It’s always been the case for them.
Murray was the best owner they could have asked for. He took them from being nothing team who managed to fluke a cup win in the early 70’s, to a Premier League team with a 49k capacity brand new stadium.
He shot his bow too high and ultimately they came back down, and the fans wanted him gone. Quinn took over and they loved him, but as soon as an American who may have had more money than him came along, they were happy to depart from him. Soon enough they realised that he had also shot his bow too high, but worse he had realised as well, and the money dried up. Along came them chancers, and they believed there was money to had off them, they quickly realised that they were chancers and the money to be had, was from them. On to the trust fund boy, now they have realised that he doesn’t have all of daddies money, and he won’t spend all of what he is allowed to spend on them, so they have been wanting him out for a little while.
They just won’t want to spend their money on the club, I have said it before but there has been questions asked of their fans if they won the Euro’s would they buy the club. Bear in mind we are talking about a 25% cost to winnings here. The vast majority said they wouldn’t.
The ticket sales show that largely they are not selling tickets, and when they do it is of a lower price than similar clubs due to how many they have to give away for free or via a promotion.
Now by and large, I’m not having a go at them for giving away tickets to the right causes, although I think they overstretch with the determining factors.
I think most clubs, certainly those in the Premier League, and Championship should be giving away a % of tickets to worthy causes. For us, a 1% allocation would equate to 520 tickets per match, which is rather generous to be honest.
I know a couple of their fans, sound guys, in fact most people in Sunderland are, and are nothing like the RTG’s, although the debate is open considering the election results over the last 8 years in Sunderland. However 1 of them doesn’t bother going to matches much now, just the odd game here and there. The other the last I knew was a season ticket holder. But others who I come across who claim to be big fans just are not turning up to their games.
Part of me thinks there is potential at Sunderland for bigger crowds, and more support, but then if we kick on and becomes successful, I think the outer areas of Sunderland and the crossover areas will really suffer with fans drifting to us.
I don’t think there is a mega billionaire owner for them. They have had 4 takeovers in the last 20 years or so, and in that time the club has always been for sale, even if it’s not been on the open market. Anyone buying a club now with the wealth similar to us are not buying Sunderland, too close for catchments areas, and you have other options available like Everton, and West Ham, as well as the possibility to buy into or launch mega takeovers for the likes of Spurs, or Liverpool.
If you were a billionaire and had the money to buy a club that you could take to the next level with investment including potentially a new stadium, who are you choosing?
Everton: Could be bought on the cheap, new stadium being built for over 50k supporters, has a decent supporter base despite Liverpool being on their doorstep.
West Ham: One of the last sleeping giant clubs. A proven fanbase who follow them, could buy their stadium for next to nothing and turn it into a dedicated football stadium.
Sheffield Wednesday: A forgotten fallen giant, needs a new owner, needs a new stadium, supporter base is probably one of the best and constantly sells out. Has that supporter base and the potential to attract more despite sharing their city with Sheffield United.
Derby: An overlooked option, but their supporter base is admirable, frequently gets some of the highest turnouts, despite being well and truly fucking shit for 20-25 years.
Sunderland: Sell outs 1 game every few years after a drive for records to be broke by owners, and tickets being sold cheaply, and given away. Average ticket price is £10 because of the discounted tickets. Has the worlds richest sports club on their doorstep who have the open ambition to be the best club in the World.
