First division playoffs - for the uninitiated!

Sunderland AFC has received a number of calls from supporters asking how the play-offs work and when they are due to take place, should the Black Cats be involved.

While the information below is still short of being complete due to circumstances out of the club's control, this is the proposed information:

- The four teams finishing in positions three to six in Division One will compete in the two-legged semi-finals, with the winners meeting in the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, on Saturday, May 29 (kick-off TBC) to decide who is promoted to the Premiership.

- In the semi-finals, 3rd plays 6th and 4th plays 5th, with the teams finishing 5th and 6th playing at home first.

- The dates depend on where the teams finish when the season proper ends, on Sunday, May 9.

There are some proposed changes to both the first- and second-leg dates and we are awaiting final confirmation from the Football League.

Proposed dates are as follows: First-legs to be played either on Friday, May 14 (7.45pm or 8.00pm) or Saturday, May 15 (12.15pm). Second-legs to be played either on Monday, May 17 (7.45pm or 8.00pm) or Tuesday, May 18 (7.45pm or 8.00pm).