Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed his club have already sold more than 25,000 season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign, around 2,000 more than at the same stage last year.

He said: "The response from our supporters has been tremendous.

"Season tickets are sold in three phases: the early renewals, which is when the majority of supporters commit, sales over the summer period and part-season tickets available at Christmas.

"This time last season, we had sold in the region of 23,500 season tickets. We have already sold in excess of 2,000 more season tickets than this for next season, which is simply fantastic.

"I would like to thank all of those fans who have shown their commitment and faith in the club."