Sunderland AFC news RECAP: Latest ticket information as Cats installed as firm favourites for play-offs

Sunderland are preparing for the play-offs in the knowledge that fans will be back at the Stadium of Light.
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The Black Cats are preparing to welcome fans back to the Stadium of Light after it was announced that up to 10,000 supporters will be able to attend the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Lincoln City.

The game on Wearside will be played on Saturday, May 22, just three days after the first leg at Sincil Bank.

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Tickets have been sold in phases, with the first seats available to supporters yesterday.

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.

2020/21 season ticket holders have had first priority on tickets and will be able to purchase their seats up until 4pm on Thursday, May 1.

It’s the first time supporters will be able to attend a game at the Stadium of Light since March 2020 due to the Cornavrius pandemic.

Here’s the latest news, transfer talk and more.

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Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP (13 May)

Key Events

  • Sunderland face Lincoln City in the League One play-off semi-finals - and fans WILL BE in attendance
  • The first leg will be played at Sincil Bank this coming Wednesday with the return leg on Wearside the following Saturday
  • 10,000 fans are set to return to the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland take on Lincoln City

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We’re signing off for today but will be back bright and early tomorrow with all the latest SAFC news.

See you soon.

Sunderland, Fleetwood Town, Plymouth and Aberdeen have all been linked with Rotherham defender Clark Robertson.

According to Football Insider, the 27-year-old Scot, who will be out of contract next month, has caught the eye of several Football League clubs.

Champions League final moved to Portugal

UEFA have confirmed that the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City will now take place in Porto rather than Istanbul.

There was talk that the match could be moved to Wembley on May 29, therefore causing disruptions to the EFL play-off finals.

Yet that proposal hasn’t come to fruition, meaning the League One play-off final will still be played at Wembley on Sunday, May 30.

Have you got your ticket?

Time change for Lincoln second leg

Sunderland’s play-off second leg against Lincoln will now kick off at the slightly later time of 3:30pm on Saturday May 22.

Speakman gives detailed insight into Summer planning

Kristjaan Speakman says that uncertainty over which division Sunderland will be playing in next season is ‘not an issue’ as he makes preparations for the summer transfer window.

The Sporting Director has opened up on the recruitment process on the club’s #SAFCUnfiltered podcast.

Speakman says extensive planning around squad composition for both League One and the Championship is underway, and said all club’s have to be ‘flexible and adaptable’.

Read more HERE

Play-offs look set to stay at Wembley

It had been reported that the EFL play-off finals could be moved from Wembley if a decision was made to play the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea at the national stadium.

The Champions League final looks set to be moved from Istanbul due to Covid-19 concerns, as Turkey is on England’s red travel list.

Yet it now looks likely the Champions League final will be played in Portugal so fans would be allowed to attend on 29 May.

Carl Winchester can’t wait

Carl Winchester says he can’t wait to experience the ‘absolutely electric’ atmosphere that Sunderland fans will generate in the play-offs, writes Mark Donnelly.

The midfielder, who joined the Black Cats from Forest Green Rovers in January, is one of a host of players who is yet to play in front of a vocal home crowd on Wearside.

But with up to 10,000 fans set to return for the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Lincoln City on May 22, Winchester is relishing the chance to play in front of the limited crowd.

His only experience of Sunderland’s support thus far has come via ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ on Netflix – but that will soon end.

“From watching the series and what I’ve heard about the fans here, once it gets rocking it’s absolutely electric,” said Winchester.

Sunderland AFC have confirmed plans to welcome up to 10,000 fans back to the Stadium of Light for the play-off semi-final with Lincoln City.

Tickets will be sold in phases, with the first seats available to be snapped up from 10am on Wednesday, May 12.

2020/21 season ticket holders will have first priority on tickets and will be able to purchase their seats up until 4pm on Thursday, May 13.

Should any tickets remain available, 2021/22 season ticket holders will then be able to buy tickets from 10am on Friday, May 14.

Fans will be allocated seats on a first come, first served basis with no tickets available to purchase at the club’s ticket office or over the phone – all sales must be completed via the club’s online ticketing site.

Tickets will be priced at £20 for adults and £10 for under-16s and over-65s after discussions with supporter working groups.

Close to 3,400 fans were already waiting for their opportunity to buy tickets as the clock struck 10:03 on Wednesday.