SAFC legend Gary Rowell thanks readers as he steps down from Sunderland Echo column - with Stephen Elliott taking over for 2020-21 campaign
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Echo favourite Rowell described having his own column as an 'honour and a privilege' but says now is the right time to pass the baton on.
And we can reveal Sunderland favourite Stephen Elliott will be our new columnist for the 2020-21 campaign.
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Hide AdRowell said: "I have had a long and proud association with the Sunderland Echo, a paper I grew up with and have read ever since, so to have my own column is something I will always cherish and I have loved it.
"It has been an honour and a privilege and I would like to thank the Echo for giving me the opportunity, I hope you have enjoyed reading my pieces.
"This is my decision, I was offered a contract extension but the time is right to hand it over and after a really good run I would just like to wish Stephen the very best.
"And finally thanks to you the readers and to all Sunderland fans, here's to a far more successful 2020-21 campaign."
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Hide AdElliott said: "I have always read the Echo to keep up-to-date with all the latest news from Sunderland and also Gary Rowell's views on the club so I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to write this column going forward.
"I hope you will enjoy reading my work and that we are all celebrating a promotion success come the end of the season."
* The first part of Stephen Elliott's new Echo column will be published at 5pm.