'Should've had a chance!': Sunderland fans fume as January signing snubbed for Bristol Rovers clash

Phil Parkinson has named his Sunderland side to take on Bristol Rovers – and supporters have been quick to have their say.
Phil Parkinson has named his Sunderland side to face Bristol RoversPhil Parkinson has named his Sunderland side to face Bristol Rovers
Phil Parkinson has named his Sunderland side to face Bristol Rovers

The Black Cats make just one change from the side that beat Bristol Rovers last weekend, with Alim Ozturk replacing the injured Bailey Wright in an enforced switch.

New signing Tommy Smith is also in the squad, taking a place on the bench, but there is still no place for January signing Declan John.

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And its the omission of the Swansea City full-back that has supporters talking, as he continues to wait for his Sunderland debut.

Here’s what fans were saying on social media:

@declanprice12 said: “Didn’t expect that...”

@Camer0nJohnson added: “Feel John should’ve been given a chance by now.”

@lxclerc posted: “What was the point in signing Declan John man”

@EddieSAFCx commented: “I just wanna see Declan John”

@adamhusband13 asked: “When’s this John kid actually gonna get near the team? he’s 100% match fit, I’m so confused why he isn’t even getting in the bench”

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@AlanBSAFC tweeted: “The Turkish wall is back!! Is Declan John buried on the training ground??”

@Safc_1963 added: “Our bench has sure changed. Haywaythelads”

@Callum03Lawson said: “Just don't think Parkinson wants to change a winning side tbh”

@richy_choc commented: “Pointless loan..surely he can offer more than connor McLaughlin from the bench ?”

Here’s the team news in full:

Sunderland AFC XI: J McLaughlin; Ozturk, Willis, Flanagan; O’Nien, Hume, Power, Dobson; Gooch, Maguire, Wyke

Sunderland AFC subs: Burge, C McLaughlin, Lafferty, Watmore, Smith, Scowen, Semenyo