Story behind new banners on display in the Roker End
grow the display to help the atmosphere at kick off but we're alsoverykeentomakeoursfeel unique to us, something that means something to Sunderland fans rather than copying others.
“To the best of our knowledgetheseminerstylebanners are unique in football and we hope they capture something of the soul of the club.
“The creation of the miners style banners was an idea that took shape early on in the whole process as we looked to reflect our heritage, not just the history of the club but also the city and surrounding areas,” he adds.
“Thestadiumisbuiltonthe site of Wearmouth Colliery of course, so the banners display a bit of club history, entwined in our industrial heritage.
“We've chosen a few moments in time that we feel supporters of varying ages will identify with.
“We have five banners and chronologically they begin with Raich Carter lifting the FACupin'37andthenofcourse the famous win in '73.
“Wethenmovethroughthe 80s and 90s with Marco in the iconic blue away shirt, then Quinn and Phillips, heralding a new dawn after the opening oftheSoLandthenbringingus to more recent times we have Bradley Lowery and Defoe which we thought was a fitting way to capture the community spirit at the heart of our club.”
Improving the match day experience has been a key aim of the Red & White Army.
Renaming the South Stand the Roker End was one part of the drive to give the Stadium of Light a more unique identity, followed by the creation of a ‘captain’s mural’ to celebrate a number of iconic figures from the club’s past.
The flags were printed on the banks of the Wear by W.H Forster printers.
They sum up the Red & White Army project. By the fans, for the fans.
“All of the recent developments around identity has come from supporters - the captains mural, the naming of the Roker End and the huge display of flags, and the depiction of the lattice work, are all the result of sparks of inspiration from fans,” Rose says.
“They've been made a reality by a host of volunteer supporters.
“Thisalloriginallyspawned from a RAWA match-day experience survey back in the summer of 2018.
“Thanks to the committed members we've managed to achieve quite a lot in a fairly short space of time.
“We've raised about £14K for the flag and artwork project, worked with supporters on ideas and then sourced printers and designers and that sort of stuff.
“It really is a credit to the many Sunderland fans who have given up their time and in many cases offered particular skills to bring concepts to life.
“And that's before we mention the many hardy souls who give up their pre-match beers tohelpgetalltheflagssetupbeforekick-off-they'reallasfitas a fiddle now from running up and down the stands.”
Supporters interested in helping out on match days can get in touch with the Red & White Army.
The group also meets regularly with officials on all matters related to the cub.
*Sunderland's League One rivals Southend United are looking to have a new manager appointed by the end of this week.
Theyhavebeenlinkedwith ex-Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson in recent weeks.
Chairman Ron Martin has told fans there are currently 'five shortlisted candidates' under consideration.
Southend currently occupy the final relegation spot in LeagueOneastheygoinsearch of Kevin Bond's successor.
Martin gave an update on the search for the Blues' new boss, as he said on Southend's club website: "Henrik Larsson is obviously one of the individuals that we have been interviewing but he is not the only candidate and no decision has been made as I write this statement.
"There are five shortlisted candidatesandGaryWaddock is certainly included.
“It’s sometimes difficult for the assistant to step into the shoes of the manager but in this instance, Gary has had very considerable experience (a great deal more than Kevin Bond in management) and he is well-placed to stamp his authority."