A Different Beast
The Premier League that Sunderland were dumped out of in 2017 was a very different league to the one we are re-entering in 2025. Back then the impact of Pep was in its infancy. VAR didn’t exist, neither did the Europa Conference League and the media landscape has transformed. It will very much feel like unfamiliar ground when the season gets back underway in August and it may catch a few people out. Look football is football at the end of the day, but how it is presented, how it is administered, how the audience engages with the English Premier League has completely changed. We are in a social media generation, where football tourism for “influencers” is quite a bustling economy. The EPL is buying into this as are the broadcasters so while we’ve been on the fringes of this, the Top flight have fully embraced it.
Broadcasters now love “influencers” and “content creators” so there will be a lot of annoying content that runs along side our own simply wonderful content creators. WTF Sunderland Podcast for example is a leading one for me. Always a good listen for a laugh and a giggle. Roker Report, wise men say, sensible Sunderland are pretty consistent creators and it’s a good opportunity for them as well. The fact the likes of Sky Sports embraces them is a good thing.
I think one issue I have with Sky Sports EFL content is whether you watch a game at the start of the season or the end of the season, much of the comments, analysis and talking points remain the same. Andy Hinchcliffe and his “admiration”(there’s plenty you could call it) for Barry Bannan for example is boring. Watford get near the play offs you can guarantee that the “greatest semi final of all time” will be mentioned when Deeney scored on the back Leicesters penalty. Which on the face of it, is fine. However when it’s your club and same points are made over and over again week after week. It gets tedious.
Having Fanzines, podcasters and others involved can help bring perspective and reality. Being a Sunderland fan for the last 10 years has been a grind. If you haven’t already I’d advise you to read a piece Roker Report produced. Just perfectly demonstrates what we, as fans, have had to endure. However, TikTok people, YouTubers and all kinds of people will occasionally descend on Wearside and most likely when the big boys come to town and that is something that will be very noticeable. You may at some point get stopped on your way to the game to chat to someone with a camera or have someone shouting strange things into a GoPro. I’ll be honest and say these things have passed me by.
People like this can be intimidating because it’s new and strange, so if you go to the match with someone who may be impacted by this please be aware of this. Some football clubs have introduced sensory rooms and I’m not entirely sure if Sunderland have as of yet. They can be really useful for people who experience Mental health or a learning disability. So just keep in mind that match days may have a slightly different feel when the cameras roll into town.
So be warned, the modern game is very different and while there are positives, there can negatives. Look after each other and most of all enjoy it.
HAWAY THE LADS
