15 reasons why Sunderland need to be in the Premier League
And there are a number of reasons that its vital for the city to have a Premier League club.
1. TV revenue bonanza
All Premier League teams will be handed a pot of about £100million from next season thanks to the new television deal struck by the organisation. It will be an increase of more than £30million on the previous arrangement.
2. Being on Match of the Day
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Hide AdLet's face it, nobody wants to watch their team's match highlights on Channel 5's Saturday night offering, if they can avoid it.
3. They could do a Leicester City and win next season's title.
Wishful thinking? The Foxes were 5,000/1 to win their first ever top-flight championship at the beginning of last season. But Claudio Ranieri's team have cantered to the title with games to spare. We're sure plenty of SAFC fans will be sticking a cheeky fiver on their club causing a shock in 2016/17.
4. Sunderland's amazing fans
Attendances at the Stadium of Light have averaged over 43,000 this campaign, that's despite the team being in the relegation zone for more days than already condemned Aston Villa. Their loyal backing has never wavered, with many away games sold out too.
5. The new Hilton Garden Inn needs to be filled
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Hide AdThe recently-opened 141-bed site, which is just yards from the stadium, will now definitely be welcoming more fans through its doors than if Sunderland had been in a lower division.
6. More chance of winning some silverware again
It's now 43 years since Sunderland AFC last won a major trophy to add to its haul of six league titles and two FA Cups. But they've come close in recent years, reaching the 2014 Capital One Cup final. Who's to say Sam Allardyce and his players can't finally end the long wait for real success?
7. SAFC are the perennial escape artists
Four years in a row now the Black Cats have looked destined to go through the trap door, but every time they've managed to drag themselves out of trouble. It seems to be in the club's DNA even though it puts supporters through turmoil.
8. The city economy
New developments are taking shape across Wearside, with the Vaux site finally being sorted and Sunderland city centre becoming a more attractive area to visit. Bars, pubs, hotels and restaurants are more likely to be full now that it's for certain that the team will be playing in England's top division.
9. It should keep Big Sam in charge
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Hide AdSunderland were marooned in the bottom three when Sam Allardyce took over, without a win in their first eight games. His nous has secured survival with a game to spare. He keeps his record of never having been in charge of a team relegated from the top flight and will hopefully move the club away from an annual relegation battle.
10. It could help Sunderland's City of Culture bid
Sunderland is vying to land the prestigious title for 2021. Increased exposure won't hurt one bit.
11. They've stayed up and relegated Newcastle United (and Norwich City) in the process
This one doesn't really need explaining
12. The wellbeing of police horses in the North East
No Wear-Tyne or Tyne-Wear derby games for Sunderland to continue their dominance in for one season at least, but at least Bud the horse and his stable mates will be safe for the meantime.
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Hide Ad13. The chance to renew rivalries with neighbours Middlesbrough
The Teessiders have finally made it back into the top-flight after a seven-year absence. Both games next season will be hotly anticipated.
14. Jermain Defoe could get a chance with the England team again
He's scored 18 goals in all competitions this season and is the third highest English goalscorer in the Premier League. There won't be a Sunderland fan around who doesn't agree that the club's current Player of the Year deserves to be in Roy Hodgson's squad for this summer's European Championships.
15. It's where the club should be
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Hide AdNo team has any God-given right to be in the top division of any sport, but with a 48,000 capacity stadium, hugely passionate fans and an illustrious history, it can't be denied that Sunderland are one of the most historic football clubs in England.