Wallsendmag

You would expect so. I know we class them as a category A match. One of the reasons she chucked it was because she said too many none season ticket holders seemed to be getting in cheaper than she was because they kept giving them special deal so she's sitting there quite smug now and I expect she'll be redeeming her voucher. She'll certainly not be paying in to watch them this season.

Free ticket mackems strike again The wife is a Sunderland fan (suppose it's not her fault where she was born) and up until this season had a season ticket for years. She didn't renew for this season and was sent a letter today offering her a free ticket for their home match with Liverpool. I'm hopeless on computers so don't know how to take a photo and put it on here so since i'm not doing much else until the match later i'll type it out; Dear Mrs ********* After a busy summer which has seen a raft of new faces added to the squad, Sunderland's 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season is underway. 44,000 fans turned out for our opening game against Fulham FC, which highlights just how amazing our support is. Everyone here takes great pride in this show of loyalty, there is truly no other club with fans like ours and we can assure you that such loyalty is never taken for granted. The importance of our 'Red and White Army' can never be underestimated - seeing thousands of passionate fans out in force at every match can really give Paolo Di Canio and his players a boost as they take on teams in what is widely recognised as the best league in the world. As a former season card holder, you won't need reminding about the phenomenal atmosphere generated on a match day and we know how much Sunderland means to you. We've seen some major changes in recent months, with 13 new players joining the Black Cats ranks and although you may not have been able to commit to a season card, your support is still hugely important to us. To thank you for your backing, we are pleased to include with this letter a voucher which can be redeemed for a ticket to our game against Liverpool FC on Sunday 29th September 2013. Please complete the voucher and either post it back to the address on the voucher or alternatively bring it, along with this letter, to the Stadium of Light ticket office during normal opening hours, where it will be exchanged for a match ticket. We sincerely hope that this gesture will allow you to once again enjoy the Stadium of Light experience and continue your support for the club. You may wish to also consider our new 15-game season card, which guarantees you a seat for the hotly anticipated Wear-Tyne derby and a further 14 home games, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham through to the end of the season - and saves you money too. The 15-game season card is available to purchase from September 14th and this includes every game from Newcastle United through to Swansea City on May 11th. Alternatively, should you wish to purchase match tickets for individual games, please call 0871 911 1973, visit the ticket office or log on to www.safc.com and use our new 'print at home' ticket service. We look forward to welcoming you back. Yours in sport Gary Hutchinson Commercial Director Desperate times already by the looks of it and it begs the question if they do that for one of their biggest games does anyone actually pay money to go and watch these lot?

No way were Bernard and Domi better than Beresford like. Fair enough Enrique probably was although he was hopeless when he first arrived and practically downed tools when he decided he wanted to leave so although i'd accept Enrique being the better player I think we got a lot more out of John Beresford. I said in post #2 on here that Beresford was supposed to be opening the new Wall's End pub on Saturday. Turned out he couldn't make it so mackem fan Steve Howey turned up instead much to most peoples disappointment. On a side note Steve Wraith was there with him and I know he gets a lot of stick but I had a bit crack with him for a good 10 minutes or so (first time i've ever met the bloke) and I have to say what a smashing fella he is.

Seems like a smashing bloke and an integral part of the best NUFC team I've ever had the pleasure to watch (and probably ever will). He'll do for me. Many happy returns Bez.

One of my all time favourite NUFC players. He's opening up the new Wall's End pub on Saturday so I might pop along to see him.

Great post. Agree with it all.

They already are. Only 46k on Saturday and I'd reckon on sub 45k v Hull and that'll be despite a decent away following. A lot of people are fed up being made mugs of and have realised that all NUFC is these days is an, albeit excellent advertising tool for Sports Direct.

Less than 40k sold so far. They've opened up more of L7 now and are selling it off cheap £20/£5.

I am starting to feel genuine hatred for this man to the point where I want to put my foot through the telly every time he's on it.

