SUNDERLAND fans are turning out in force to back the Roy Keane revolution with the club on course to pass the 30,000 season-ticket-sale mark for their return to the Premiership.

At this stage, with the June 5 deadline approaching for supporters to take advantage of an interest-free four-month scheme, the Black Cats have already sold around 26,000 tickets.

That figure is well in excess of the 18,000 purchased ahead of the start of last season in the Championship and 5,000 more than the number of tickets sold by the end of that title-winning campaign.

With Keane promised millions to spend in the transfer market this summer, the feel-good factor ahead of the club's return to the top-flight is expected to reach new heights over the next couple of months.

As yet the Irishman has failed to add to his squad but he is hoping to sign at least eight new players before August 11.

Preston's £10m-rated striker David Nugent remains high on his list of targets and, with players like Diego Forlan and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also thought to be in his sights, Sunderland would hope to sell thousands more tickets before the start of the new season.

Chairman Niall Quinn has often spoken of his desire to see the Stadium of Light full on a regular basis and the indications are that the 49,000-seater stadium is on its way to fulfilling the Irishman's wish.

The more tickets the better will be the manager's transfer budget in the long term and Quinn has continued to urge disaffected Wearside fans to return.

"I asked the people of Sunderland to respond and believe in us, and all credit to them for doing just that," said Quinn. "Our early sales have been incredible and for this club to be great again we need to follow on from that.

"I would encourage any supporters still thinking about buying a seat for next season to do so - your support will really make the difference."

Fans have already warmed to the Keane-Quinn era at Sunderland and the club are extremely satisfied with the way sales have been going so far.

Dependent on the type of personnel recruited by Keane during the close-season the sales are sure to take a further surge, although it remains unlikely the 36,000 tickets sold ahead of the 2001-02 campaign will be matched.

The mere fact that Sunderland are nearing the 30,000-mark again is a positive indication of the direction the supporters feel Keane and Quinn are taking them.

As well as the displays that secured the Championship title, Quinn has also played a major part in winning back the hearts and minds of supporters.

The former Republic of Ireland striker embarked on a roadshow of the region in an attempt to convince fans that times have changed for the better earlier in the year, an idea given to Quinn by Delia Smith following her infamous outburst at Norwich City got some disheartened Canaries supporters singing again.

"When we played Norwich earlier in the season, I spoke to their chairman and told him I was thinking about going out on the road. He said 'Do it, that's what we did last year'," said Quinn.

"Britain's top lady chef (Delia Smith) demanded that the fans came back, and they got more season-ticket holders. They rolled up their sleeves, got some former players up there along with some current players and it did the job. I knew it would appeal to Sunderland even more."

Celtic's Thomas Gravesen was another midfielder linked with a summer switch to Sunderland yesterday, with Keane's list of targets spread across Britain.

Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie, another touted as a possible Sunderland target, has admitted he wants to stay in the Premiership, though Derby County are interested in signing him.

He said: "I would love to stay in the Premiership although I am not saying I wouldn't drop down to the Championship if need be."