Ghandi Floss
Striker
I was invited to a club presentation over the stadium yesterday. Thought I'd just share a few things from it for anyone interested.
It was basically a presentation promoting togetherness throughout the club. Every member of club staff were there, as well as all the players, management, back room staff, and some members of the Red And White Army. Stewart Donald wasn't present.
The above video was shown first.
Then Charlie Methven spoke about the importance of every single person associated with Sunderland to feel part of it.
He spoke about how he wants to get away from the 21st century model of football where fans are punters, players are assets and agents are all controlling. He even mentioned current players (no names obviously) at the club are letting their agents get away with disrespecting the club/players/fans, and they should "sack them" if they truly want to be part of something here. He wants honesty, raw passion and a club that works for everyone.
Gotta be honest, I love Charlie's crack. He speaks from the heart, and you can see he truly loves being a part of the club/city. I've been in his company over a few pints before, and he speaks with the same passion whether in front of a few lads, a camera, or a room full of people. And he also is always wax lyrical about the fans/townsfolk.
Tony Davison was next. He flagged up how the club previously spent £1000 per month on plastic plants and how money was being wasted, but now everyone from a club perspective needs to make the club as profitable as possible and that includes the players sorting their own sponsorship (see Ethan Robson)
I've spoke to him a few times, and he just comes across as a genuine fan and nice bloke.
Then our very own Andrew Hird was asked to speak on behalf of the fans. He'd combed his hair and looked like he'd bought a new top for the occasion. In all fairness, he spoke really well and confidently.
He said how we’ve got a passionate fan base but one that has been hurt in recent years given back to back relegations and record lowest points in the premier league. The club and the city are entwined and when the club does well the city does well. The fans can contribute to the club by turning up for games, making a noise but also volunteering with stadium improvements and helping the community like foodbank collections.
Jack Ross was next, and he even commented he felt under pressure following on from Andrew. Although he's far more handsome and still looked smarter in his training kit, so need not have worried.
He spoke of the important role the first team players have in terms of getting results on the field but also contributing to the whole club.
George Honeyman kinda reiterated the same. I heard that he, Gooch, and Watmore really take an extra interest in all goings on at the club, and really lead by example. I obviously can't confirm how true this is, but I can certainly find it easy to believe.
Paul Reid (Academy Manager) flagged up the importance of the younger players getting an appreciation of the area and actually living it and not just being in a bubble. I’ve actually been in discussions with Paul Reid today and the academy are helping with the Foodbanks and want to assist in other initiatives to give the players a grounding
As always, make of that what you will. It certainly feels like we're getting our club back.