Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Chelsea FC – Sunday 24th May 2026 - KO 16:00

Thanks for the thread @RTB and your efforts over the year.

I'd love a home win and European football. It would be the icing on the cake to achieve that in the Til the End style.

Whatever happens, it's been one hell of a season with plenty of highs to reminisce over. I've loved it!

Outstanding work this season, RTB


Omar Alderete tells me that if Sunderland qualify for Europe, it’s the supporters who deserve it more than anyone:

️ “They’ve supported us from the beginning - from League One, all the way to the Premier League. They’re the ones that deserve it the most. I always think how incredible the away support is especially. They’re always there - so the amount of effort they put in, they deserve to be in Europe.”

️ “We’ve talked about the permutations and what results need to go right for us this week in training. But winning is super important first - and if we do, I think we’ll get into Europe.”

️ “To come up from the Championship to the Premier League and fight for Europe all within a year isn’t easy. But it reflects all the hard work we’ve done as and a lot of us believe we could even be higher than we are now!” #SAFC

A massive thanks to RTB for your effort and work over the season,outstanding and brilliant marra.
Can’t wait for Sunday,bring the noise and let’s see if the young Chelsea defence can handle the day

I normally wait till matchday to post on the thread, but wanted to get in early....in case i forget on the day.

First off, thank you @RTB for all your efforts over the season, you've done us all proud, and its really appreciated.


Secondly, I would like to say a big Thank You to everyone one here that makes this place so special. Sincerely, I cant thank you all enough for being there in my hour(s) of need, you really are the best.
Looking forward to seeing some of you again in the Fans Museum.

So it comes down to this, one game, and the possibility of European football next season. Wow. Just reading that back gives me goosebumps.

Im going for a 3-1 win to the lads, with Brobbey and Enzo (again) with one each. The third...I would love to see either Hume or O'Nien get it and sign off our season in style.

Ha'Way me Bonny Lads, you can do this.

Wonder if he keeps Hume in. If he does play, has to be right back.

But Geetruida has been class there.

Just hope we put either Rigg in on the right or Talbi on the left and Angulo on the right.

Have to start by echoing the gratitude and utmost admiration to RTB for these marvellous match threads. Can't wait to see the European ones next season, because I fully believe we'll complete our job on Sunday. That's all we can ask. If we do that then we just have to hope that Man Utd pick up 3 points or Liverpool pick up at least a point.

Sunday really can't come around quick enough for me. The atmosphere will be electric and we have to ramp up the noise from the first whistle to the last. We need to make the place like a cauldron, and have Chelsea for tea.

Keep Chelsea's Fernandez quiet, like we did with Man Utd's Fernandes and we'll boss it.

Win or draw, the lads will give it their all, as they have done all season and they will thoroughly deserve their lap of honour at the end of the game, and I hope there's 48,000 there at the end to show their appreciation and join in their celebrations.

Haway The Lads and Bonjour Europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Echo the thanks to RTB for amazing match day threads. What a season it's been. One more huge effort required but either way one of the greatest seasons I can remember. HWTL

IS RLB's presser today or tomorrow?

TheBronzeBummer said:

Wonder if he keeps Hume in. If he does play, has to be right back.

But Geetruida has been class there.

Just hope we put either Rigg in on the right or Talbi on the left and Angulo on the right.

Click to expand...

To be fair to RLB his approach seems to be to win the battle in the centre then bring on attacking players early enough to impact. Its worked and with the likes of Fernandez may be wise again.

Hannah1989 said:

IS RLB's presser today or tomorrow?

Click to expand...

I think it’s tomorrow. It’s usually a Friday when we play on the Sunday

Pure River Slut said:

To be fair to RLB his approach seems to be to win the battle in the centre then bring on attacking players early enough to impact. Its worked and with the likes of Fernandez may be wise again.

Click to expand...

That seems to be the case and his changes worked to the max at Everton.

He kept the ball off Everton, made them keep running then put pace on after an hour.

After going a goal down I think people would've been happy with a draw ...

... but RLB just swamped Everton knowing they were flagging.

If he'd gone 'all out attack', from the start, the result might've been quite different.

Smug in Boots said:

That seems to be the case and his changes worked to the max at Everton.

He kept the ball off Everton, made them keep running then put pace on after an hour.

After going a goal down I think people would've been happy with a draw ...

... but RLB just swamped Everton knowing they were flagging.

If he'd gone 'all out attack', from the start, the result might've been quite different.

Click to expand...

Yeah i agree. If we’re not expansive for 90 fair complaint but he’s definitely injected energy at the right time and to do that you need energy on the bench.

RTB - top effort as always - you`ll be doing a few extra next season if the weekend pans out the way we all hope for - I`ve spoken to the Not606 gods and they`ve agreed to double your fee for the European versions.
I`m going to be up early and in the car, drop bag at hotel and to Museum to warm up the vocal chords...win lose or draw we`ve had a blast this year...

safcyellowbelly said:

RTB - top effort as always - you`ll be doing a few extra next season if the weekend pans out the way we all hope for - I`ve spoken to the Not606 gods and they`ve agreed to double your fee for the European versions.
I`m going to be up early and in the car, drop bag at hotel and to Museum to warm up the vocal chords...win lose or draw we`ve had a blast this year...

Click to expand...

Haway the Euro Threads

The club's media team have struck gold again

Once more unto the breach, dear friends. once more!

Essayyeffcee said:

The club's media team have struck gold again

You must log in or register to see media

Click to expand...

Superb.

I hope the club don't need to change the campaign to Stay Humble at full time Sunday.

These matchday threads help to keep me connected with my club and the area.
I have not posted too much lately but I do check in regularly to stay up to date.
As the seasons conclusion is almost upon us and the opportunity for European football looms I think it is easy to forget the achievements already made and how well this team have adapted to the task at hand at the start of the campaign.
I have enjoyed the highs and the lows of this season and to be honest got a bit carried away with everything.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had noticed a subtle shift in our formation and intent (in my opinion we have been trying new midfield formations to become more potent in front of goal) which has resulted in us conceding a few more goals than normal
This caught out Everton but Forrest took advantage. RLB is already planning for next year, as he did not start this until we were safe from relegation ( remember the prep for the playoffs).
RLB always says they look no further than the next game but in truth he has been planning for next season for weeks now and that gives me great confidence.
As for European football next season I say bring it on! If we qualify I will as always support and fervently follow the journey. If we do not I will support and follow another journey!
This club and these players have earned everything from this support and our supporters have earned the right to let them know what it means to us.
Come on Lads one more dance this season.
TIL THE END!