Sunderland's non-executive director Leo Pearlman says multi-million investment into the Stadium of Light is a clear statement of intent from the current ownership group.

It comes after the Black Cats revealed plans to improve the matchday experience heading in to the 2024/25 campaign. Improvements at the ground include; safe standing sections for both home and away supporters, including 2,000 in the Roker End, a new PA system and floodlighting, becoming the first 5G enabled football stadium in the UK and a new playing surface.

It's the biggest investment into stadium since it opened it's doors for football back in 1997. Pearlman acknowledged the mistakes the current ownership group had made, but said these mistakes were not down to a lack of ambition.

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Pearlman said: "When I was asked last October to join the SAFC board as a non-exec director of the club I’ve loved and supported all my life, it’s hard to express just how much joy, excitement and responsibility I felt.

"I view my position as a privilege and an honour, I was grateful for being asked by the Chairman and see my role as representing the people of our great City and our global fanbase. After all, I’m first and foremost a fan myself, when we lose it hurts deeply and I want nothing more than to see success both on and off the pitch.

"With the announcement this week by the club of the significant investment into the stadium and fan experience, the largest investment of its kind since the Stadium of Light opened its doors 27yrs ago, the current ownership have made a clear statement of intent.

"The club are striving to improve in every respect, to offer better service to our most important asset, our unbelievable fans. We know and we value just what our fans mean to this Club and without you we’re nothing!

"There is still much work to do, both on and off the pitch, if mistakes are made it’s not for lack of ambition or good intent, but no one involved with our great Club will rest until we’ve achieved all that the fans deserve.

"Let’s all of us get behind the team for these last 8 games and show once again that we’re the best fans in the world, here’s to 3pts against Cardiff and an end to the season that we can all be proud of."

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Earlier this week, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: "We're delighted to announce that we are continuing a significant period of investment to develop the Stadium of Light, with the next phase set to complete before the start of the new season.

"These upgrades signify a dramatic shift in our approach to matchday experience and each development will bring lasting benefits to our loyal supporters.

"The improvements we are making will enhance matchday now and in the future, and we can’t wait to experience them side by side with our fans when we return to the Stadium of Light for the new season.”