Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald has revealed that the bumper Boxing Day crowd they saw against Bradford City will put £300,000 into the transfer kitty for the upcoming window.

46,039 fans watched the encounter, setting the record for the biggest ever crowd at that level. It smashed the previous record 38,256 set by Leeds United and Gillingham in 2008.

2,500 made the trip from West Yorkshire, but in the main it was the return of many Sunderland fans who have stayed away during their collapse. The good times may well be around the corner once more and the chairman revealed the extent of the benefit for his side.

In a social media post, he said the club had made £300,000, all of which would go to Jack Ross for the transfer window. He confirmed they had targets 'in mind', but didn't go as far as to name them.

Sunderland are five points shy of leaders Portsmouth, but have two games in hand. Winning both would see them leapfrog Luton Town in second place, as well as Kenny Jackett's side at the top.

The Verdict

It was a big boost for the Black Cats to get such a huge crowd, mainly because it signalled a belief returning to the club. They've been dire in recent seasons and fans have stayed away as a result, but against a resurgent Bradford they bagged three points.

Coupled with Pompey's surprise defeat against Gillingham, it's left Jack Ross's side back as they were prior to losing 3-1 at Fratton Park, their first defeat in the league since September 15th.

Thoughts? Let us know!