Charlie Methven reveals exciting Sunderland ticket update ahead of Boxing Day clash

The club shut the top tier of the Stadium of Light ahead of the current campaign as back-to-back relegations took their inevitable toll.

But Methven set supporters an ambitious challenge for the festive clash and the Black Cats are well on course for their biggest attendance of the season.

“Our loyal following has once again risen to the occasion and that amazing support has already seen over 30,500 home tickets sold, with three weeks still to go," Methven said.

“There will be more to come over the weekend as we process the results of the Gift of Football initiative, and we are expecting Bradford City to bring around 2,000 so the real running total is probably more like 33,000 in all areas.

“We can beat Leeds’ record by filling the lower bowl plus the away fans and corporate areas, but to reach 40,000 we would have to open the Premier Concourse. Tony Davison and I will make a decision on that next week.

“Beating Leeds’ record isn’t just a challenge for our supporters, though. I’m sure that the Bradford City fans wouldn’t mind being able to tell their neighbours that they have whipped the League One attendance record away from them!

“We are going to be putting on an extensive Fanzone, with loads of stuff for kids and supporters from both sides taking each other on at five-a-side to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.”

The 'Gift of Football' initiative has seen supporters donate tickets to those who may not otherwise have been able to attend the game.

Methven, alongside fellow board members Juan Sartori and Stewart Donald, has gifted 50 tickets to the scheme.

Sunderland's staff and players have also chipped in.