This is what Sunderland supporters were told about the sale of the club in a meeting with board members

Representatives from the Red and White Army, Branch Liaison Council, Supporters Liaison Group and Senior Supporters Association met with the club’s chief executive and non-executive director on Friday, June 12.

A number of topics were discussed, with the supporter groups putting across concerns about the club’s season ticket proposals, player recruitment and the ongoing situation with the ownership of the club.

It is the latter which has caused the most ire among Sunderland fans, with a takeover of the club not thought to be imminent despite owner Stewart Donald confirming his intention to sell the Black Cats earlier this year.

But supporters were reassured that the club remains on the market - although Donald is continuing to fulfill his commitments to the club in the short-term.

Supporters were also told that the club are going to review their stance after fans hit out at their plans for 2020/21 season cards, while it was claimed that Sunderland will be placing a ‘strong focus upon improving the academy and their recruitment process – with no plans to scale back the category one academy.

A full summary of the meeting is provided below, via the Red and White Army:

“All supporter groups reflected supporters’ frustration about the Club’s communication and stance on season tickets. Also stated that better communication with fans prior to the various announcements from the club would surely have avoided this disappointing situation.

“Jim Rodwell apologised for how the season ticket refunds and renewals had been handled and stated he would look into reviewing the Club’s stance. No set date was given but we will be pushing the club next week about this. Fans need clarity urgently.

“The Club stated that it wants to build bridges with fans and listen to them.

“Tom Sloanes is keen to see communications improve. He feels that repairing the damaged relationship with fans is important and there are lots of people at the club who want to do things better.

“Jim Rodwell confirmed the club is up for sale but that is not a factor in his running of the club. Stewart Donald is happy to meet his obligations and is leaving the running of SAFC to the CEO.

“RAWA explained that they are under increasing pressure from supporters’ to call for Stewart Donald to sell at a fair price. We summarised the various well documented reasons for this and reiterated our disappointment at the current position the club finds itself in.

“Supporters challenged club officials on the performance of the academy and the recent cases of selling our best young talent. Jim Rodwell stated that they have to balance investment in the first team with investment in the academy. There are no plans to scale back or mothball the academy but all options will have to be considered. RAWA reminded the club of how integral the academy is to the future of the football club.

“Away tickets will be refunded via the same method it was paid for and fans can expect an announcement next week.”