SUNDERLAND will make footballing history on Boxing Day after yesterday’s ticket sales guaranteed the club will break the record for biggest attendance ever recorded in League One.

The previous best was set by Leeds United in 2008 when 38,256 fans attended a league game at Elland Road, but Sunderland’s sales for their Boxing Day game with Bradford City have now surpassed that figure.

The record-breaking 38,257th ticket was sold at the Stadium of Light ticket office yesterday to Sunderland fan Andrew Lee.

Lee will be welcomed onto the pitch at the half-time interval of next Wednesday’s game, and join Sunderland’s directors in Quinn’s Bar after the game.

“When Sunderland are playing, you want to be there,” said Lee. “That’s what being a supporter is all about. I can’t wait for the game.”

The size of Sunderland’s crowds has been a key feature of the League One season so far, with the club on track to record an average home attendance of more than 30,000 over the course of the campaign.

That would set another new record – Manchester City currently hold the third-tier record for the highest average League One attendance of 28,261 from their 1998-99 promotion season – and the attendance at next month’s Checkatrade Trophy game with Newcastle United Under-21s is also set to be a new best for that competition.

“It (setting a new League One record) is a phenomenal achievement by our supporters,” said Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven. “And what a statement to the football world that Sunderland is on its way back.

“From the moment Stewart Donald and I came to the North-East back in May, our mission was to repair the club’s fractured relationship with its supporters. They are integral to everything we do, and to any success we hope to achieve, so to see them returning in such huge numbers is both humbling and heart-warming.

“Boxing Day is going to be a very special day for all of us at the club. After years of hurt, Sunderland fans deserve to see their legendarily loyal and passionate support rewarded with a day to remember. We will also be re-christening the home end as the ‘Roker End’ just before the match starts.”