A group of Sunderland supporters have been discussing a recent article by Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo, in which he assesses the concerns raised around season card renewals.
The Black Cats were in with a great shout of breaking into the play-off positions at the time of the league’s suspension. Phil Parkinson’s side currently sit in 7th place, level on points with Peterborough United in sixth although the Posh have played a game less. As per Smith’s piece, clubs have very little income during the summer months and there are fears regarding how they will cope without the usual influx of cash generated by the renewal process.
Would you be renewing your season ticket now given the uncertainty around 2020/21?
Yes
No
Sunderland are asking their fans to renew as normal but will offer a refund if the current season is curtailed (as per the Sunderland Echo). It is understood some fans have suggested the club can keep the money in the event the fixtures are curtailed but not everybody is in a position to waive their right to a refund during these unprecedented times.
Various options have been discussed amongst the supporters. For example, fans could be provided with a streaming pass if they’re unable to attend. However, it appears the communication has been unclear, and in response, this is what some of their supporters have had to say:
They need to be clear because they are still offering people to buy season tickets at full price they need to have a contingency plan in place that is communicated to the fans in the even we can’t attend
— Becca Willis (@beccawillissafc) May 31, 2020
You hit the nail on the head there in that article. A streaming pass is much cheaper than an ST. They should allow fans to only buy an ST on a pro-rata system by the amount of games they will see at the SOL next season.
— Michael Kent (@mickeykfunky) May 30, 2020
Needs a rethink
— Neil Mcbeth (@Neil_Mcbeth) May 30, 2020
Many continued to discuss their feelings on the matter and these particular fans thought it was unfair for people to pay for season cards when they will likely be forced to watch most games from home.
Asking ST families to fork out in excess of £1000 for the prospect of a streaming pass that expats can buy for £50 feels like an abuse of loyalty.
Wish they’d just extended the first DD payment and waited to see what happens.
— John F (@bungle__bee) May 30, 2020
Bang on the money…. Why should Season card holders pay for something but not get the requirements of the contract/purchase. It makes no sense financially for anyone and can see this issue occurring across the UK at all levels of the game.
— John Watson (@JWatsonCoach) May 30, 2020
One fan, however, urged his fellow Sunderland supporters to renew for the sake of the club’s future.
We NEED 100% to renew
SD or Micky Mouse could be in charge. Doesnt matter. Its Sunderland AFC.
Without our season ticket pledges the club folds. Simple as.
Anyone want that?
I don’t…I’m renewing.
Anyone who doesn’t…support someone else…but Never claim to support SAFC.— Paul Summerside (@summerside49) May 30, 2020
It is worth noting that this is a problem that will likely be faced by a number of clubs and not just Sunderland exclusively. Although the current ownership at the Stadium of Light certainly isn’t popular and known to be looking for a way out, in our view, finding a suitable solution that will both keep the supporters happy and the club afloat looks like a very difficult task.