over that period;
• His issues with the Sunderland boards decision to give him just a year’s contract that led to his move to Newcastle under Keegan;
• His return again under Peter Reid as a player/Assistant manager and their title winning season together;
• His decision to chase more playing time at Fulham; Did Reidy understand why he felt he had to leave when he did?
• Paul's return to Sunderland.. Again.. This time working at the Academy of Light before being moved up to First Team Coach and then Assistant Manager for Dick Advocaat and Big Sam in their rescue mission seasons in the Prem;
• His disappointment over the way it all ended as we finally dropped from the top flight under David Moyes; Did Sam leaving the way he did seriously impact the lads behind the scenes?
• His role now as an Elite Development Coach and consultant for Spurs and Grow Football, and his hopes for Sunderland to regain their place as a top side as soon as possible;
• Rushing off to watch the footy...

Can’t understate how important this man has been for Sunderland over his 30+ year association with the club. A fantastic player, professional, captain, and coach.

Been a hell of a ride for Brace!

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BBC's MOTD commentator, former member of the legendary trio of Guy, Gilly and Gatesy on Metro Radio, academy award winner* and all round lovely lad Guy Mowbray joined us from isolation a couple weeks ago to chat.. well about everything really.. Including:

• His career coming up through local radio stations to reach the heady heights of World Cup commentary, and taking over from John Motson as the BBC's lead commentator on Match of the Day:
• The G Force and the Sunderland years; His memories of taking over pubs in London and various other towns and Cities with the lads fans, as well as covering what many see as a golden era for Sunderland;
• His feelings on the nature of club ownership in the modern era, including a few opinions on the situation at Sunderland under Ellis Short and Stewart Donald, as well as looking at the damage caused to his hometown club York City for many years;
• That MOTD scheduling argument; It's far more simple than people may think.
• Football following the COVID-19 Pandemic; What are his thoughts on how we may move forward?
• His favourite moments and memories throughout his career, and crying with Chris Waddle...
• His burning, all consuming dislike of Crabbers (Aye you Simon) as well as his struggles with getting a sweet out the wrapper about 20 minutes in.
• Everything; from being behind the scenes in the industry, to the need for more local leadership of clubs, his ongoing love affair with all things football, the licence fee debate, the future of football coverage in the digital age, the constant underrating of Jordan Henderson and so, so much more!

Stay indoors, stay safe, protect the NHS and each other! Haway!

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Before yesterday's match, The Don returned to the studio to give us an update on all things Sunderland AFC, from player contracts to stadium naming rights, and what the board's (and ultimately Stewart's) plans are for the future! You can catch us free on iTunes, Acast, Spotify and of course YouTube. Get stuck in!

What are we talking about?

• Wembley; Stewart shares his reaction and experience of that weekend in London
• Looking towards next season; What are the clubs plans looking ahead when it comes to transfers, and current player contracts?
• Transfer targets; Will Jack Ross be given the funds to bolster the squad in the summer, if so how much can we expect him to be given, and how will the funds be raised?
• Commitment; Stewart outlines Sunderland's new contract policy, and explains why he's made this decision.
• Sartori; How much of a role is he likely to play in the immediate future?
• The gauntlet has been thrown down; Stewart challenges Charlie to the halftime challenge.. No rules.. Pint optional...

All this and much, much more! A truly fascinating insight into the running of the club, and the current mindset of our owner! Listen In!

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Back in 2002 Ivor Heller co-founded AFC Wimbledon following one of the most ridiculous stories in modern English football history. This week he joins us to discuss the tale of his club reborn, the importance of community, real football fans, and of course their visit to the SoL this Saturday! You can listen, for free as usual, on Acast, iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. Get stuck in!

What are we talking about this week?

• Ivor takes us back to the day he and others decided the only way to win the battle they seemed to have lost, was to rebuild their club, and beat their pretenders on the pitch instead;
• We explore a common theme on the Podcasts; How your club must be an integral part of your community, and your community an integral part of your club...
• Ivor shares his thoughts on our new ownership, our fanbase (especially the 40/50 of us in Hospitality with him at the last game) and where he see's us finishing this season;
• The over-commercialisation of a very simple and beautiful game; His thoughts on clubs like Man Utd, and his involvement with "protest club" FC United of Manchester.
• Ivor's players to watch this weekend; One lad may take us all by surprise!
• Predictions, League One referees, Oviedo's hand and much more!

Another fascinating chat with another true gent of the game. A fan first and foremost. Tune In!

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We’re joined (fresh off the back of the breaking news about the departure of manager Darrell Clarke) by Max from Bristol Rovers Pod - The Gascast - to preview Saturdays game at the Stadium of Light. You can listen for free on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube - get stuck in!

What are we talking about?

What’s occurring down in Bristol lately; Is chaos too strong a word?

Fresh off the news that Bristol Rovers have let manager Darrell Clarke go, what contributed to his downfall besides current league position, and who are the Bristol fans looking at to replace him?

Bad ownership; As Bristol have plateaued with regard to their progress since successive promotions and mid table finishes, who do the Gasheads blame for this?

Playing in a Rugby ground, training on a rented field... What steps are required to make that transition from Lower league club to their ultimate aim of reaching the Championship?

Is Paul Hurst really a viable managerial target for The Pirates?

What are the expected tactics from a (largely unknown) defensive coach who’s stepped in as caretaker for their game Saturday?

What to expect from both sides this weekend; possible lineups, returns from injury, players to watch, and predictions;

With their lead goalscorer being a lad with 3 goals, and with a short back line, are they expecting much or will Sunderland manager Jack Ross be licking his lips at the idea of playing Bristol, especially following our midweek FA Cup defeat...

All this and much more! Tune In!

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