Cats ‘will listen’ to fans’ anger
Jim Rodwell says Sunderland ‘will listen’ to feedback after a furious response from supporters to season card plans.
The club had confirmed in a Q&A on Wednesday that if this season does resume behind closed doors, supporters will be offered a streaming pass in lieu of a full or partial refund.
This also applies to any supporter who renews for next season in the event that the campaign begins behind closed doors.
Supporters were deeply concerned, given that anyone who is not a season card holder would be able to buy an individual streaming pass for any of those games, and effectively spend considerably less.
Rodwell has not ruled out considering partial refunds and insists that no one will lose by choosing not to renew at this time.
“We were hoping that a streaming pass would go some way to compensating fans, that at least people were getting to watch football,” he said.
“Hopefully, then it would help the football club in a difficult time. We were hoping to give back something [by giving a streaming pass], and clearly if fans don't get anything [because the season is cut short] then we will refund that money.
“You'd never say never [to a partial refund]. We've put out the statement, and we will keep things under review.”
Another key concern raised by fans is that households with multiple season card holders will lose out disproportionately, given that they would only need one streaming pass.
In response, Rodwell says that he understands those concerns and that numerous measures mean they will not be penalised for taking that stance.
Early-bird pricing has been extended indefinitely, while seats will be reserved and loyalty points protected.
“It' s a personal choice ,” Rod well said.
“People have said to us that they wanted to buy a season ticket to help the club out, and they can do that and we appreciate their help.
“But at the same time there is no pressure on anybody to buy a season ticket.
“We understand completely[people might not want to renew at this time ], we have said we will save seats and protect loyalty points.
“We completely get it and there is no pressure on anyone to buy a season ticket.
“It' s a perfectly rational view to take [to not renew].
“We're not trying to twist anyone's arm.”
The club had said that maintaining some income is important during the current crisis, but Rodwell insists the financial situation is stable.
“We are in a much better position than most, we really are,” he said.
“It's going to be bumpy, it is for everybody.
“There are times when it is absolutely beneficial to be a big football club.
“At the moment, this isn't one of them because we still have a big cost base but our revenues are similar to small clubs. But we' re OK, the businessis robust, and Stewart has undertaken to fund the club and that's what he is doing.”
Asked directly if the club would reconsider their policy and engage with fans, Rodwell said: “We're in dialogue with fan groups.
“We'll listen, we have to listen.
“We're always prepared to listen.”