Niall Quinn

By The Black Cats
April 9 2009

Niall Quinn, chairman of Sunderland, has expressed his dismay at the late changes to two of his sides remaining fixtures - both of which have been selected for live TV. The Black Cats were due to play Everton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday May 2 (3pm). This fixture has now been provisionally rescheduled to start at the earlier time of 12.45pm.

However, the game is subject to further change and could move to Sunday May 3 (4pm). This will not be confirmed by the Premier League until later next week.

Sunderland's trip to Portsmouth, which was originally scheduled for Saturday May 16 at 3pm, has also been moved and will now take place on Monday May 18 at 8pm.

This change in particular has upset Quinn, who said "Fixture amends at such short notice show very little regard for supporters, many of whom will have already made their travel arrangements. The Portsmouth change is particularly hard to take.

"Sunderland fans travel to away games in their thousands and due to our geographical location they cover hundreds of miles to attend most games - Portsmouth is a round trip of over 700 miles!

"This is our last away game of the season and hundreds of fans have already booked hotels, trains, buses and this will have a huge impact on them financially."

SAFC has made representations to the Premier League previously regarding the late confirmation of TV selections and vehemently opposed the changes on this occasion.

But ultimately the decision to move games is made by the TV companies and the Premier League and the club is not permitted to decline these changes.

Quinn added: "There has to be a common sense approach to this. Naturally, clubs need the massive investment from TV companies and this is very much appreciated, but we can't lose sight of the people that matter the most - the fans.

"Better consideration needs to be given to supporters when games are changed, especially at this stage of the season when clubs want as many fans as possible behind them."