SUNDERLAND will close the Premier Concourse at the Stadium of Light next season, forcing around 1,500 season-ticket holders to relocate from the upper tier to the stadium’s main bowl.

Club officials have begun to contact supporters who currently hold season tickets in the upper tier of the West Stand to inform them of their decision.

The move is an attempt to save money, and the closure of part of the ground will reduce the bill for stewarding and staffing. It is also hoped that seating supporters closer together will improve the atmosphere for Sunderland’s home games.

The Stadium of Light has a 49,000 capacity, but the attendance for Tuesday’s home defeat to Aston Villa was fewer than 27,000. With the club counting season-ticket holders as part of the attendance whether they are inside the stadium or not, though, there is every chance that the actual crowd figure was significantly lower.

Attendances have been declining all season, with Sunderland currently rooted to the foot of the Championship table and staring down the barrel of relegation to League One.

The closure of the Premier Concourse will take place whatever division Sunderland are playing in next season, with the club expected to formally confirm the move shortly.

Season ticket holders that will be forced to relocate to a different part of the stadium have been promised that they can choose a new seat in the main bowl for no more than they would have been paying in the Premier Concourse. In many cases, the cost of their season ticket is likely to decrease as they will move into a lower price band.

Anyone who is forced to move their seat will have their season-ticket prices frozen at their new renewal price for the next three seasons, and Sunderland will hold an open day to enable affected supporters to discuss where they want to sit.