Sunderland fans ready for 'raucous' Europe return

Sunderland fans are gearing up for a "raucous" return to European football after a 53-year wait.

The Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar kicks off at the Stadium of Light at 20:00 BST, with both local and Dutch fans descending on the city for the opening match.

Fan Colin Lynch, 54, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, said: "It's been a journey, I never thought it was going to happen but it is. I'm smiling from ear to ear."

Meanwhile, Simon Haley, 39, from Durham, said: "It's going to break decibel records when they walk out… I reckon they'll hear it in Shields."

Sunderland became just the fifth team to qualify for Europe via their Premier League position a year after achieving promotion.

Club historian Rob Mason said the Black Cats, who finished seventh in the Premier League, had suffered a number of "near-misses" making it to Europe over the last five decades.

"This year's not a near miss, this year it's really come to fruition," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Mason said: "Everybody's been eagerly looking forward to it.

"It's always a special atmosphere with Sunderland, but tonight it'll go to a new level because it's something that most people have never experienced before."

Kyle Wilkinson, 39, from Durham said: "It's going to be raucous tonight.

"It's showing the best of Sunderland in a way. Look at the way the city is looking now and we get a European night to show it off."

The city has undergone major redevelopment over recent years, including new footbridge Keel Crossing which connects the stadium to the centre.

Michael Wake, 29, and Chloe Cameron, 28, who are both from Coxhoe, said it was a "really emotional moment".

Wake said: "We live in Manchester now, we wouldn't have missed this for the world.

"It still doesn't feel real to be honest."

Supporters' group This is Wearside, which creates flag displays for games, said they had something "truly, truly special" planned for the occasion.

Volunteer Louise McMahon said they had been preparing the display since May's Chelsea game "when we knew that our dream was actually going to become a reality".

BBC Radio Newcastle will be broadcasting live from the Stadium of Light from 18:00 BST with full commentary from 20:00.

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