Summer window

Good luck Gooch lad.

He was one of those who bust his gut every time he played, and did it through a time when so many were just looking after themselves, taking the piss, being utterly useless or worse.

It would have been easy for him to hide like lots of them, but he never did. There were a few times I thought he was the only one bothered.

You don't have to score a hundred goals to be a folk hero at a club. Hanging around and sticking it out during the worst time in the club's history will do it.

Always welcome back, even if he scores a winner.

 

I was not prepared for this tonight

 

He's the type who might pass rather than shoot if in on goal against us

 

That's really affected me. I know he had to leave. He knows he had to leave, but the kid is clearly devastated.

The wife has just asked why I'm crying

 

Made me well up countless times, I wished he hadn't gone!!!!!

 

Bloody hell, had to go and watch it in the garden and compose myself.

Such heartfelt words from a lad that's clearly devastated to be leaving.

He is without a shadow of a doubt and always will be one of our own.

Thank you Gooch lad for giving everything you had and more for the club, the shirt and for us

 

Just to say - I'm not ready for Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuume from Rory OR the crowd. Let's at least leave it a few weeks

 

Rory better give Gooch the respect he deserves and say his name properly if/when he comes back with Stoke. 17 years service from Gooch, he fully deserves it.

 

"Stewart’s preference was to stay and commit his long-term future to the club. The striker, as Martin said on Saturday, ‘absolutely loved it’ in the North East. He basked in the glow of the supporter’s affections and was genuinely moved by the way his name was so thunderously sung on the terraces up and down the country."

Interesting.

Perhaps, as it turns out, a players individual circumstances, and the long/short term future of themselves and their family actually do matter more than those of supporters who think a player didn't say 'thank you' hard enough when they leave to further the above mentioned interests, the same interests that we all put front and centre, in truth.

 

His Dad sits behind me. I'll have a word

 

I think he would anyway ya know.

gutted about Gooch but can’t wait to give him a hero’s welcome when he comes back.

 

Say something like....

 

People have media teams now mate. There's youtubers turning down TV deals because they can make daft amounts on YouTube. No doubt this lad will have a media team.

 

it's not goodbye, it's see you later.

on a personal note, I have a little one and for anyone doesn't have children, if you're already emotional about something, and you mention your child, you'll well up for some reason, so I can see why he shed a few when he mentioned his son.What a top lad and good luck for the future. For his hard work and effort, Stoke have a bargain

 

I think Gooch might be the only former player who, if he scored against us at the SoL, the entire crowd would probably celebrate (as long as we were still winning)

 

Would love to see Gooch get a testimonial match at the SOL when it’s time to hang up his boots! If anyone deserves one it’s him. They used to happen quite often many years ago but so few players get them now. So little loyalty in football. A chance to see him in Sunderland colours one last time, and show him and his family the love we have for him.

 

I hope he does well for Stoke. Great lad. Welcome back any time.

 

Aye,he'll do a Chopra!

 

Still no interview with the French lads?

 

Plenty of time, better to do it properly than rush things.

Looking at the way Gooch's departure was handled, and the coverage of the Southampton game, I'm really impressed with the club.

I'm not expecting anything until Rusyn is here and included tbh.