Murray’s ticket plea to fans

SUNDERLAND chairman Bob Murray has urged season ticket holders to put their faith in the club as Niall Quinn’s prospective takeover takes shape.

Quinn is currently leading an Irish consortium through the process of due diligence before they decide whether or not to make a formal offer for majority shareholder Murray’s stake.

However, with that point still up to several weeks away and the completion of a successful acquisition some time beyond that, season ticket holders are being asked to renew now.

A survey by Virgin Money suggests 26% of Black Cats fans consulted would not renew because of a perceived poor standard of football on offer, but Murray is hoping the fans can see beyond the club’s current plight.

“You will be aware, I am sure, that the board of Sunderland Limited recently announced that it is in discussions with Niall Quinn and a consortium of private investors regarding their ambitions to potentially acquire control of Sunderland AFC,” he says in a letter to season ticket holders.

“While these discussions continue in the coming weeks, the club must continue its normal commercial activities, and this means that we cannot wait for the outcome of this process before commencing season ticket renewals for the new season.

“But in this time of potential change for the club and all supporters, the only way to secure your seat and your rightful place in its future is to renew your season ticket.

Sunderland plummeted out of the Premiership with a record low 15 points and without a manager after assistant Academy manager Kevin Ball was asked to step in as caretaker for the final 10 games following the sacking of Mick McCarthy.

Attendances remained remarkably high – crowds of 40,032, 44,003 and 28,226 watched their last three home games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Fulham respectively – and the delighted faithful were rewarded with a 2-1 win over Chris Coleman’s men, their first of the league campaign at the Stadium of Light.

Relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship will require further belt-tightening with the Black Cats still around £40million in debt.