Sunderland address season ticket issue as family accept Block U1 move | OneFootball

Sunderland have acted on another season ticket renewal concern, with a positive outcome for Karen Jacques and her family.

According to Sunderland Echo, supporters last month reported difficulties moving between corporate and general admission, direct debit problems and wider renewal issues. The outlet had also highlighted Steven Poppleton’s case.

Mrs Jacques, 62, had described a lack of flexibility between corporate and general admission. Her mother, Sylvia Pickard, learned she could have been eligible for a free over-85s season ticket after holding one for more than three years, but the corporate area meant no reduction, leaving a £2,000-plus bill despite eligibility elsewhere.

Fearing they might lose their tickets by moving, the family felt compelled to stay put. After further talks, they accepted a solution, with Mrs Pickard and another relative switching to Block U1 next season.

The club first suggested seats in the concourse and two near the front, options the family felt unsuitable due to stairs and exposure to bad weather. Sunderland later offered two in Block U1, which they viewed and accepted.

Mrs Jacques said the family were eventually happy for her mother, but believed earlier action could have avoided the upset. She felt acting before tickets were released to the waiting list might have secured seats together with fewer stairs.

A similar outcome followed for Poppleton, who had been unable to move from a premium area back to general admission after the death of his father, George. His case was raised with the club by supporter group RAWA, and he later received a phone call apologising and offering his family general admission tickets for next season.

The club had told RAWA it would review individual cases and contact fans directly, and these updates indicate progress in at least some situations.

Source: Sunderland Echo