Best the utter weaklings can do either side of singing about Shola and Pardew. Cretins. Ron, man. Really think this fan rage is somewhat misplaced. I was looking at the screen tonight thinking "daft c***s" at those that paid money to go and watch that in the flesh, then I took a look in the mirror at someone who was sitting at home like a mug doing exactly the same. Only difference is Sky got my money instead of NUFC, which is just as bad if not worse. I don't think it is at all. The fans are refusing to fight for the club in supporting this nonsense. I can see where you're coming from but I think it's pity more than anger that I feel towards them. However, I've been where they are so I can appreciate why they still turn up. There are times when it's all you have, and for some people it's all they'll ever have, they live for it. I can't be mad with people for supporting the team, which is what most of them are doing at the end of the day. Fair point. I just wish people would see the big picture. Surely virtually nobody enjoys the rubbish we serve up at SJP and on the road these days. but what is the big picture? everyone stay's away? won't change anything not with the tv deal it would just mean further cost cuts and bring us no closer to anyone actually buying the club which is the big issue, no one wants to. Disagree - if Ashley is put into a position where he runs the risk of having to put money into the club because attendances were poor and nobody was buying merchandise, he would be out like a shot. In any case, his lack of investment in players will eventually lead to relegation and that will kill off his Sky golden goose. Last night's result is the first step along the way to possibly being relegated. Also don't agree that nobody wants to buy the club - they do, but they know what Ashley is like and they will wait until he is in a position where he cannot mess them about or hold them to ransom...Ashley isn't the only billionaire who thinks he is street-wise....as with everything else, there is always someone smarter/richer and they will come along eventually but it may take a while. Disagree, he'll hold out until the bitter end until he gets the price he wants. And frankly if you were rich why buy an expensive club like newcastle when you can buy a biggish championship club (eg Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday or go to League one Sheffield United or Wolves) for far far less put in some small amount of investment (compared to prem) get them up and boom prem tv package. Are you serious ? Leeds ? Sheff Utd? Wolves ? Since when did ANY of these clubs have the support potential - and actual - around the world that NUFC has ? Lets hope potential buyers know more about club potential than you seem to - don't argue by the way, because you'll start to look silly with that theory. We also have the infrastructure in place. Those clubs might be a lot cheaper to buy but then a lot of money would have to be spent on other things. what makes people think that we are a bigger club than Leeds are just because we are a division higher Leeds have had considerable more success than we have in the last 50-60 years Best the utter weaklings can do either side of singing about Shola and Pardew. Cretins. Ron, man. Really think this fan rage is somewhat misplaced. I was looking at the screen tonight thinking "daft c***s" at those that paid money to go and watch that in the flesh, then I took a look in the mirror at someone who was sitting at home like a mug doing exactly the same. Only difference is Sky got my money instead of NUFC, which is just as bad if not worse. I don't think it is at all. The fans are refusing to fight for the club in supporting this nonsense. I can see where you're coming from but I think it's pity more than anger that I feel towards them. However, I've been where they are so I can appreciate why they still turn up. There are times when it's all you have, and for some people it's all they'll ever have, they live for it. I can't be mad with people for supporting the team, which is what most of them are doing at the end of the day. Fair point. I just wish people would see the big picture. Surely virtually nobody enjoys the rubbish we serve up at SJP and on the road these days. but what is the big picture? everyone stay's away? won't change anything not with the tv deal it would just mean further cost cuts and bring us no closer to anyone actually buying the club which is the big issue, no one wants to. Disagree - if Ashley is put into a position where he runs the risk of having to put money into the club because attendances were poor and nobody was buying merchandise, he would be out like a shot. In any case, his lack of investment in players will eventually lead to relegation and that will kill off his Sky golden goose. Last night's result is the first step along the way to possibly being relegated. Also don't agree that nobody wants to buy the club - they do, but they know what Ashley is like and they will wait until he is in a position where he cannot mess them about or hold them to ransom...Ashley isn't the only billionaire who thinks he is street-wise....as with everything else, there is always someone smarter/richer and they will come along eventually but it may take a while. Disagree, he'll hold out until the bitter end until he gets the price he wants. And frankly if you were rich why buy an expensive club like newcastle when you can buy a biggish championship club (eg Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday or go to League one Sheffield United or Wolves) for far far less put in some small amount of investment (compared to prem) get them up and boom prem tv package. Are you serious ? Leeds ? Sheff Utd? Wolves ? Since when did ANY of these clubs have the support potential - and actual - around the world that NUFC has ? Lets hope potential buyers know more about club potential than you seem to - don't argue by the way, because you'll start to look silly with that theory. We also have the infrastructure in place. Those clubs might be a lot cheaper to buy but then a lot of money would have to be spent on other things. what makes people think that we are a bigger club than Leeds are just because we are a division higher Leeds have had considerable more success than we have in the last 50-60 years We're a bigger club than Leeds whichever way you choose to guage it whether it be historically, fanbase or trophy count.

He's using this Wonga sponsorship as an excuse to leave. He was happy to wear the Virgin shirt last season and he's happy to play in the Barclays Premier League and wear their logo on his sleeve and last time I checked they were both in the business of lending money with interest repayable on it.

Llambias wasn't sacked. He resigned.

Correct. For example Everton offer £5m and we offered £7m to secure the player. Wigan and the player then split the extra couple of million between themselves making us more likely to sign him.

Now JFK has been confirmed everyone should cancel their season tickets to show that we've had enough of this regime now. Gone past a joke.

What a bunch of fannies not renewing cos JFK has returned as Director of football.

Age is no excuse, you gave up far too easily before you were born. :lol: With all due respect you compared supporting a football team to dining in a restaurant so I can't really take you seriously anymore. Just keep sticking up smiley faces because you went way out of your depth when you tried to be constructive.

What's even the point in all this 'sky generation' stuff. Nothing I can do about when I was born and extremely difficult to attend games prior to conception. No point other than to emphasize the spoilt brat mentality which seems to have hold of many fans who go to the match these days and a few off this very message board. Crying like bairns and threatening not to renew because we've had a disappointing season and they don't like the manager. Pathetic.

