Lee Johnson has once again welcomed supporters back to the Stadium of Light ahead of a huge clash with Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, in his notes in Red & White match day programme, sponsored by Signature Truck & Van.
Welcome back to the Stadium of Light ahead of today’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Portsmouth.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Danny Cowley and his backroom team, as well as the Pompey players and supporters that have travelled to Wearside this afternoon.
Earlier this week, we were delighted to complete deals to bring Danny Batth and Patrick Roberts to the club.
They are players that I have monitored closely throughout their respective careers and I’m looking forward to working with them both.
Danny is a dominant centre back and his leadership qualities come ready-made, and Patrick is a top talent who thrives on the big occasion – and the good thing about Sunderland is that there is a big occasion every few days.
We have some good characters already in place at the football club, but we are always looking add more and I believe that both can have an incredibly positive impact on the pitch and within the group.
Today, we are laser focussed on the task at hand as we return to action against a Portsmouth side that remain firmly in the promotion mix.
We took our defeat against Lincoln City on the chin, and we were of course disappointed to have victory snatched away from us at the end at Wycombe and Accrington, but generally our performances over the past 16 games have been very good.
Now our challenge is to get back on a winning run and I believe we can start that process today.
Throughout 2021 we excelled at the Stadium of Light and combining that togetherness within the dressing room with your passion on the terraces will continue to play an integral part.
As staff and players, are looking forward to the run-in and I’m sure you will be with us every step of the way.
Thank you for your support,
Lee Johnson
To purchase a copy of Red & White Issue 14 - SAFC vs Portsmouth, find a programme seller at the Stadium of Light on matchday or order online here.