Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Sheffield United – Championship Play-off Final - Saturday 24th May 2025 - KO 15:00
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Was this not the other way around as he built the sol before being asked by the Fa to help build the new wembley
I'm totally torn on the starting 11. If it suits our shape etc then I'm happy for 1 of Wilson or Mayenda to start on bench to be impact sub.
However I am confident that their defence will be ****ting it with their pace so if we start both then go for it
However I am confident that their defence will be ****ting it with their pace so if we start both then go for it
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For context they were hacked - wouldnt reccomend following the link
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Corry Evans stands among a select group of Sunderland captains to have lifted silverware beneath the famous Wembley arch - a moment that not only defined a season but cemented his place in the Club’s storied history.
Commanding from the heart of midfield, his leadership and composure helped guide the team back to the Sky Bet Championship after four years in the country’s third tier. On a sun-drenched afternoon in May 2022, it was Elliot Embleton’s thunderous strike from distance that calmed the nerves and sparked belief. Ross Stewart’s cool finish later sealed a 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, sending a sea of red and white into euphoric celebration - both in the capital and across the globe.
Reflecting on that unforgettable League One Play-Off final, Evans speaks with pride and emotion as he recalls the sheer scale of the occasion.
“Firstly, it’s pride as a professional player - to get that chance to walk out at Wembley,” he said. “It was my first time playing there in my career. You’ve got all your family and friends in the stands. It’s quite a unique thing… It’s an occasion rather than just a game.”
“You have to treat it like a normal game. There’s so much talk around what the game means - not just to the players, but the Club as well. It’s hard not to get caught up in it, but you have to try to distract yourself from everything else going on.”
Even so, the enormity of the day hit hard in the opening minutes.
“In the first 15-20 minutes, I went to control the ball and it went under my foot. I told Lynden Gooch, ‘My legs are heavy here - they’re gone.’ The whole day just takes it out of you. Afterwards, you’re absolutely drained.”
Yet, when the final whistle blew, the exhaustion gave way to elation.
“I remember walking up the stairs to collect the trophy, looking out and seeing a big sea of red and white on one side.
At the heart of Sunderland’s promotion push was Alex Neil. Appointed in the second half of the season, the Scotsman’s tactical clarity and composure proved decisive.
“When he came in, Alex knew we were sort of just losing our way a little bit. We were still around the Play-Offs - I think we might even have been second or third at the time.”
A 3-0 away win at Wigan proved the spark that reignited the campaign.
“That was massive for us as a team. From there, we just snowballed, got our momentum, and everything just fell into place. Alex Neil was so good tactically - especially for one-off games, like the two-legged semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday. He’s one of the best managers I’ve come across in terms of setting teams up to stop the opposition and preparing us to exploit their weaknesses.”
Now, a new generation is writing its chapter - one brimming with young talent and fearless ambition. The current squad boasts remarkable experience for its age: Dan Neil, just 23, has already played nearly 200 games for his boyhood club. Chris Rigg, still only 17, has featured in more than 70 senior fixtures, while Jobe Bellingham, at 19, passed the 100-game mark in the Championship in February.
Evans sees a kindred spirit in Neil, who is now set to lead Sunderland out at Wembley - following in his footsteps.
“I love Dan, I think he’s brilliant. To see what he’s become now - how much he’s progressed both on and off the pitch - it’s great to see. He’s obviously leading his Club out at a Wembley final, one game away from the Premier League.”
That Premier League return is the dream Sunderland fans have held close for years - and one Evans believed in from day one.
It felt like the first step of getting the Club back where it belongs - in the Premier League.
Corry Evans
“That was my aim when I joined: to get promotion in the first season and build on it.”
Looking back, Evans reflects with gratitude and affection.
“I absolutely loved my time there… The highs at Sunderland are unbelievable. I never really knew the size of the Club until I got there… I spoke to my brother who played there previously, but until you're actually living in the area and you’re involved in it day to day, you don't realise or appreciate how big and how much it means to the people. I’ll always look back on my time there with great memories.”
Evans’ captaincy defined a turning point for Sunderland - one of grit, belief and revival. His name is forever woven into a story of hope and triumph, beneath the arch at Wembley.
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Tough game this but think we'll nick it.
2-1 in 90 mins.
HTL, TTE
2-1 in 90 mins.
HTL, TTE
Less we can have to do with that pyramid scheme the better! Hopefully a promotion would allow us to do away with crypto and betting sponsors entirely!
Like I say, they got hacked and the club didnt authorize this at all, but yes would like to get away from any of the crypto ****e weve got.
Fancy us against these all day. Hopefully mundle starts and le fee in the middle and we get a nice early goal.
Can't wait for this.
Can't wait for this.
More pressure on them and Wilder than us,
they lose, fans will want Wilder gone, and half the squad, they spent loads to get to the 3rd, and fall at the POs,
we can go and just play,
they lose, fans will want Wilder gone, and half the squad, they spent loads to get to the 3rd, and fall at the POs,
we can go and just play,
We are the underdogs and that suits us just fine.
Not sure how i'm meant to get through this week. Trying to work but I catch myself daydreaming about Saturday. It's only Monday!