Sunderland's interim CEO reacts as wave of summer investment in key facilities announced
It is set to be another busy summer behind the scenes at Sunderland
Sunderland have announced another wave of investment into facilities at the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light this summer.
After an eight-figure investment following promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland will again use the upcoming summer break to make a series of upgrades that will impact staff, players and supporters. They say they will invest a 'multi-million pound sum' into the Stadium of Light, which will improve facilities for supporters and crucial boost the club's revenue opportunities ahead of the Premier League's new Squad Cost Ratio rules coming into force. A new LED perimeter advertising system will be installed, while the club also intends to increase its corporate hospitality offering. The club say ‘further improvements designed to enhance experiences for supporters, players, partners, and staff’ will also be made.
At the Academy of Light, Sunderland say they will improve facilities across the board for all teams, including work on the pitches and the introduction of new technologies to enhance preparation, performance and recovery. The club's interim CEO said it reflects the club's ambition and 'long-term vision'.
“Following our return to the Premier League, this latest phase of investment reflects both the ambition and long-term vision we have for Sunderland AFC," Burwell said.
"This is not about short-term change – it is part of a multi-year commitment from the ownership group to build a Club that is sustainable, progressive, and capable of competing at the highest level across every area of the business. From the Stadium of Light to the Academy of Light, we are continuing to invest in our infrastructure, our people, and the experiences we deliver. Significant progress has been made over the past two summers, and this next phase will ensure we continue to evolve and modernise in a way that reflects the scale, identity, and future ambition of Sunderland AFC.”
The programme will include the already-announced expansion of the Stadium of Light's safe-standing offering. A club statement said the announcement 'reinforces Sunderland AFC’s commitment to building world-class environments and experiences across every area of the business.'
The club's Black Cats House offices are also set to be refurbished as part of the operation.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Sunderland’s ownership ‘entirely committed’ to club
The news comes day after Sunderland’s new owners said they were ‘aggressively planning’ for next season despite reports that the club was up for sale.
Footbiz reported that the owners had retained the services of a US investment bank to source potential investment. While that was not denied, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori made clear they were building for the long-term.
The statement said: “Sunderland AFC’s ownership group remains entirely committed to the Club, excited by a season of immense progress and the scale of the opportunities ahead, the Club is aggressively planning for its second campaign in the Premier League.”
Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris explains Lutsharel Geertruida call and reacts to Sunderland summer exit claim