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.

Rowell 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."

Elliott 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.

Former Sunderland favourite Stephen Elliott.

"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.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

SAFC legend Gary Rowell thanks readers as he steps down from Sunderland Echo column - with Stephen Elliott taking over for 2020-21 campaign

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor