Needless to say, this season hasn’t gone as planned for Sunderland owner Stewart Donald. Back in May, the ownership of the club claimed that they were targeting a 100 point season in 2019/20. With 22 points in 14 games, Sunderland are only on track to achieve 72 points by the time the play-offs roll around. That amount of points would have seen the Black Cats miss out on a playoff spot by just one point in the 2018/19 campaign, with Doncaster Rovers finishing in sixth with 73 points.
With so much negativity surrounding the club, supporter groups are preparing for an upcoming meeting between the club and its fans. And with that, fans are starting to gather questions.
Many fans want the club to demystify the investment situation, asking when money is likely going to be put back into the club. Others see a backwards trajectory for the club and want Donald to admit that he isn’t meeting his objectives and to communicate a plan of action.
How close is this investment?
What is the realistic aim for this season as promotion doesn’t look possible?— Batbrown (@brownh1989) October 30, 2019
Where is this investment they keep talking about?
— Jake Collinson (@SAFCJC91) October 30, 2019
Owners say club is finically sound but the team are heading downwards what are the plans to stop and reverse this from happening.
— terry docherty (@terrydocherty4) October 30, 2019
Ownership clarification is the obvious one. Plans for short and long term both on and off the pitch, clean up the stadium, widen concorses, catering contract, strip manufacturer contract, upgrade the fanzone, new club shop in BCH – what happens to existing club shop.
— Ross HALL (@RossHALL1982) October 30, 2019
The club appears to be going backwards this season with performances, replacing the manager, losing the MD, lack of communication and resulting supporter engagement. Does SD accept that he has failed since the play offs, and if so what is he going to do about it ?
— Martin Parker (@ShieldsMPSAFC) October 30, 2019
Other fans are concerned about the ‘dire’ performances of the youth programs, questioning the ability of Paul Reid.
How are the performances of reid, coton and hill measured?Do they accept they are failing?What are they going to do to turn the youth teams around? Is it the club not having scouts for last 18 months acceptable?Will club see parachute money, allegedly used to buy the club, again?
— Sven (@sven_ftm) October 30, 2019
What is being done to address the academy teams dire results? Is Paul Reid the right man?
— dan hill (@danjhill29) October 30, 2019
What do we think?
Sunderland fans have every right to be concerned about the recent results of the club. From the financial state of the board to the results of the grassroots, supports want changes implemented at all levels of the organisation.