Kyril Louis-Dreyfus issues this message to Sunderland supporters in open letter

10,000 fans will attend on Saturday afternoon as the Black Cats look to seal an unlikely turnaround in their play-off semi final.

They trail Lincoln City 2-0 after a dismal first leg earlier this week, but Louis-Dreyfus says that the team have his full confidence ahead of the game.

The contest will the first with home supporters present since Louis-Dreyfus assumed control of the club and Lee Johnson was appointed head coach.

Louis-Dreyfus said that the long period of behind-closed-doors games ‘underlined why football is nothing without its fans’.

In an open letter to supporters, he wrote: “On behalf of the players and staff at Sunderland AFC, we are very excited to be welcoming you back to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

“The events of the past 14 months have underlined why football is nothing without its fans and as a club, we have felt that more than most due to the incredible support you provide.

“It has been a long and challenging season, but the team have worked very hard throughout it to secure a Play-Off place and ensure we can still achieve our objective of promotion.

“We all felt disappointed following Wednesday’s result and I know we face a monumental task, but it is not an impossible one.

“The team have my full confidence for the upcoming battle and I know you all will join me in supporting them this Saturday.

“Together, I believe anything is possible at the Stadium of Light.

“Ha’way the Lads,

“KLD.”

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