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Phil Smith

@philsmithreporter.bsky.social

#SAFC reporter for the Sunderland Echo. Maybe some cricket and music and stuff, too.

1,595 Followers  |  128 Following  |  941 Posts  |  Joined: 08.08.2024
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Posts by Phil Smith (@philsmithreporter.bsky.social)

Sunderland 'anti-football' claims and what's next after brilliant Leeds  rearguard - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC Sunderland 'anti-football' claims and what's next after brilliant Leeds rearguard - #onthewhistle

Hi #SAFC folk - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up

Chatting through a brilliant rearguard win and discussing all those anti-football claims

πŸ”΄βšͺοΈπŸ“Ή

youtu.be/NdrJ0euxFl4

04.03.2026 11:02 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Sunderland 'anti-football' claims and what's next after brilliant Leeds  rearguard - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC Sunderland 'anti-football' claims and what's next after brilliant Leeds rearguard - #onthewhistle

Hi #SAFC folk - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up

Chatting through a brilliant rearguard win and discussing all those anti-football claims

πŸ”΄βšͺοΈπŸ“Ή

youtu.be/NdrJ0euxFl4

04.03.2026 11:02 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
RΓ©gis Le Bris issues major Sunderland injury updates and verdict on Leeds United win Sunderland produced an impressive performance to beat Leeds United at Elland Road

Full story here - plus reaction from a very proud RLB on that Leeds United win

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

03.03.2026 22:35 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

RLB says too early to tell when Roefs will be back but not serious. 2-3 weeks. 'We'll see' for derby.

Initial worry Bertrand Traore may have suffered recurrence so will have to be assessed.

Jocelin Ta Bi has had surgery on his ankle - 10 to 12 weeks out.

#SAFC

03.03.2026 22:13 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Qs and comments for tomorrow's #onthewhistle ?

#SAFC

πŸ”΄ βšͺ πŸ“Ή

03.03.2026 22:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings v Leeds United as 'immense' pair land 9s Sunderland were back in Premier League action when they faced Leeds United at Elland Road

Ratings from Elland Road.

Lots of top displays but Trai Hume excellent and Omar Alderete immense. That last 20 from him was something else

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

03.03.2026 21:47 β€” πŸ‘ 16    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
What I made of Sunderland's performance at Leeds United Sunderland were back in Premier League action at Elland Road on Tuesday night

Some on the whistle analysis from Elland Road.

Pretty, it was not - but a monumental defensive effort to get over the line and reach 40 points.

#SAFC 15 clear of the drop as it stands

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

03.03.2026 21:36 β€” πŸ‘ 17    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A complete non-event of a first half - which you suspect will suit a reshuffled #SAFC XI for now. They've protected Ellborg well, and he's been tidy when they needed to be.

Committed, organised display - albeit having shown little to nothing on the ball so far.

03.03.2026 20:20 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

An emotional day saying farewell to the one and only George Forster.

Truly inspiring to see such a big turnout celebrating how much he brought people together - with some wonderful tributes from his closest friends.

RIP George.

02.03.2026 18:16 β€” πŸ‘ 18    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Why Sunderland's big Sunday announcement was so important for Florent Ghisolfi Sunderland confirmed a significant contract extension for defender Dan Ballard over the weekend

A column on why Dan Ballard's extension is big news for #SAFC and especially for DoF Florent Ghisolfi

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

02.03.2026 12:05 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
VAR frustration, Sunderland's positive step and Wilson Isidor's future  - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC VAR frustration, Sunderland's positive step and Wilson Isidor's future - #onthewhistle

#SAFC folk - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is now live.

More ref chat than i'd like but unavoidable on this one!

Thanks as ever for Qs and comments

πŸ”΄βšͺοΈπŸ“Ή

youtu.be/SuAt8BXrDco

01.03.2026 12:03 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
VAR frustration, Sunderland's positive step and Wilson Isidor's future  - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC VAR frustration, Sunderland's positive step and Wilson Isidor's future - #onthewhistle

#SAFC folk - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is now live.

More ref chat than i'd like but unavoidable on this one!

Thanks as ever for Qs and comments

πŸ”΄βšͺοΈπŸ“Ή

youtu.be/SuAt8BXrDco

01.03.2026 12:03 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Sunderland and Florent Ghisolfi handed major contract boost as key player signs up Sunderland have agreed a new deal with defender Dan Ballard

Dan Ballard agrees #SAFC contract extension

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

01.03.2026 10:51 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 2
Preview
RΓ©gis Le Bris delivers verdict on Sunderland draw and referee controversy Sunderland drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday lunchtime

Reaction from RLB at Bournemouth

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

28.02.2026 15:38 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Qs and comments for #onthewhistle tomorrow?

#SAFC

πŸ”΄ βšͺ πŸ“Ή

28.02.2026 14:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Phil Smith's player ratings v Bournemouth as duo land 8s Sunderland were back in Premier League action at Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime

Ratings from Bournemouth.

Some good displays across the board but thought Ballard and Enzo the standouts.

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

28.02.2026 14:43 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
What I made of Sunderland's performance in dramatic Bournemouth draw Sunderland and Bournemouth played out a dramatic draw at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday lunchtime

Some on the whistle analysis from Bournemouth.

Think that's a fair result and a step in the right direction for #SAFC even if they'll leave with some frustrations - cracking contest

sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-bournemouth-analysis-5615156

28.02.2026 14:32 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

#SAFC rewarded for a really good and positive start to the game. Le Fee should have had a pen and Mayenda, who has been excellent, took his chance well.

Bournemouth have come back strongly and Sunderland have needed Roefs to be good. Long way to go but good 45.

28.02.2026 13:18 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
RΓ©gis Le Bris rules key Sunderland players out of multiple fixtures Sunderland will face a busy schedule without a number of key players

Full story:

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

26.02.2026 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Injury latest:

- Brobbey and Mukiele 2-4 weeks.
- Jocelin and Mundle too early to say - but more significant
- Cirkin not serious but misses next one
- Traore back in full training

#SAFC

26.02.2026 13:36 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Piece is updated slightly - the most significant rises in % terms apply to some of those in second category (had season ticket for less than three seasons).

Across the board looking at rises from 5% up to 30%

23.02.2026 21:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Sunderland fans learn new season ticket price - with costs rising across the board Sunderland have opened up their season ticket renewal period on Monday evening

Not an easy one to get the full picture of with no price guide - but #SAFC season ticket renewal picture here as can best understand it.

Longest serving still paying lowest prices, but facing steepest % increase with a new tiered approach introduced

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

23.02.2026 20:32 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

Last word on this from me - this is relevant section of IFAB laws. Please don't shoot the messenger! Just thought worth mentioning in context of yday's decision

23.02.2026 16:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends (Glastonbury 2024)
YouTube video by BBC Music LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends (Glastonbury 2024)

Felt in need of a little lift today - this did the trick

youtu.be/WqxRFxseT98?...

23.02.2026 14:05 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
What's going wrong for Sunderland right now and should we be worried? #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC What's going wrong for Sunderland right now and should we be worried? #onthewhistle

Afternoon #SAFC - the latest episode of #onthewhistle reflecting on the Fulham defeat is now live

πŸ”΄βšͺοΈπŸ“Ή

youtu.be/LCpTDq-Vt-o

23.02.2026 12:57 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
RΓ©gis Le Bris identifies two key factors behind Sunderland's dip in form Sunderland suffered their third Premier League league loss in a row on Sunday - and their second at the Stadium of Ligth

RLB on Sunderland's form - and a couple of key areas where he thinks they have dipped

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

23.02.2026 07:32 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Premier League release official statement explaining Fulham penalty decision Sunderland fell to a 3-1 defeat against Fulham on Sunday afternoon

Bit here on the pen....

Offside wasn't checked as foul committed first (i.e before Bassey or anyone else interfered with play/became active)

Rightly or wrongly, that's the rule

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

22.02.2026 17:48 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
RΓ©gis Le Bris reveals FIVE new Sunderland injury concerns in verdict on Fulham loss Sunderland fell to a costly defeat in more than ways than one against Fulham on Sunday

Reaction from RLB at the SoL

#SAFC

www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...

22.02.2026 17:03 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

RLB says it's too early to say on Mukiele and Ta Bi injuries - but reveals there are also concerns over Brian Brobbey and Romaine Mundle

#SAFC

22.02.2026 16:38 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Qs and comments for #onthewhistle tomorrow?

#SAFC

πŸ”΄βšͺ️

22.02.2026 16:33 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 7    πŸ“Œ 0