REGARDLESS of what happens in the Championship’s relegation run-in this season, Sunderland have moved to recognise frustrated fans’ loyalty by offering reductions on season card renewals across the board.

The Black Cats’ die-hard supporters who are still turning up in the hope of seeing Chris Coleman’s team dramatically turn things around in the fight for survival have until Tuesday, April 24 to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

That means regardless of the division, with Sunderland on the brink of dropping into League One if they don’t come up with the required results in the final nine matches, fans will pay the same price if they take advantage now.

A club statement read: “Season card prices will be guaranteed for three seasons, with supporters paying no more than this season’s cost should they renew. That promise does not require a three-year commitment from supporters, who can continue to renew annually.

“Some supporters will see ticket prices reduced by as much as 40 per cent, while the club has implemented a range of measures to ensure affordable football for families and young supporters.”

Sunderland’s attendances have been on the decline over the last 18 months because of the dire state of the football being played on the pitch.

Coleman has only overseen two home victories since taking over in November and those are the only fixtures Sunderland have won at the Stadium of Light since December 2016.

More than half of the stadium has been empty in recent months and the club has taken the decision to close the Premier Concourse at the end of the season due to the large number of empty seats. Season card holders in that area of the stadium cannot renew in this season’s seat.

Sunderland chiefs appreciate the mess that the football has been in and the poor standard of football served up, so were keen to make it affordable for supporters to renew.

They have confirmed that anyone buying an adult, under-22 or over-65 ticket will be able to get an under eight season card for free, with additional under-eight tickets priced at £25 (applicable in the Family Zone only).

Sunderland state that a grandparent over-65 could take two grandchildren aged under eight for £245 a season, less than £11 a game.

The same conditions apply for families purchasing adult and child tickets, though those buying adult tickets will be able to get an under-eight ticket for free and additional under-eight or under-16 tickets for £25 each (family zone). A parent could take two children aged seven and ten for £335 a season, working out at under £14.60 a game.

Sunderland state that adult season cards have been reduced by up to 16 per cent, with prices beginning at £310, less than £13.50 a game.

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain, who has kept season card prices the same for those who do not meet the renewal deadline, said: “Sunderland sits at the centre of a community of fans and what we are aiming to do with our season card pricing is to recognise the core of that community. It is not lost on those at the club that this core has been ever present in the tough times.

“By reducing season ticket prices this year and guaranteeing that price for the following two seasons, for those who renew, we are acknowledging that loyalty now and rewarding it going forward.

“We also know that we need to grow that core. By providing under 8s with a season card at no cost and reducing the cost for young adults coming along to support the club is more affordable and accessible for families and friends than ever.”

Sunderland fans affected by the Premier Concourse closure and want to discuss the situation can email PC2018@safc.com quoting your name/season card number or call the dedicated Premier Concourse number on (0191) 5515101.

Sunderland have nine matches remaining to save their Championship status, with a five-point gap to make up to safety starting with Saturday’s visit off play-off chasing Preston.

Coleman, who will be speaking to the media on Friday morning, is desperate for his players to show some fighting spirit on home soil to give the fans something to shout about.

After the visit of North End, Sunderland will only have four more home games left against Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich, Burton and Wolves.

Coleman, who has lost Jonny Williams through injury this week, is contemplating ways to change his team again after last Saturday’s defeat at QPR – stretching the winless run to nine matches.

Two of his most experienced players, John O’Shea and Aiden McGeady, have lost their places in the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly with Turkey.

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has named a 30-man provisional squad for the three-day training camp and game in Antalya. O’Shea, 36, has 116 caps to his name, has played more than he would have expected this season and Sunderland will be happy he will get a rest during the international break.