Improved streaming service, fan engagement boost and new '£500,000 pitch lighting'? New Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus makes instant impact on Wearside

The club has announced a series of improvements to its streaming service for fans - with four camera angles - with supporters having to watch games from home as a result of all games being played behind-closed-doors during the pandemic.

Fans will be able to enjoy the new improvements for Tuesday night’s home clash with Fleetwood Town.

A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC’s live matchday broadcast has been revamped ahead of the final run-in.

“Throughout the remainder of the 2020-21 season, supporters will be able to enjoy multi-camera coverage of all home fixtures to ensure they are closer to the action than ever before.

“The enhanced production will start on Tuesday evening when the Lads host Fleetwood Town at the Stadium of Light, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ first interview airing during the half-time show.”

Meanwhile, the club’s head of supporter engagement is also returning to work full-time while there were reports over the weekend that Louis-Dreyfus is keen to invest in improvements to the Stadium of Light pitch, with plans to install ‘a state-of-the-art’ pitch lighting system to boost the playing surface at a cost of £500,000.

On Friday, Sunderland’s head of supporter engagement Chris Waters confirmed he was returning to working full-time, a move that went down well with fans.

Waters tweeted: “Supporter Engagement Update

“Please note following the recent takeover, I am pleased to announce I will be returning to work full time. I will be available for all supporters to liaise with on a daily basis from Monday 22nd February.

“Enjoy the game this weekend.”

Regarding the possible pitch improvements, the Daily Mail reported: “He plans to install the same HT Pro hybrid turf system as at Tottenham’s impressive home.

"The surface will have an integrated pitch-grow lighting system, with lights suspended above the pitch from rails at either end, so it never comes into direct contact with the grass.”

Sunderland further boosted their promotion hopes on Saturday with a convincing 3-0 win away at Burton Albion in League One.

They host Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening at the Stadium of Light.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor