Pictures: Sunderland fans have a blast in Blackpool as 8,000 Black Cats fans descend on seaside resort for New Year's Day game

Thousands of Sunderland fans have been painting Blackpool red and white ahead of the New Year's Day away game at Bloomfield Road.
Sunderland fans have a blast in Blackpool on New Year's DaySunderland fans have a blast in Blackpool on New Year's Day
Sunderland fans have a blast in Blackpool on New Year's Day

Just short of 8,000 Black Cats fans were expected to make the trip to the West Coast for the New Year’s Day game against the Tangerines. Here's a selection of pictures from before the game, taken by Frank Reid: