NEWS of every kick during Sunderland AFC matches can be heard via the local radio airwaves over the next two seasons.

Sunderland announced yesterday it has renewed coverage rights with both the most-listened to North-East independent station, Metro Radio, and its BBC rival, Radio Newcastle.

The contracts mean both stations have permission to broadcast full match commentaries on every Sunderland match for the next two years.

Metro previously had sole rights to broadcast entire 90-minute commentaries, while Radio Newcastle was only able to cover the second half of Sunderland matches.

Included in both deals is a commitment to feature club news, business and community stories.

Dedicated teams from both stations will meet club officials to ensure news of off-the-pitch events hit the airwaves.

Metro will also contribute to Sunderland's pre-game entertainment on match-days at the Stadium of Light.

Vice-chairman John Fickling said the club is delighted to have reached agreement with both stations, allowing fans across the North-East, over-and-above the 48,000 in the Stadium of Light, to keep tabs with how the club fares in league and cup.

He said: "Our supporters are our number one priority and this deal means hundreds of thousands of dedicated Sunderland supporters will be able to monitor the club's progress.

"The club does a huge amount of work in the community, behind the scenes with educational and health organisations for example.

"These agreements will ensure people across the North-East also hear about our off-the-pitch events."

Metro's coverage will be led by commentator Simon Crabtree and Sunderland goalscoring legend Gary Rowell, while another former player, Nick Pickering, will summarise alongside the commentary of Radio Newcastle play-caller Martin Emmerson