Sunderland fans more dedicated than Leeds United amid remarkable new reveal
Sunderland and Leeds United have developed a fierce rivalry in recent Championship seasons.
On the pitch, it was the Whites who got the better of their Mackem counterparts with a 2-1 win at Elland Road in February and a 2-2 draw in December.
However, off the pitch, the Mackems have gotten one up on Leeds fans, who are renowned as one of the best groups of supporters in England.
Sunderland the most dedicated in the Championship
Sunderland and Leeds were ultimately both promoted from the second tier last season, and there’s no doubt the fans played a huge role in that.
Last season, the Black Cats averaged 39,000 supporters at the Stadium of Light and sold out 21 of their 23 away games.
People will mention Leeds, who have similar numbers, but as revealed by the Sunday Sun’s print edition (15 June), Sunderland’s away fans are officially the most dedicated in the Football League.
Using data published by EFL media outlet The 72, EFL Trophy sponsors Bristol Street Motors analysed the total travelling fans for each EFL club last season.
Pairing the data with how far fans travelled, the data revealed which supporters covered the most miles.
The Black Cats totted up the highest mileage with 294 million miles covered as a fan base across their away games.
After the Mackems sold out their longest away trip to Plymouth Argyle last season, David Bruce, chief business officer at the Stadium of Light, rewarded fans with a chartered coach for their journey.
Plymouth fans were a close second in the list, racking up 258m miles, while Leeds came third with 202m miles covered.
Sunderland fans currently wait in the wings, as the hierarchy tackle the transfer window, having already lost Jobe Bellingham and incomings expected in the coming weeks.
Sunderland fans could have huge say on next season
The Mackems return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years after their play-off final victory over Sheffield United last month.
With that comes huge pressure to succeed and not get stuck in a yo-yo between the two top tiers.
Sunderland must battle in a crowded transfer window and must show some fight on the pitch, and the Mackems faithful could help with that.
Players want to move to a big club, and the Black Cats are starting to become just that.
With their huge support, fans can again have a significant influence on the pitch and make the Stadium of Light a fortress where no team wants to go.