Black Cats battling to finish season ‘on the pitch’

SUNDERLAND are willing to take a financial hit in a bid to fulfil their League One fixtures.

With crowds at the Stadium of Light averaging more than 30,000 this season, the Black Cats have more to lose than most by playing behind closed doors.

But recently appointed chief executive Jim Rodwell insists the campaign must resume.

Sunderland are one of eight clubs who are against the season being declared null and void. Their stance is partly down to self-interest, with boss Phil Parkinson (right) taking his side up to seventh when football ground to a halt in March.

And even if points were weighted, Sunderland would miss out on the play-offs and be condemned to the lowest finish in their history, and a third year in football’s third tier.

But Rodwell believes cutting short the season is against the integrity of the game. “From the moment the campaign was suspended, the EFL board has stated any remaining fixtures should be played once it is safe and practical to do so,” he said.

“There was a time when that looked like it would not be possible, but recent developments have ensured the season can be completed within the initial time frame set out by the EFL.

“Several League One clubs have taken the stance that no further games should be played and that a currently undermined formula should be applied to finalise the table.

“SAFC strongly disagree with this view and remains committed to completing the season the right way. We believe that any league placings should be determined by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room and not in a courtroom.

“It is unfortunate supporters are extremely unlikely to be able to attend our remaining fixtures, but the streaming infrastructure in place at all EFL clubs ensures we are in a position to fulfil any obligations, both moral and contractual, to our stakeholders.

“Fulfilling our remaining fixtures will come at a considerable cost, but it sets a deeply concerning precedent for clubs to decide against completing competitions they have entered because they don’t feel like doing so.”

The club have promised to stream all home games free of charge to all season-ticket holders until fans are allowed back into the ground.