This Day (31st Aug 1996): SAFC A Hit On The Net, Big Sam, Fan Ban & Ord For England

On August 31, 1996, Sunderland’s momentum in the Premier League was a major focus ahead of the first top-flight Wear-Tyne derby in years, with only four days left. The match build-up was also colored by a ban on away supporters. Newcastle United had to work within a ticket allocation of 1,010 tickets for the Roker End after discussions involving Sunderland and Rick Parry of the Premier League, but Newcastle failed to meet a Tuesday 10am deadline, leading to sales to Sunderland season ticket holders. The piece also notes Sunderland were voted best on the net by Internet magazine and that the club’s website had exceeded 10,000 visits worldwide since launching.