Charlie Methven reveals Sunderland's stunning season ticket sales so far and how many more he hopes to sell

The Black Cats are in the middle of takeover talks but are facing a second consecutive season in the third tier - in heartbreaking circumstances, too.

Jack Ross’ side were on the cusp of a great season, only to lose to Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy final on penalties and to Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final in the last minute.

But despite suffering late upset and the prospect of a second consecutive season in League One, Sunderland fans are still turning out in their droves to snap up season cards for the 2019/20 campaign.

“We've sold nearly 22,000 season tickets already, which is more than we'd sold at this stage last pre-season,” executive director Methven told fan site A Love Supreme.

“If one might imagine some good players being signed, and some reasonable results in pre-season, I'd hope that season tickets will be up towards 23,000 by the start of the season, which would be better than last year.

“Corporate hospitality sales (have) just started, retail sales are well ahead of where they were last year.

“So the sense I get is that the vast majority of fans are giving us a fair chance.

“We are under no illusions: this is the season it has to come together on the pitch. It’s really important for Sunderland that we get promoted,” he added.