Sunderland

The Black Cats are bidding to return to the Championship with victory over the Chairboys in the League One play-off final at Wembley.

Alex Neil admits selecting his substitutes will be as tough a decision as picking his starting XI as he prepares to lead Sunderland out at Wembley in the League One play-off final this weekend. "That seemed to be the difference to get us over the line though, so we've definitely been working on it here, in this week in particular. But Neil says it can also throw up a dilemma if a player who narrowly misses out on the starting line-up then finds themselves left off the teamsheet altogether because they do not fit his criteria for subs. If the game goes into extra-time, and the scores are level at the end of the addition 30 minutes, promotion will go down to a penalty shoot-out. Sunderland have been practising penalties ahead of this weekend's League One play-off final in a bid to avoid a repeat of their 1998 Wembley heartbreak. "We've been doing penalties after training every day for over a week now - just in case," he said.

PATRICK ROBERTS freely admits that, for much of the autumn, he wondered where his season would end. At no stage of his thinking, however, did he…

We’re defensively strong, and we know we can be clinical in the right areas, at the right time. We can only do our best to implement that for them on the pitch by giving our all. “It will be a first taste for me, but I’ve played in big games before so hopefully that’s one thing I can bring to this team, that experience of playing in tough places and tough competitions. “I’ve obviously won a few trophies, and been in some top teams and been around some good players, but I think a journey like this, for a club like this, is definitely right up there in terms of a career high. There’s more things to write, and I’m just glad to have had the opportunity to be part of it.” The aim was to be in with a shot of getting promotion. They showed their support, and you just know they’re going to be there again at Wembley. True, the club were on something of a shaky run, and would go on to lose their head coach, Lee Johnson, just a couple of weeks after Roberts’ move was confirmed. “Normally, at this stage of the season, I’ve been scrapping down the other end of the table. He told his employers at the Etihad he wanted to break off his temporary deal in France and return to England, even if that meant having to walk away from City after six-and-a-half years on the club’s books. Roberts had a number of different approaches, from clubs in the Championship and League One, but as he pondered his options, something about Sunderland appealed. Instead, it turned out to be a complete waste of time.

What a weekend we have in store with the first of the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals on the horizon!

Similarly, this weekend marks the Chairboys' fourth appearance in a Play-Off Final, having made the Semi-Finals on two further occasions but failing to make it to the showpiece. Sunderland have contested three EFL Play-Off finals to date and have yet to taste victory. We have to concentrate and strike that good balance of being defensively solid and carry a threat going the other way." League One Play-Off Final "I was publicly linked with that job a few years ago and it really is a tough, tough job when you find out just how big that club can be. They're difficult to beat.

The former Republic of Ireland international was part of the side who were beaten by the Addicks in the First Division play-off final.

“I'll never forget the comradery and the spirit of the dressing room. He told the PA news agency: “Our one (play-off final) in ‘98 still reverberates the pain and the let down of having been so close. “But the group stayed strong and it was the most brilliant dressing room, the most magical dressing room, to be in for those three years after that day.

EXCLUSIVE: The former Black Cats' player, manager and chairman starred in a documentary on the club long before Netflix cameras pitched up at the Stadium of ...

"Sunderland fans, people who have worked at the club - they've had it tough," he added. We've been here before of course, and I hope I'm right, but this feels different this time." The Black Cats are in the League One play-off final against Wycombe at Wembley. With around 45,000 Sunderland fans making the trip down, it promises to be a special occasion. After retiring, he was named chairman of the club in 2006 and even had a brief stint as manager before taking a back seat and returning to his upstairs role. "I never wanted to be involved in a situation with film crews like that again. "For those who were making mistakes during that period, it was very polarised and very public.

Much-loved former chairman and centre-forward will be at Saturday's League One play-off final full of praise for Alex Neil and a club reborn.

Listening to the manager, he's so calm and speaks so well, that gives you an insight into how he would be in the dressing room. "There was a nervousness in the air the last time against Charlton in 2019, I don't feel that this time. “I’ve been an owner and a chairman, you can take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief because you have finally got what you wanted. “I will be the first one to tell you how tough it is to run a football club. He has moved back to Dublin and has his own business, but he can still spot a good managerial fit. Sunderland have lost a play-off final to Charlton, conceding a goal in injury-time, and a semi-final to Lincoln City last year.

Niall Quinn is of the view that Alex Neil has managed to take Sunderland's game to a different level.

“They are playing for each other, they are playing with a passion, and a spirit that has come from nowhere in many respects, but of course it has also come from really good managerial input”, Quinn told Chronicle Live. “The late goals that they have scored are no fluke, it’s no coincidence that they come time and time again. Black Cats legend Quinn is of the view that Neil has succeeded in making his players believe in themselves as a team and through his managerial input has made them all play for each other and the club.

Former Sunderland striker and chairman Niall Quinn has admitted that promotion to the Championship this weekend could potentially prolong Ross Stewart's ...

Having scored a brace against Wycombe earlier this season, the 25-year-old could prove to be the difference in tomorrow’s clash at Wembley as the Black Cats aim to finally secure a return to the second-tier. Set to be backed by over 44,000 fans on Saturday, Sunderland will be desperate to get over the line in terms of promotion. The forward will be determined to add to the aforementioned goal tally when his side take on Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final tomorrow at Wembley Stadium.

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These bottles were valued at £153.83." This was in fact a red handled screwdriver. "He recognises the need to stay in control and on the straight and narrow. They went through the unlocked till entrance door. "The male at the front of the door shouted 'open the ******* till' and this male was the defendant Humphrey. "She is the store supervisor and was working with five other members of staff when at around 5pm she was at the till entrance door.

Sunderland head to Wembley looking to book their place in the Championship next season but who will start?

Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts have both done enough to warrant holding down their place in the starting XI. Ross Stewart is a no brainer up front. Nathan Broadhead is one change I'd make from the win at Hillsborough and that would be to replace Alex Pritchard. The Wearsiders have looked solid in either formation but I would expect them to stick with a back four. There may be some debate over whether Carl Winchester comes into right-back, but that would be unfair to drop Lynden Gooch who has been one of the standout performers in Sunderland's run in. Bailey Wright and Danny Batth have proved to be a solid pairing in central defence, with Lynden Gooch and Dennis Cirkin occupying the full-back roles, while Anthony Patterson has been impressive since taking over in goal. In the two weeks that followed Lee Johnson's sacking the Black Cats were in free-fall.

Staff members were left 'frightened and scared' after Sean Humphrey and Phillip Padgett robbed the shop armed with screwdrivers.

Recorder Giuliani said he accepted they had screwdrivers but said the female member of staff believed that she was being threatened with a knife. Mr Gatland said that his client committed the offence in order to obtain alcohol which he could not afford. He said: "That relationship ended and then he resorted to mainly drink but even a little bit of drugs, in relation to the depression that he was suffering. Mr Morley said: "The store say that they have lost an estimated £2,000 in takings as a result of the incident." He said: "They defendants were interviewed shortly after the incident. I'm normally happy and excited to come to work but this has left me feeling violated and worried about coming to work in the future."

Sunderland will be backed by more than 40000 supporters as they head to Wembley to face Wycombe in the League One play-off final.The contest, which i.

“Every Sunderland supporter, they love their football club. He told talkSPORT.com: “There’s a feeling of optimism more than anything else. For a club the size of the Black Cats, a fifth season in League One is incomprehensible, particularly given the financial restrictions that they’re abiding by in the third tier. “There’s assurance at the back, we’ve looked a lot more solid than we have done earlier in the season and some of the results we had away from home, but there’s certainly confidence. “They need to block everything out and play one game that is an absolutely huge game of football and play it to the best of your ability.” “The experience in the starting eleven is something that you can fall back on, but also the ability and the goals that we’ve got in the set-up.

Former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn admitted that the dressing room became the "most magical place" in the aftermath of the Black Cats' 1998 play-off ...

He said: "Our one (play-off final) in '98 still reverberates the pain and the let down of having been so close. "But the group stayed strong and it was the most brilliant dressing room, the most magical dressing room, to be in for those three years after that day. "We had a terrible start to that (1997-1998) season, we had a hangover after being in the Premier League the year before, we got relegated on the last day and we didn't start for about 10 to 12 games, but we got going brilliantly.

The Black Cats take on Wycombe Wanderers in their final game of the season, which if they win, sees them promoted back to the Championship. This is the fourth ...

SUNDERLAND fans have arrived in London for the League One play off final at Wembley tomorrow. Sunderland fans arrive in London for League One play-off final This is the fourth season Sunderland have spent in League One after they were relegated in 2018.

