CLOSED SHOP?

As the first away game of the season approaches, it is to the surprise of nobody that the debate over Sunderland’s loyalty points system has emerged from the shadows. With our trip to Turf Moor selling out sharply, some have already begun to question whether or not it is ‘fair.’

The Black Cats’ points have been in place as long as I remember. It is quite a simple loyalty point system which can be picked up by attending a home cup tie or going to an away game – or, in recent times, by attending an 8pm kick off on New Years Day thanks to Sky Sports. However, every so often the #SAFC on social media produces a debate on whether the system has created a closed shop.

The most recent debate seems to have been sparked by Sky not moving any of our games in October and, although some fans complaining, many are delighted. This is of course due to the fact that we only have two games outside of the 3pm on a Saturday slot until (at least) November making it a lot easier for match-going fans whether that be home or away. This has then led people to complain about the fact that if it’s away from home and not on TV then you are missing out.

I will be honest in the fact that since we got promoted, I immediately looked forward to the thought of us being on Monday Night Football. It’s just something I have a bit of nostalgia for from back in our last stint in the Premier League. I distinctly remember we were on one time and the day after it was being reported a ghost was spotted on the pitch in the background of the studio while Neville and co were doing post-match analysis. Back to the topic of fixture changes though, the idea of complaining about games being on at the most convenient time for a match-going fan is a bit daft and at the end of the day, most people who want to watch a game at 3pm know how to get a hold of them nowadays…

Back to the points debate, I feel that there should not really be that much of a debate. Those that put the miles in quite simply deserve to get first refusal on tickets. In the last few years I have done a handful. Being based elsewhere for university, much of my focus was getting back for home games and any away games I could manage was a bonus. Last year I managed Preston in the cup then a lovely Tuesday night trip to Norwich City. That was of course a 0-0 draw with a rotated side. Games like that really put it into perspective, travelling that much distance and spending that much money to watch such an awful game. So, think of those that went to Plymouth to watch us lose two years in a row, went to Accrington three times in a year, watched us crash out of the FA Cup away at Gillingham, watched us get beat 6-0 at Bolton, 5-1 at Rotherham and every striker in League One somehow having a connection to Newcastle and doing the Shearer celebration. Try telling those people that the system is unfair.

We are all supporting the same team and obviously not everybody can do home and away, whether it be geographical location, work commitments or family commitments. Those that do though have seen all that above yet still do it. Now they have a chance to go to see the Lads at some of the best grounds in the country.

The system is absolutely fine. If it is a closed shop this season for away days so be it. Those that followed us home and away during the dark times deserve to reap the rewards. I would love to get to some away games this year but if I don’t, I don’t. Instead of arguing amongst ourselves over it lets just back the Lads and hopefully, whether it be at the SoL or the Etihad, we are going to witness a great season.