Christmas cheer is kicking on

The new regime at SunderlandFootball Club is certainly helping spread Christmas cheer right across the city.

On the pitch, Jack Ross’s side’s 16-game unbeaten run and progress in League 1 and two cups is bringing a warm glow to the Stadium of Light.

Off the pitch it’s going extremely well too with a host of new initiatives strengthening the bond between the club and the populace.

One of the latest ideas is the Gift of Football, devised by Sunderland fan Simon Baty a week ago.

The idea is to help those fans struggling to afford to attend the Boxing Day fixture against Bradford City at the Stadium of Light.

The scheme was quickly backed by owner Stewart Donald and directors Charlie Methven and Juan Sartori, who donated hundreds of pounds worth of tickets.

And the scheme has been kicked on further after boss Jack Ross revealed that coaching staff and players have also come on board.

He said: “I know that not only have Stewart and Charlie been supportive of it, the players and staff have been as well. It’s a reflection of how the club feels right now.

“It’s a genuinely brilliant idea that I fully support, people who wouldn’t ordinarily get to come see us will. It is terrific.”

Earlier this week, midfielder Luke O’Nien teamed up with executive director Charlie Methven to visit Hendon’s Hudson Road Primary School to hand out the first batch of tickets.

And after making a donation of their own on Thursday, the players are planning further surprise visits.

Skipper George Honeyman said: “All of the players have seen the idea growing on social media and it’s been the talk of the dressing room, so we are delighted to be involved and we will be surprising fans throughout the next couple of weeks.”

If you want to get involved, find the details on the club’s website and let’s make Boxing Day a very special time for supporters.