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Sunderland fans have taken over London as you can see with our brilliant pictures from Covent Garden.

Sunderland will be backed by 46,000 fans at Wembley and they are enjoying themselves in Covent Garden and Trafalagar Square tonight. Sunderland will be backed by 46,000 fans at Wembley and they are enjoying themselves in Covent Garden and Trafalagar Square tonight. Sunderland will be backed by 46,000 fans at Wembley and they are enjoying themselves in Covent Garden and Trafalagar Square tonight.

Many of the Sunderland supporters have been congregating in Trafalgar Square, as they did for the League Cup final in 2014 and on two occasions in 2019.

Sunderland fans take over Trafalgar Square again with over 40,000 supporters set to be in attendance at Wembley for their League One play-off final against Wycombe Thousands of Sunderland fans have arrived in London ahead of the League One play-off final - Sunderland fans have arrived in London ahead of the League One play-off final

In the build-up to this afternoon's Sky Bet League One play-off final, the Wycombe Wanderers chairman, Rob Couhig, referred to opponents Sunderland as the ...

The comment did not go down well at the Wearside club, who will take 46,000 supporters to Wembley. “Did he say that?” Alex Neil, the Sunderland manager, said, when asked about the jibe. Couhig had said in a statement to Wycombe’s fans: “We will again be the underdogs to those who ‘know football’. The supporters of the team that is a Netflix show will try to intimidate us with their superior number of fans, but they do not In the build-up to this afternoon’s Sky Bet League One play-off final, the Wycombe Wanderers chairman, Rob Couhig, referred to opponents Sunderland as the “team that is a Netflix show”.

Sunderland will be backed by more than 46000 fans at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon - with supporters taking over the capital on Friday night.

When the Black Cats last played at the national stadium - a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers in March's 2021 Papa John's Trophy final - the match was played behind ...

As the daylight faded, the red and white flares shone brighter. They really were the crazy ones. Victory over Wycombe would provide an actual cause for celebration.

Sunderland fans have taken over Trafalgar Square with thousands of fans getting ready for the Wembley final.

Sunderland will be desperate to finally secure a return to the Championship when they face Wycombe in the League One play-off final this afternoon.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the game via the Sky Go App. underland will be desperate to finally secure a return to the Championship when they face Wycombe in the League One play-off final this afternoon. Sunderland vs Wycombe live stream: How can I watch League One play-off final live on TV in UK today?

Gareth Ainsworth believes his team have been underestimated ahead of their meeting with Alex Neil's Sunderland at Wembley.

That is part of the job at a team like this. To still be playing at 40 and have the desire and attitude to go and play at the weekend and come and train every day is a huge credit to himself. His team have eradicated their tendency to conjure defeat from the jaws of victory and have a happy knack of scoring late goals in crucial moments. “We have experience and quality and guys that can handle the big occasion. There is much riding on the result but at least Neil has offered a reason to believe again, re-energising the club in recent weeks. What you can’t do is start to divide when it’s good and when it’s bad.” Saturday will be a historic occasion for the club but a poignant one too, signalling the end of Akinfenwa’s 22-year career. At Wembley against Wycombe, there is a chance to finally move on. “There will be a hole left that will be filled with magical moments, stories and achievements which Wycombe would never have had if we hadn’t signed this gimmick, one-trick pony from Wimbledon when he was past it. Wycombe’s transfer policy naturally lends itself to players closer to the end than the start of their careers. I feel like they connect with that and know that I connect with them.” “I’ve been in their position, I’ve been a free transfer.

The Black Cats face Wycombe in the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday hoping to make it seventh time lucky and lay to rest their supposed ...

With this one I feel there's a bit more than hope in the air. And on the disappointment of 1998, Quinn believes it strangely led the foundations for better days. Victory, this time a legitimate one, would wipe out years of pain in the end-of-season lottery. The upshot for the Black Cats was an unlikely and unexpected reprieve. And so just a week after their victory on the pitch they were given a huge punishment by the FA. After all, the Black Cats' are in their seventh stab at the play-offs and are still searching for that elusive promotion via this gloriously-entertaining but also nerve-shredding method.

Sunderland are bidding to return to the Championship at the fourth attempt today, as the Black Cats face Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.

