Leo Pearlman, non-executive director of Sunderland, sent a long letter to supporters following owner Kyril Louis Dreyfus’ announcement of further funding for the Stadium of Light.
Earlier this week, Sunderland announced that they will be starting a big investment program for the Stadium of Light this summer. Louis-Dreyfus claimed that the program will help the club’s supporters in the long run.
The 3,000 extra safe-standing spots will be one of the measures that are anticipated to be put into place in time for the upcoming campaign. One thousand of those will be in the North Stand Upper and the remaining 2,000 will be accessible for home fans on the Roker End.
Along with rebuilding the playing field and installing a new undersoil heating system, Sunderland is also investing in new floodlights and a PA system. The team also said that he will be interacting with the Supporter Collective to find any more maintenance concerns that need to be resolved in advance of the upcoming campaign.
In response to the announcement, Sunderland non-executive director and Fullwell73 manager Pearlman asked supporters to support the team in the eight games left in the 2023–24 campaign on LinkedIn.
“It’s difficult to convey exactly how much delight, excitement, and responsibility I felt when I was asked last October to join the SAFC board as a non-exec director of the club I’ve loved and supported my entire life,” Pearlman posted on LinkedIn.
“I am thankful that the chairman requested me to serve in this capacity, and I see my job as an honor and a pleasure that allows me to represent both our large international fan base and the citizens of our wonderful city. Since I’m primarily a fan, I want nothing more than to see success on and off the field. When we lose, it hurts tremendously.
“The present ownership has made a clear statement of intent with the announcement this week by the club of the massive investment into the stadium and fan experience, the largest expenditure of its sort since the Stadium of Light opened its doors 27 years ago.
“The club is working to become better in every way, providing our most valuable asset—our incredible supporters—with greater service. We understand and appreciate the importance of our supporters to our team; without them, we would not exist.
“We still have a lot of work ahead of us, both on and off the field. Any mistakes made will not be the result of a lack of drive or compassion, but nobody associated with this outstanding club will stop until we have given the supporters everything they have rightfully earned.
“Let’s rally behind the squad for the next eight games and demonstrate once more that we are the world’s greatest supporters. Here’s to three points against Cardiff and a season finale that we can all be proud of.”
On Good Friday in Wales, Sunderland plays Cardiff City in the Championship. The Wearsiders are looking for their first win after seven games without a win, which includes six straight losses.