https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25200004.sunderland-will-right-go-premier-league/ PATRICK Roberts says the Premier League is a "different beast" to the one he last experienced six years ago - but has promised that Sunderland will "have a right go" next season. It's been a long road back to the top flight for Roberts, whose last Premier League appearance came during a loan spell with Norwich City in 2019…. “Everyone knows it's going to be tough, it's a different beast these days," said the former Manchester City winger. "But we're a big club and everyone can see that with the fans. "We’ll have a right go. We wanted to get out of this Championship and we did that, so anything is possible." Roberts played a major role in Sunderland's promotion, starting 38 of the 46 games in the regular season, before battling through the discomfort of a torn calf to come off the bench and turn the play-off final on its head at Wembley last weekend. It capped a remarkable first season in charge for head coach Le Bris, who has impressed Roberts from day one at the Stadium of Light. "He's very reserved, you probably don't get a lot of him," said Roberts. "But he's very calm and he's been brilliant from the day that he's come. I can't say enough about the man. He's been great. He's made me enjoy football again, as did Tony Mowbray. "And shout out to Doddsy [Mike Dodds] and Proc [Michael Proctor] as well. They've been fantastic with me the whole way through. There's a lot of people to thank. It's been a real team effort and well deserved. "We said at the start, the manager asked us what we want to get out this season and it was promotion - whatever way. We had to grind throughout the season and lost five on the bounce and we turned it around with the win at Coventry and then showed the resilience to get over the line. "It's been the story of our season. When it matters, we've turned up and it's great to play with a top group of lads that are young and a lot are going to do great things." Sunderland's Premier League fixture list will be confirmed on Wednesday, June 18, and for Roberts' family, there are two games in particular to look out for - both on Merseyside. "My mum is looking forward to Everton," said Roberts. "She said she can't wait especially with the new ground and stuff obviously. My dad's obviously a Liverpool fan. I've been to most of the grounds I think but I'm just looking forward to being with this club up there. "Going from League One, Championship and then Premier League - it's been a joy and I can't tell you how proud I am."
I think what is lost on some, including the so-called experts, is that the Sunderland that was promoted to the EPL on 24th May 2025 is a completely different club from the one that was last there. I make the differentiation between club and team here. Of course after eight years out the team would expect to be different. The club, Sunderland Association Football Club, though is a completely different beast. This club knows exactly what it’s doing unlike previous incarnations who were just thankful that they were there. This club knows what it needs to do. This club is capable of it. This club doesn’t want to just make up the numbers. This club wants to compete.
We have owners with a plan, a team of talented players and a decent coaching setup If you're reading this Doddsy it's never too late to come back
As a longtime critic of Roberts, I think he has a big role to play next season, he is for me not a automatic starter anymore, to slow no end product etc., but his obvious re found enthusiasm and all round experience can not be overlooked. I am not getting carried away by one killer pass, like some but I think as understudy to ELF his role as a sub could be invaluable and the odd start at home not out of the question. Well done Paddy, you are a still a valuable asset alongside O/9 in motivating this wonderful group of young players . I am not sold on the return of Dodds tbh., as with Hendo and Watson they are now in the past hopefully we are looking forward . OaU
Think Paddy will surprise a few of ours in the PL. He will likely have a better personal to play off (please be Amad ), but also despite the faster pace and better calibre of player the better refereeing standard and protection of skilful players might help him. He will certainly remain an asset, even if he is in a right scrap for first 11. Let’s be crystal clear, he’s been a wonderful signing for this club, to drop to League One, then to remain when he had multiple options to leave. He deserves his PL shot as much as anyone. You all know I’m ‘PR fan club’ anyway.
Happy for Roberts, he’s been a very good servant here. Think he’ll be a bit part player next season but I’m happy to have him on the bench. Last weekend showed what he can offer still and he’s one of the more experienced lads currently in the squad
I think Roberts will do ok in the Prem and surprise a few people. Didn’t Mowbray say he was the best player in the league ( that’s the Championship) and should be the first name on the team sheet each week? The better calibre of player ( us and opponents) might just bring out the best of him. He certainly did it on the big stage last weekend so let’s just see what he can produce next season.
need the SOL expanded as quick as poss, Hendo, Amad, Rashford would be 3 exellent players for me to start with. We need a big a statement signing. first games WHU home Burnley away Newcastle H September(champions league starts) a run in the cups would be nice.
He could be a decent squad player but unless he's somehow going to get faster, stronger and better at finishing I think that'll be it. He's not someone that could make the step up imo. He struggled against championship defenders and the prem is literally another level in every sense.
thanks rowley great bloke ! but away man let's enjoy this we can fanticise how about vardy age is no barrier.
It's odd how we've had no problem signing or bringing on quality LWs but we haven't had any decent competition for Roberts in years. Even Isidor would be on the left if not up top.
