Sunderland fan thanks club after safe standing plan revised for older supporters | OneFootball

A 70-year-old Sunderland supporter has thanked the club after it altered safe standing plans in his section of the Stadium of Light.

Ahead of 2024/25, 2,000 rail seats went into the Roker End. An extension was then announced for parts of the Roker End and the South West Corner, covering blocks U40, U15, U16, U17 and U18, according to Sunderland Echo.

Some older fans objected, saying there had been no consultation and seated supporters could have views blocked. John Marshall, in U18 and with mobility issues, was among those to complain.

On 2 June, the club’s safety team told Marshall the plan had been revised. Rail seating will go only into the top seven rows of U18, where standing is common, with lower rows staying seated.

Marshall thanked the club for listening and said the response showed togetherness from the ownership to head coach Regis Le Bris and the players. He added he hoped the club would not lose sight of long-time supporters.

A club spokesperson said the wider rollout had been successful and the U18 change will be monitored during the season, with future needs kept under review to balance safety, operations and supporter feedback.

Fanzine A Love Supreme’s Paul Dobson welcomed more safe standing and the compromise for those unable to stand.

Source: Sunderland Echo