SUNDERLAND players, past and present, have welcomed plans for improved connections between the Stadium of Light and the city centre.

Proposals for at least one footbridge over the River Wear feature in a masterplan released by Sunderland City Council this week.

Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery and current Black Cats captain Max Power backed a vision from the council to create new links between the north and south sides of Sunderland, as part of its Riverside Sunderland Masterplan.

Power said: “Riverside Sunderland will connect the Stadium of Light to the city centre, meaning our supporters can make the most of the city centre before and after games.

"It will be fantastic to see the riverside come back to life, as a place to live, work and play.”

The footbridges – for use by pedestrians and cyclists - are included in a transformational plan for Riverside Sunderland, that will see the former Vaux Brewery site and other surrounding areas revitalised, with millions of pounds of investment.

The Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, drawn up by Sunderland City Council includes pedestrian bridges across the river, to support the growing number of people who will move through the area, as it becomes a thriving mixed-use community. The first is expected to be in place by 2023, with a second proposed to follow later in the 10-year programme of projects announced in the Masterplan.

Jimmy Montgomery, who was born and raised in Sunderland, said: “When you look out from the Stadium of Light, you see the amazing riverside – it’s an unbelievable place.

“To see it developed into somewhere people can enjoy will be fantastic and a real boost for Sunderland. Helping people to easily move between the north side of the city – where the Stadium of Light stands – and the south side; the city centre, will be great for the club and supporters.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The sight of thousands of fans spilling out of the Stadium of Light and over the Wearmouth Bridge is a familiar one, but it’s an indirect route and one that often means supporters end their evening, without delivering added economic impact by heading into the city centre.

“A direct footbridge into the vicinity of the Stadium of Light will be a fantastic addition to the city, when we see spectators return to watch Sunderland play. But it’s about so much more than just that. This is a place that will regenerate swathes of the city centre, creating an exciting new destination for Sunderland.

“We have an exceptional riverside, and developing it will enhance that, maximising the potential of parts of Sunderland that have been unused for decades. We’re thrilled to get regeneration on this scale underway.”