SUNDERLAND AFC (H) PREVIEW

🆚 Sunderland AFC

🗓️ Sat 12th July

🏟️ 1st Cloud Arena

⏰ 4pm KO

🚪 Doors open at 1:30pm

Today, we host newly promoted, Premier League side, Sunderland AFC in a pre-season bout.

The Mariners welcome The Black Cats to the 1st Cloud Arena, for what will be Sunderland's second game of the day as they face Gateshead FC at Hebburn Sports Ground at 12:30pm.

Regis Le Bris' side will be jetting off to Portugal for their pre-season trip, but first will face Ian Watson's Mariners, a side that has taken great shape over the last few weeks, with new additions such as Robbie Tinkler, Cain Sykes, Dan Dodds and more.

Ian Watson will mark his first game as a Head Coach against Sunderland AFC this afternoon and alongisde him will be Carl Magnay as they join forces once again in the dugout.

Managers Thoughts

Manager Ian Watson, thinking ahead of Saturdays game said: “Every pre-season game comes with different tests.

Sunderland, with the momentum they’ve had and the quality they’ve got, will obviously be a tough challenge for us.

Every coach has different wills and wants, but what I’m looking for is to see if the boys have implemented the things we’ve been working on so far.

You have to look forward to these moments, both as a coach and as a player. You’re playing against really tough opposition, and it really puts you to the test.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Today we have 11 mascots to walk out with the players along with flag bearers.

Today is the last game for referee Geoff Eltringham who will be accompanied by his own personal mascots onto the field, Harrison & Georgia.

Today we will pay tribute to one of our own Steph McDougall-Brownsword  who recently passed away, we ask all to join in a minute’s applause. Steph's mother, Margy, will be in attendance with other family members and will present the Man of the Match award on the pitch after the game. 

Watch out for the half time event, when we will be joined by one lucky person who will get the opportunity to win a VW ID4 car worth £40,000, which has been kindly offered by the Pulman Group.

We have Hospitality and Hope as our chosen charity and new club sponsor who will be doing a bucket collection and we have a collection point in the club shop for any products you would like to drop, all gratefully received.

Mariners Matchday Geoff Main will be on PA, with a pre-match playlist and matchday announcements. 

The weather forecast is very good please put plenty of a high factor sun cream on.

TICKETS 

There is no segregation in place and today’s game is SOLD OUT, no cash on turnstiles strictly TICKETS ONLY.

All turnstiles are open from 1.30pm today, with the kick off at 4pm.

NO upgrades are available today

 OTHER KEY INFORMATION 

TVs in all bars will be showing Sky Sports

Guests of the Shipley and Balcony ticket holders are welcome to use the Barbour bar, until KO where pass restrictions and wristbands apply, subject to availability and room capacity. 

OPENING TIMES 

Bars 

• New Stand Bar: 1.30pm –  Close

• Marquee: 1.30pm – 5pm. (get ready for private function)

• Shipley Lounge: (Reserved for Hospitality Guests and pass holders: 1.30pm – Close

• Barbour Room: 1.30pm – Close

• Club House: 1.30pm – Close

Food 

• Fanzone / 1.30pm – FT 

• Dicksons Kiosk: 1.30pm – FT 

• Burger Van: 1.30pm – FT. 

• Kets N Pop: 1.30pm – FT. 

• Can bar open from 1.30pm - FT. (located east of the Clubhouse)

• Spud Man Van 1.30pm to FT

Club Shop

The Club Shop, stocked with our new 25/26 Home Kit and Goalkeeper kit, located in the Wolf Competitions Stand near Turnstiles 1 and 2, will be open from 1.30 pm – KO, Half-Time, and from FT – Close. 

PARKING 

Limited, unreserved parking is available on Shaftesbury Avenue. It is recommended to arrive early to secure your place. More parking is available on Bedesway, with access via Turnstile 5. 

TRAVEL 

The nearest Metro is Bede, a five-minute walk to Turnstiles. 

On behalf of the club, we thank you for your continued loyalty and support to South Shields FC and have a great afternoon with us at the 1^st Cloud Arena.