Fan group to meet Rodwell over controversial season ticket plans

Representatives from Sunderland fan group Red & White Army are to meet chief executive Jim Rodwell to discuss the club's controversial season ticket plans.

Sunderland supporters hit out at the club over the initial plans, which saw no refunds issued if games were played behind closed doors this season.

The club then slightly tweaked their approach at the end of last week and fans will now be offered a refund even if games this season are played behind-closed-doors, with a decision on the 201920 campaign due today when EFL clubs vote.

Sunderland are not changing their plans for renewals next season, with those who sign up offered a streaming pass in lieu of a refund for any games played behind-closeddoors.

However, those who have already signed up and paid in full will now be offered the chance to claim a refund.

With a number of fans still unhappy with the proposed solution, the group have been offered the chance to meet with the club’s new chief executive in the coming weeks.

And while they expect the meeting to simply be an ‘introductory’ one, they will look to ‘collate questions, concerns and ideas’ from supporters if possible.

In a statement the supporters group RAWA said: “We have been approached by CEO Jim Rodwell to open dialogue with him.

“Whilst there seems to be little chance of there being any further changes to what was outlined in the club's latest statement (still no refunds for any behind closed doors games for next season) we have accepted his offer to meet.

“We envisage this to be an introductory meeting, but if we discover there is an opportunity to get into detail.

“We will do what we always do - collate questions, concerns and ideas from members and the wider fanbase.

“We feel that if Sunderland AFC had properly consulted with supporters and listened then we would not have had a situation where so many supporters are left frustrated at the content and indeed the tone of the initial statements put out by the club.”

RAWA can be contacted via email at info@redandwhitearmy.co.uk.

*Manchester City are ready to compete with Chelsea to sign Leicester City's 23-year-old England defender Ben Chilwell if he becomes available.