http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle5680175.ece

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...price-plea.html

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A widely applauded gesture by Niall Quinn at a time when football attendances are falling at almost every Premier League ground. Hopefully some other club chairman will see sense and do something similar to ensure that youngsters maintain an interest in their local club. There is enough money from TV, sponsorship and merchandising in the game to cover the needs of the so called 'stars' of football. It is time for some of them to look at their outrageously high salaries and have a little consideration for those who sit on less than comfortable plastic seats come wind, rain or shine in good times and bad times. Anyone who believes a footballer cannot survive on £50,000 per week instead of £100,000 per week is deluded and has been brainwashed by SKY TV.

I have always thought that playing in front of a bigger crowd is more important than squeezing as much money out of the poor supporter until he gives up and never returns. This will be a big boost to many on Wearside and other areas of the north-east where Sunderland draw their fanbase from at a time when the area is an unemployment black spot.

Wow !! An excellent gesture, round of applause..

Still think it's a bit steep to be wathing the likes of Ben Haim, Davenport, Andy Reid, Carlos Edwards & Dean Whitehead....

I still think that getting paid just 19 pounds to watch Sunderland is a bit on the low side.

But I guess with the economy the way it is, its better than nothing.

I still think that getting paid just 19 pounds to watch Sunderland is a bit on the low side.

But I guess with the economy the way it is, its better than nothing.

It's about minimum wage.

I still think that getting paid just 19 pounds to watch Sunderland is a bit on the low side.

Seriously though, a good gesture from Sunderland.

think your club are guilty,like many,for paying stupid money for players.Mind you that was keane losing his marbles.Stoke city have a packed house every home game but as we are new to this division thats the reason why.

If the prima donas of the premiership continue to act the way they do,by diving,cheating,gambling,assualt charges,drink driving,then there is no hope for crowds to increaseThe refs have got to be some of the worst in the world too,and I am waiting in anticipation for the Sunderland/Stoke City game ,he will do somethins crazy,of that i am sure,just hope he does it to Sunderland,as he already got us knocked out of the league cup by a ridiculous penalty in the 9 th minute.He wanted to get home early to lookin the mirror at himself.

think your club are guilty,like many,for paying stupid money for players.Mind you that was keane losing his marbles.Stoke city have a packed house every home game but as we are new to this division thats the reason why.

If the prima donas of the premiership continue to act the way they do,by diving,cheating,gambling,assualt charges,drink driving,then there is no hope for crowds to increaseThe refs have got to be some of the worst in the world too,and I am waiting in anticipation for the Sunderland/Stoke City game ,he will do somethins crazy,of that i am sure,just hope he does it to Sunderland,as he already got us knocked out of the league cup by a ridiculous penalty in the 9 th minute.He wanted to get home early to lookin the mirror at himself.

I agree with the first point. Some very average Sunderland players are earning a fortune - some aren't even warming the bench.

I agree with your second point too. Rob Styles and his assistant made a terrible decision not to spot Pugh's blatant handball on the line from Malbranque's header. Should have been a clear penalty and a sending-off. Fortunately, Etherington helped our cause in the second half by getting himself sent off for a really stupid kick at Danny Collins. Players should be heavily fined when they let their team down like that.

Stoke will stay up if they grind out enough points at home. Away from home they look even more woeful than us.