SUNDERLAND get their pre-season campaign underway today with friendlies against South Shields and Gateshead.
The squad will be split over the two games, with the first friendly at the 1st Cloud Arena kicking off at 12.30pm and the second at the Gateshead International Stadium getting underway at 5pm.
It's the first opportunity for Regis Le Bris to see his players in match action since his Sunderland appointment was confirmed, with a mixture of first teamers and Under-21s expected to be involved.
The South Shields game is a sell-out but there are tickets still available for Gateshead.
But fans are also able to watch the friendlies from home, with Sunderland streaming both games.
Supporters can purchase an individual match pass for £7 or watch both games for £10.
Streaming passes are available HERE.
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Shields, managed by former Sunderland coach Elliot Dickman, will be targeting the play-offs and promotion this season after finishing eighth in National League North last term. Hemir, Jack Clarke and Chris Rigg were on the scoresheet when the sides met last season, with Sunderland winning 4-3.
Gateshead had a stellar campaign last year but their league season finished in disappointment when they were forced to drop out of the play-offs due to league regulations.
They did, however, bounce back to win the FA Trophy, beating Solihull Moors in the final.
Gateshead are managed by Rob Elliot, who replaced Mike Williamson after he left for MK Dons.
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