Job losses are a huge SAFC blow

There are, it has to be said, no good times to announce job losses.

And our heart goes out to those workers at Sunderland football club who find their positions under threat today.

The club has announced a review of its business operations which will lead to a “reduction of the club’s workforce.”

It will be a difficult time for all those involved.

But it also sends out a troubling message to the club’s supporters. The timing and content of the statement has raised concerns.

The open training session at the Stadium of Light on Monday, featuring first team stars and entertainment, was a great bit of positive PR for the Black Cats.

And boy did they need it after the furore surrounding the players’ bonding trip to New York.

There were many fans who questioned the wisdom of ‘rewarding’ the players with a jaunt to the States on the back of a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

The counter argument was that the team needed to bond more than ever.

The open training day this week was an inspired move to help bring the players and fans together ahead of the club’s big game at the weekend.

The announcement of job losses the following day is a body blow.

We understand that business is business, and we know that those running Sunderland must make difficult decisions for the long term good of the club.

But they must also understand that Sunderland is a business like no other for the people and fans in the community.

Coming so soon after the open day, we can’t help but feel much of the feelgood factor generated this week has been undone.