We would like to emphasise that no funds have been put towards unusable material." Sunderland fans have travelled to London in their droves and they promise to provide a wonderful atmosphere inside Wembley but one thing that will be missing is a planned banner display before kick-off. They wrote in a statement:

Sunderland take on Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley this afternoon in the League One play-off final. Fans took over Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square on Friday ...

SUNDERLAND head to Wembley for the fourth time in four seasons this afternoon – with head coach Alex Neil hoping the League One play-off final…

“It’s been at this level for a number of years now, and there’s been quite a few people had a crack at trying to get it out of where it is. But in terms of where we end up, what we’re looking to do and what the next step looks like, then that certainly becomes different.” “But because of what’s going to be determined by this game, a lot of things vary massively depending on the result. Similarly, Sunderland’s owners find themselves in a situation where they can look elsewhere without having to incur huge costs if they decide that is what they want to do. “I think there’s a bit of optimism around now , which is nice, a bit of anticipation of what is to come. But I do agree, everyone’s got a better outlook on us as a club at the minute, as individuals and collectively.

How confident are we that Sunderland can gain promotion? Here's our predictions for the play-off final at Wembley this afternoon.

It’ll be a tough, tough test today, Wycombe are a highly effective team, but I do think we’ll have just enough to get past them and take a step closer to where we all think we should be. Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers Ha’way the lads! Alex Neil has done a cracking job since his appointment; he’s solidified the defence and made us harder to beat while banking on the ability of our forward players to get us a goal or two. So, here we are - it all comes down to this. We’ve dealt with teams who don’t want the ball. Hats off to Alex Neil, the job he has done has been exemplary. But it's time to break the cycle. Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers Pritch will open the scoring with a sweet free-kick though; that’s my call for how this will start to lean in our favour. That’s our party trick now, so I think this will only go one way. We’ll keep an eye on these as we go along because, at the end of the season, this will come back into play when each correctly placed side adds five points to that person’s tally.

Every fan base in the world would say they're passionate - but League One play-off finalists Sunderland take it to a whole other level.Whilst Wycombe.

It really felt as if the whole of Sunderland was packed into one area, just under 300 miles away from home. The excitement and belief that this is their year to get out of England’s third tier was infectious, and although they’ve been in League One for four seasons, Sunderland’s support is as strong and passionate as ever. And despite having one of the most important games in the club’s history the following day, fans stayed out until the small hours of the morning, soaking it all in. It really was a sea of red and white as people of all ages – babies in prams being pushed by their parents, kids on shoulders, groups of friends and even the elderly – began their celebrations on Friday afternoon. Fans chatted away to police officers monitoring the scenes as the area was packed full of thousands of Black Cats belting songs at the top of their lungs. Every fan base in the world would say they’re passionate – but League One play-off finalists Sunderland take it to a whole other level.

Jubilant fans of the north east club gathered in the iconic landmark in London on Friday evening, setting off flares, stripping naked, climbing into ...

The following night, on Wednesday, Northampton fans invaded the pitch and reportedly threw a flare towards Mansfield players after their defeat in the League Two playoff semi-finals. Everton's fans invade the pitch to celebrate at the end of the Premier League football match against Crystal Palace last night Crystal Palace manager Patrick Viera was involved in an altercation with an Everton fan after fans of the Merseyside club ran onto the pitch after their match this week. The Black Cats, who looking to seal a return to the Championship for the first time since 2018, booked their place at Wembley by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate over the course of two legs. The Black Cats are looking to return to the second tier of English football for the first time since they were relegated to League One in 2018 Some fans stripped into their underwear and climbed into the fountains at the London landmark as they took in the atmosphere

Alex Neil hopes to deliver what Jack Ross couldn't in 2019 as Sunderland contest the League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday ...

Luke O'Nien and Corry Evans were the most popular combo in midfield, sitting in front of a defence of Dennis Cirkin, Bailey Wright, Danny Batth and Lynden Gooch, with Anthony Patterson in goal. Alex Neil hopes to deliver what Jack Ross couldn't in 2019 as Sunderland contest the League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. They have suggested both personnel changes from the semi-final win, as well as a formation change.

Will Sunderland return to the Championship for the first time since 2018, or will Wycombe triumph? Find out with Barry Glendenning.

