SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet is backing a bid to turn the city red and white for next weekend’s Wembley final.

Sunderland will contest the Capital One Cup with high-flying Manchester City on Sunday, March 2 and thousands of fans will head south for the day.

The club’s charity arm, the Foundation of Light, wants residents, schools and businesses to deck their homes and premises in the club’s colours.

Head coach Poyet said: “Sunderland is an incredible place and everybody here loves football.

“No matter how old or young, everybody breathes football. We want to make everybody proud and enjoy this occasion.

"I know everybody will show their support in the build up to the final and on the day.”

Those taking part in the red and white campaign can share photos of their decorations or red and white clothes by emailing them to info@foundationoflight.co.uk or tweeting @SAFCOfficial using the hashtag #DaretoDream, with the chance to win free tickets to a game at the Stadium of Light.

The Foundation of Light will ask participants to donate £1 each to the charity at www.justgiving.com/safc