- Sunderland change their iconic Black Cat
- Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week
- Fan reactions to the change
Sunderland have made a big change to their famous Black Cat. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a subtle but important change to the club logo outside the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland fans were caught off guard this week when the black cat was changed to a dog on the side of the club shop which stands by the Stadium of Light.
However, the change is only temporary as the club help show suppose for Mental Health Awareness Week.
The club have been known as the Black Cats for many years now but what does it stand for? And what does a black dog have to do with mental health?
What is The Black Dog?
The subtle change to the prowling cat is a nod to an old metaphor for depression.
The term ‘black dog’ was popularised by Winston Churchill who used the phrase when talking about his own depression. The former Prime Minister often suffered with bouts of severe depression. These led to moments of low energy and insomnia, however, it wasn’t till later on, these were acknowledged as mental health issues.
Mental Health Awareness Week helps to encourage people suffering to open up about their problems. By opening up, the hope is to try and reduce the stigma which surrounds mental health.
The Clubs Association with The Black Cat
Sunderland have a long standing affiliation with the community and charities. With this subtle change, the club have shown how important such causes are. To be willing to change their famous old identity – be it temporarily – shows a lot of maturity.
The clubs association with the black cat can be traced back to the 1800s, and The Black Cat Battery. An artillery station on the river Wear. Originally named the John Paul Jones Battery, legend has it that the battery became known as the black cat after a soldier claimed to have heard a wailing black cat nearby.
The campaign is an important tool in the North East, as the region has the highest suicide rates in England.
As well as the gesture of changing the iconic cat the club have also coordinated with LiveScore in hosting match day activities around the Stadium of Light during the game with Manchester United. These include fan engagement experiences and workshops to held educate on the matter.
The move comes as part of Mental Health Month, with the clubs working alongside numerous charities.
Sunderland Fans Reaction to the Black Dog
Fans have taken to have their say on the temporary change, with many enjoying it. Some fans have jested that the club are just informing their North East neighbours who the ‘top dogs’ are.
Whilst many fans wouldn’t agree with their club changing anything about themselves, no matter how short term it is. The Sunderland faithful however, have embraced the changes. With mental health issues a huge problem in the North East, the fans fully understand the importance of such a charity for the region and further afield.
Many other fan bases wouldn’t accept a change to something that defines their club. However, the Mackems are fully behind these simple, but meaningful changes.