I never mentioned anyone not renewing for financial reasons. Other people brought the cost factor in to fit their agenda as they knew deep down I was right. Family and paying the bills always comes first. My point still stands and that was that if every supporter took a hissy fit like many on here are doing and stopped attending when we weren't playing well or because they didn't like the manager we wouldn't have a club to support. Thankfully the few cowards on here who want to stop going because things aren't great are vastly outnumbered by those who'll stand by the club during the thick (and many) thin times. Nobody has said they want to stop. Many have said they're considering doing it because of the cost-benefit of the football and how much they enjoy it and whether it is really worth it to themselves. The financial side of it goes hand in hand, and if you think the people posting in this thread aren't motivated largely by that factor then you're being very naive. Of course its the reason. If we all had infinite cash to burn then nobody would even think twice about going. Football isn't like most other forms of entertainment meaning entertainment isn't guaranteed. This seems to be a concept that yourself and many of the new "sky generation" of football fans don't seem to be able to grasp. If you want guaranteed entertainment for your money, football isn't for you I'm afraid. If youre 35, then you are the "sky generation" mate Been going since 83, season ticket holder since 89. Daft thing is back then it cost next to nowt to watch NUFC. £45 was the price of my first season ticket, albeit a kids one. Now people are whinging about the costs yet the attendances have rocketed since those days as the sky generation pack stadiums out demanding to be entertained and then spitting the dummy when they're not enjoying it as much as they thought they would.

I never mentioned anyone not renewing for financial reasons. Other people brought the cost factor in to fit their agenda as they knew deep down I was right. Family and paying the bills always comes first. My point still stands and that was that if every supporter took a hissy fit like many on here are doing and stopped attending when we weren't playing well or because they didn't like the manager we wouldn't have a club to support. Thankfully the few cowards on here who want to stop going because things aren't great are vastly outnumbered by those who'll stand by the club during the thick (and many) thin times. Nobody has said they want to stop. Many have said they're considering doing it because of the cost-benefit of the football and how much they enjoy it and whether it is really worth it to themselves. The financial side of it goes hand in hand, and if you think the people posting in this thread aren't motivated largely by that factor then you're being very naive. Of course its the reason. If we all had infinite cash to burn then nobody would even think twice about going. Football isn't like most other forms of entertainment meaning entertainment isn't guaranteed. This seems to be a concept that yourself and many of the new "sky generation" of football fans don't seem to be able to grasp. If you want guaranteed entertainment for your money, football isn't for you I'm afraid.

Ah stop crying man and cut out the personal abuse. Think this thread is starting to drift of topic a bit now anyway.

I never mentioned anyone not renewing for financial reasons. Other people brought the cost factor in to fit their agenda as they knew deep down I was right. Family and paying the bills always comes first. My point still stands and that was that if every supporter took a hissy fit like many on here are doing and stopped attending when we weren't playing well or because they didn't like the manager we wouldn't have a club to support. Thankfully the few cowards on here who want to stop going because things aren't great are vastly outnumbered by those who'll stand by the club during the thick (and many) thin times.

Actually can't believe this line, what a f***ing prick you are. The North East at the moment is going through some of the toughest economic hardship for a long time. In case you hadn't noticed, personal capital is not exactly in great supply for many in the region. A lot of people have been priced out of going to watch football full stop - that is a cast iron fact. Many others are unsurprisingly evaluating whether they can justify the expenditure when that money could be spent on other, more important things to make their lives more enjoyable. For you to come on here, to condescend and to spit in the face of fans who are evaluating whether paying large amounts of money every season to watch football is really worth it to themselves and their families in 2013 makes me f***ing sick. I'm not currently in full-time employment as I'm studying for a degree at Univeristy. This season I calculated that I must have spent nearly £2000 on NUFC in home tickets and travelling to the arse end of Europe. This has came directly out of my life savings, money that I could've spent on things to make my life easier (such as a car) or things to make my life more enjoyable (such as a holiday). After I had tallied up the money for the first time since I started following NUFC (not too long, as I'm not a superfan like yourself) I found myself questioning whether it is REALLY worth the expenditure. Over the course of this season I can count the days I've enjoyed on one hand and the actual matches I've enjoyed on a couple of fingers. To have sunk that amount of money into something I haven't truly enjoyed all year in hindsight really has made me think. Ultimately, when push comes to shove the likelyhood is that come next season I'll be there as usual. I'm lucky enough that my family is privaleged enough that we can stretch to the costs of supporting NUFC. However I know that for many others this isn't the case and if come next season they evaluate that it isn't worth it to them then I won't hold it against them, condescend them and insult them because of it. Give your f***ing head a shake for f***'s sake. Your choice to spend your life savings on following NUFC. Bit stupid, maybe even reckless if you ask me but now you've done it is a bit daft to start whinging about it.

If the restaurant I usually went to started serving sub standard food there are plenty more restaurants out there so I would simply choose another restaurant to eat in. You can't just choose another football team to support though so that is a silly comparison to make.

Sunderland will beat Stoke. Nailed on.

You're easily pleased! Actually, I was thinking the same about you. Not at all. It's been a totally depressing season but if everyone packed it in because of that we wouldn't have a club to watch. Thankfully people on here are in the minority and don't reflect on the support overall.