Sunderland AFC news RECAP: Play-off ticket details announced plus Cats take West Brom winger on trial

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

Good luck to those of you trying to get tickets tomorrow morning.

See you soon.

Lincoln have also announced that 3,145 home fans will be able to attend the first leg of their play-off meeting with Sunderland at the LNER Stadium.

The first leg will take place on Wednesday 19th May 2021 (6pm KO) and a ticketing ballot is available for 2020/21 season ticket holders.

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.

Having received approval from all necessary bodies, the club are now preparing to welcome back supporters for the first time since March 2020.

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.

Read more HERE

The EFL say they will ‘press for a decision as soon as reasonably possible’ as Derby County brace themselves for sanctions.

The league brought two charges against the Rams last year, claiming that the club had breached financial fair play rules – but an independent disciplinary commission cleared the club, meaning they avoided a serious sanction.

However, an appeal has now been settled in favour of the EFL, with Derby set to be handed sanctions as a result.

Potential sanctions could range from a fine to a points deduction and it remains to be seen what level of punishment will be handed to the club, and whether a potential points deduction would be applied to the most recent season or carried into the 2021/22 season.

Were Derby to be deducted even three points from their 2020/21 final tally, then it could see the side drop into League One – with Wycombe Wanderers then spared.

Read more HERE

The EFL have confirmed that the green light has been given for fans to return to stadiums for the League One play-offs.

After the government announced that they would proceed to the next step of the roadmap out of lockdown on May 17, clubs can now prepare to welcome back supporters.

For Sunderland supporters, it will mean they can return to the Stadium of Light for the first time since March 2020 – albeit in limited numbers. Around 10,000 supporters are expected to be allowed to attend the second leg tie against Lincoln City on Saturday, May 22.

In a statement, the EFL said: “EFL Clubs will now determine with the relevant local Safety Advisory Groups the exact number of supporters that will be able to attend each fixture in line with national guidelines. Announcements on ticketing will be made by individual Clubs in due course.”

Read more HERE

Sunderland’s best is yet to come as they prepare for the League One play-offs.

That’s the verdict of midfielder Carl Winchester, who believes that the ‘frightening’ talent at the Stadium of Light will stand the side in good stead ahead of the end of season shootout.

Sunderland have won just one of their last nine games in League One but managed to seal fourth place, teeing up a semi-final tie with Lincoln City.

And while a final day draw with already-relegated Northampton Town was an underwhelming end to the regular season, Winchester is confident that the Black Cats can move up through the gears as they head into the play-offs.

READ MORE HERE

Zimbabwean full-back Ethan Kachosa has reportedly signed a professional deal with Sunderland.

Kachosa, who was most recently on the books of Premier League side Leeds United, played for the Black Cats’ under-18 side in their win over Everton last weekend - grabbing a goal and assist in the clash.

And reports in his homeland suggest that the 18-year-old has now agreed a deal on Wearside.