Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Sheffield United – Championship Play-off Final - Saturday 24th May 2025 - KO 15:00

I’d like to think that it’s the whole philosophy of the club right now. We’re attracting players because it’s not just about the football side of things but the structures we have in place to support players and their families settle. We have got a seriously professional set up right now when it comes to the overall running of the club and that starts at the very top with KLD. He’s grown up around football with his late father owning Marseille and despite his young age he knows exactly what is required and I am supremely confident that our beloved club is in safe hands

 

Starving in Sheffield

 

By any chance did I spot you blowing out of your arse at the top of the stairs in the stadium Smug, I was stood regaining my composure after climbing the stairs wondering if I was in the midst of a heart attack and I see a fella with a hat puffing harder than me, I wanted to tap you on the shoulder and ask but I was dripping in sweat, purple and in need of oxygen

 

Aye, that's the bit for me. I understand for him he is buying into what the club are trying to do. With his wife I'm guessing it's down to the players all seeming to get on as one big group and I imagine their families do stuff together and all that can make a big difference.

 

I'm really glad for you that people turned up in their numbers to justify the faith placed in them given the committments you'd made,both for the pub and the tickets.
I'd already got arrangements in place to meet up at Covent Garden with long standing friends,but,otherwise,would have enjoyed the rendezvous at the Argyll....nice to put faces to names. Never mind, hopefully I'll have a chance at a match,either at home or away during the coming season.

 

I was seriously blowing out of my arse when I got back to my seat having missed Tommy’s goal after going for a lucky pi**! I think that coupled with the tension is why my Apple Watch showed a heart rate of 158bpm!!

 

I think you did mate

I was so busy sorting tickets for people I didn’t even know where I was in the ground. So I flew up the first few flights thinking my level was next.

As I slowed down a lass said ‘it isn’t much further’ to which I replied, ‘Just leave me behind, I’ll only slow you down!’

 

I seen some people really struggling to get up mate, shocking given its our national stadium, I now know my hearts in good shape

 

Can I add that I was very happy for Mepham to be involved in the final.

It was a tough, but correct, call to drop him for Ballard for play offs.

He's been solid this season and was no different in final.

 

I thought so, I do a lot of walking and like to think I am reasonably fit, them stairs just kept coming and I have never been so glad to get to the top until I entered the stadium and realised I had to do it again to get to our seats Was well worth it though

 

I asked the question earlier in the thread but it got missed in the videos etc.. being posted.

When the lads went up to get the medals etc... they were carrying a laminated picture of somebodies face. Who was it? I couldn't make it out.

 

I'm with O9 on this one, we're joint top at the moment

 

Had the best weekend ever! I missed the Wycombe game cos I double booked myself in the day and couldn't get out of it, that was never going to happen this time! The hotel was booked from around March and no other plans were allowed for the whole of May!

I wanted to show the family what it's like to be a Sunderland fan on days like that, how the fans turn up and someone you don't know from Adam is like your best mate after 10 mins. I've always wanted to show the missus the atmosphere before matches when Sunderland fans take over a pub and why I used to love going to away games. The whole family couldn't really take it in. It was great to see @marcusblackcat and to meet @Washysafc as well as @Smug in Boots at the Argyll Arms and not to forget to mention @TopCat. at the hotel - craic was that good I forgot I was with family!

All of them couldn't get over the scenes of Trafalgar Square, the grandson wanted to get right in the middle of it all but we thought better of it for sanity sake more than anything else - god knows where he would've ended up!

The grandson also had a brilliant and seriously emotive time at the game. I was told by the son in law that after the game finished, he was just overwhelmed and was crying with joy and just standing in the aisle dumbfounded, a guy asked the son in law if he was ok and then went up to him and just gave him a massive hug. If that was anyone on here, sir you have my massive appreciation. It shows how we look after our own no matter what the age.

The missus can no longer hide the fact that she's a massive lads fan, she still might not want to go to games but I have it on good authority that tears were shed at the final whistle after she had shouted triumphantly in front of Sheffield Utd fans on the tube - something that the daughter will never forget.

We all have memories that we'll never forget, the grandson is Sunderland till he dies now - the wife showed me the video on Tiktok and even the plastic mag son in law says that he can see why Sunderland get under your skin - there could be hope for him yet!

My reaction to us getting promoted? I was stunned! No tears like there was after the Coventry game I was just purely stunned. After getting back to the hotel and a few drinks, we went up to the room to get changed before heading out for a meal, I just sat on the bed, my mind all over the place trying to take it all in and falling miserably. Watching videos people made of the day in you tube as well as watching the game in full a few times, the emotion is starting to come out but it will probably hit me when the fixture list comes out or the first home game

 

I walk as well so I set off and was nudging past people thinking I was the bollocks …

… by the time I got to the last flight the same people were coming past me

What’s worse is that a lovely black steward lass showed me to the lift when I entered the stadium …

… I smiled, thanked her and went to the stairs, I bet she was grinning and thinking ‘daft old twat’.

 

I’m picturing the scene

 

Possibly Carlton Fairweathers mate ? He was well liked by all the players, a true gentleman, his passing broke a fair few hearts at the club.

 

Just after that clip Le Fee leans on the railing, looks at our fans, takes it all in and just says 'wow'.

It's in the Sky coverage and other videos, worth watching out for.

 

I know its from a Leeds perspective, but I thought this was canny funny.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16DpX8o9y2/

 

I started my first visit of 13 to Wembley on a Win and finished my last on a Win.
My only Two Wins, Wycombe I watched from an island in the Seychelles on holiday and the Papa Johns, Covid saw to that, from my living room.
One of those 13 was with Cloughie at Forest in 1990. An incredible way to finish, the result never in any doubt for me as all of the stars were in alignment. One of the greatest days as was 73 in my life.
Never have I wept so uncontrollably, shed so many tears of pride , joy and relief. Had so much pride in my fellow Mackem's, those who sat around us, I don't know who you are but you all made my day just having the chance to be in your company.

Thank you lads and lasses. My times now done. its your turn now.

 

Don't think so mate, looks like a white fella in his late 30s with a beard. I can't tell if I just don't recognise them or the videos is never clear enough.

Is about 7 mins into this video.