A petition to rename Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light East stand to the Bradley Lowery stand has been signed by more than 2,600 supporters. The petition was set up by army officer and Sunderland AFC fan Chris Collier. Mr Collier, from Sunderland, said: “I am proud to have such an inspirational young man associated with us. “After everything that he has been through and the connection that he has made with all football fans, I feel that it is entirely appropriate to have a stand at his favourite football club named after him.” The petition began after Chris posted on the Sunderland AFC Supporters page on Facebook. After gaining thousands of comments and a reach of more than 300,000 people, Chris created the petition. Chris added: “I’m not asking for Sunderland AFC to spend millions redecorating, or having Bradley’s name up in lights. “Just spread the word and make a small alteration on the tickets, so that anyone sitting in the stand has Bradley Lowery stand on it. Hopefully, we can get this done.” The youngster, Bradley Lowery, has been battling neuroblastoma since 2013. He went into remission, but the cancer returned last year. The Lowery family have now been told the news that the five-year-old’s cancer is terminal. (sorry guys for some reason the text went awol )
I think it's inappropriate. You name stands either after people who've achieved great things for the club or in memory for the dead. Bradley is neither. The lad is still alive for **** sake. What's the hurry? Poor taste imo. Tactless.
I agree mate. Plus, as much as I hope to god it doesn't, what if a similar situation arises in a few years?
Suppose it will vary from person to person. Just makes me feel uncomfortable personally. It's up on RTG too.
Agree totally with the general opinion here. All the initiatives for Bradley so far have been based on either helping him get better if possible, or sadly if impossible at least making sure he has a fun life as mascot/mates with JD/etc. Can't see the sense of this idea.
Emotions running high no doubt, all the right reasons in terms of caring but there must be another way to show it.
It's not easy to post my feelings on this subject, as I'm sure it will upset some people. However, I have to say this whole thing is taking a turn that makes me feel uncomfortable. I've 'given' and did so again before the Swansea game, I care and it's heartbreaking .... but this is getting little out of hand in my opinion. A petition to name a stand after the lad, another for the new bridge, what next the stadium, the town? Sad to say but, within a decade, kids would be asking why the stand or bridge is called by that name ...... ..... after two decades there will be adults who are asking the same question. Sadly the answer will be that it was a child who was ill and is no longer here. Emotions are naturally running high but that will quickly fade and I believe we'd be looking back at the 'naming' and thinking it was a mistake. The many other NE kids, in the same boat, may well be wondering why all the attention is so tightly focussed on just one of them. There's a slightly 'competitive' edge to this now imo and it seems people are trying to go 'one better' than the last thing. The funeral, which will inevitably happen, may prove to reflect this.
without a doubt you are spot on with your thoughts on the matter ,a well meaning action and heartfelt by all ,but probably approached in a different form would be better
Awful idea - I've said on another thread - all this fundraising for him and proceeds going to him and his family - what good is that going to do for others with the same condition? Surely anything raised would be better off going towards investigations into the cause of this and trying to find preventative measures. I think this has gone a few steps too far personally. That's probably why the petition only has 2600 signatures. As smug says - in 10 years time a kid will ask his dad "Why is that called the Bradley Lowery stand" and the dad will have an answer of "he's a poorly child who died from Cancer. What happens when another Sunderland supporting child develops Cancer? It inevitably will happen unfortunately. Do we rename another stand?
My first reaction was, 'good idea'. Then I've read the posts here. I can't argue against any of them. I don't apologise for my 'heart rules head' reaction, at the same time I see the sense in the 'head rules heart' approach.
Yes it was very much what my thoughts were on it but I wasn't sure I could articulate myself properly.
A good gesture would be to name the stand after this little lad for next season only.....That would be a fine tribute for this young ardent supporter who's life has cruelly been cut short.....A season is nothing and shows the club in good light...
The club have been shown to be in a good light withthis whole thing. A one year 'stand naming' might be seen, by some people, as a publicity opportunity.
There are other ways of paying tribute to the little lad though Swansea. It might sound harsh to say, but fans of all clubs suffer heartache and loss everyday. Our club, others, like Everton and the Mags, and Chelsea just this weekend, as well as many thousands of fans, have made incredible, wonderful gestures all season. There are other possibilities though. The Academy of Light for example.. Maybe the club could consider some aspect there that could be re-named in honour of Bradley. It's a delicate subject and I just hope that the right one is made when the time is right. But not before.