The Chairboys are also good at set-pieces and hope to grab a goal or two from a corner or free-kicks around the box. But he’ll say that even if he doesn’t, what a way to go out.” “He’s not going to start and he probably knows that,” said Ainsworth during the week. If Bayo can seal the deal then what a way to go out. We know what’s going to happen with the crowd being so big and being outnumbered on that front. The main question surrounding Alex Neil’s selection is whether he’ll go for three or four at the back. The boys are in a good place and I can’t wait to walk out on that pitch.” “So even if you play well against them, they’re the kind of team that can lull you into a false sense that you’re doing well and then they can damage you. The players have had a fantastic season. It’s a bad error from arguably the best goalkeeper in League One. As expected, Adebayo Akinfenwa is on the bench. 4 min: Oof! Alex Pritchard takes the free-kick and aims for the top corner.

Sunderland will take on Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off finalthis weekend as both sides strive to make it into the Championship.Wig.

He should have saved it.” Sunderland 1-0 Wycombe Sunderland 1-0 Wycombe Sunderland 1-0 Wycombe Sunderland 1-0 Wycombe Sunderland 1-0 Wycombe

He picks out R Stewart at the back post who heads back across goal... Stockdale is beaten but the ball trickles inches wide. This has real 'next goal is the ...

The team that finished in sixth have been promoted on three out of five such occasions coming into this match (Peterborough United in 1992, Scunthorpe United in 2009, Millwall in 2017). Each of the previous six meetings have come in League One, with Wycombe winning only once to date (D3 L2). 4 mins: SUN 0 WYC 0 6 mins: SUN 0 WYC 0 He whips a ball in from the left but it wobbles and heads goalward. 11 mins: SUN 0 WYC 0 The Wycombe 'keeper gets nowhere near it, even though it was hit straight at him, and Sunderland have the lead. Wycombe enjoy a steadier period of territory and possession.. 45 mins: SUN 1 WYC 0 Stockdale is beaten but the ball trickles inches wide. 52 mins: SUN 1 WYC 0 55 mins: SUN 1 WYC 0

Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart fire Sunderland to a 2-0 win over Wycombe in the League One playoff final at Wembley.

Alex Pritchard set the tone with a free-kick that rattled the side netting, even if many of the Sunderland supporters at the other end of this stadium thought it nestled into the top corner. Embleton powered clear of Jason McCarthy and Josh Scowen, took three more strides and smacked the ball at goal with the laces of his right boot, just as it sat up nicely, from 25 yards. For Embleton, who joined the club aged eight and was once a season-ticket holder at the Stadium of Light, it was the stuff of dreams.

Sunderland have won the League One play-offs at the third time of asking, beating Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley to end their four-year spell in England.

The Black Cats have long associated Wembley with heartbreak and had failed at their previous two attempts to get out of the division via the play-offs. The tie also marked the first use of VAR in a League One play-off final, leaving plenty of room for some twists in the play-off tale. Sunderland have won the League One play-offs at the third time of asking, beating Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley to end their four-year spell in England’s third tier.

The Black Cats finally won a play-off campaign at the seventh time of asking thanks to goals in either half from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart, ...

Pritchard was again involved, teeing-up Stewart to fire home into the bottom corner from the edge of the season for his 26th - and most important - goal of the season. The Chairboys are too competitive and streetwise to be blown away, though, and began to get a foothold in the game, regularly asking questions of the Sunderland defence with balls into the box. Neil will be a good fit for the Wearsiders in the Championship and, after several years in the wilderness, they will finally be looking up at the prospect of challenging to get back into the Premier League.

Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe: Goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart secured promotion back to the Championship.

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. The Chairboys are too competitive and streetwise to be blown away, though, and began to get a foothold in the game, regularly asking questions of the Sunderland defence with balls into the box. Neil will be a good fit for the Wearsiders in the Championship and, after several years in the wilderness, they will be welcoming the prospect of challenging to get back into the Premier League.

Sunderland have been promoted to the Championship after beating Wycombe 2-0 at Wembley, ending a four year stay in the third division. They had lost in the.

At 17, Roberts was deemed one of the hottest talents in England, could Sunderland be where he finally consistently lives up to the billing? Sunderland non-executive director David Jones won't be able to dwell on his club's League One play-off final - Sunday is a big day at work At 17, Roberts was deemed one of the hottest talents in England, could Sunderland be where he finally consistently lives up to the billing?