For a club steeped in the history of English football, Sunderland’s return to the Premier League after an arduous eight-year absence feels like more than just a promotion; it feels like a homecoming. This is a club that was once dubbed the “Team of all Talents,” a founding titan of the Football League who dominated the sport in its infancy. However, the modern era has been far less kind. The Black Cats have endured a tumultuous journey marked by financial scandal, heartbreaking relegations, and the ignominy of dropping to the third tier of English football.
Their dramatic, last-gasp promotion via the playoffs is the culmination of a remarkable turnaround, orchestrated by the astute head coach Regis Le Bris and driven by a fearless, youthful squad. As they prepare to re-enter the top flight, this is the story of a sleeping giant reawakened—a club with a rich past now facing the immense challenge of forging a new future among the elite.
A Rich History: From the “Team of all Talents” to Modern Struggles
Sunderland’s place in the annals of English football is secure. They were a dominant force in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, winning six First Division titles. Their last major piece of silverware remains one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time—a famous 1-0 victory over the seemingly invincible Leeds United in the 1973 final, achieved while they were a Second Division side. The years that followed saw the club yo-yo between the top two divisions, enjoying memorable spells in the Premier League under Peter Reid around the turn of the century, where they achieved successive seventh-placed finishes.
However, the club’s recent history has been defined by a painful decline. Relegation from the Premier League in 2017 was followed by a disastrous second successive drop into League One. This period saw the club plumb the lowest depths in its history, finishing eighth in the third tier in the 2019/20 season. The four long years spent in League One were a humbling experience for a club of Sunderland’s stature and fanbase. Their subsequent promotion back to the Championship, and now, finally, to the Premier League, has been a story of resilience, rebuilding, and the restoration of pride at the iconic Stadium of Light.
The Unlikely Promotion: How Le Bris’ Young Guns Conquered the Championship
Sunderland’s 2024/25 promotion campaign was a masterpiece of youthful exuberance and tactical flexibility, though it was far from straightforward. Under the guidance of French head coach Regis Le Bris, who arrived with little fanfare after leaving a relegated Lorient side, the Black Cats started the season in scintillating form, winning nine of their first twelve games. However, a mid-season slump saw them drop out of the automatic promotion race, settling into a comfortable fourth-place position. Despite losing their last five league games, they entered the playoffs as a dangerous underdog.
What followed was pure footballing drama. In the semi-final against Coventry City, defender Dan Ballard scored a dramatic winner in the dying seconds of extra time. The playoff final at Wembley against Sheffield United was even more theatrical. With the game seemingly destined for penalties, 20-year-old substitute Tommy Watson etched his name into Sunderland folklore, scoring a stunning winner five minutes into stoppage time to spark scenes of wild celebration. What made the achievement so remarkable was the profile of the team. The starting XI for the final did not contain a single player with a Premier League appearance to their name, and captain Luke O’Nien was the only player over the age of 25—a testament to Le Bris’ faith in youth.
Key Players for the Premier League Challenge
Sunderland’s survival will depend on their young stars making the step up to the top flight. Three players in particular will be crucial to their hopes.
- Eliezer Mayenda: At just 20 years old, the French forward is one of the most exciting prospects in the squad. His versatility is a huge asset; he can lead the line, operate as a number 10, or play wide on either flank. He possesses a sharp finishing ability with both feet and his head, netting 10 goals in the Championship last season with an impressive 21.3% conversion rate. His pace and intelligent movement will be vital for a Sunderland side that will likely look to play on the counter-attack against stronger opposition.
- Dan Ballard: The 25-year-old centre-back may have been restricted by injuries last season, but his influence was undeniable, particularly in the playoffs. He is a dominant aerial presence, averaging more headed clearances per 90 minutes (6.07) than any other player in the Championship. He relishes the physical side of the game, boasting impressive duel success rates both on the ground and in the air. As Sunderland will be expected to do a lot of defending, Ballard’s robust, no-nonsense style and his threat from set-pieces will be absolutely vital.
- Trai Hume: The 23-year-old Northern Ireland international is the archetypal modern attacking full-back. He was a key creative force for Sunderland last season, contributing three goals and six assists from his right-back position. He created more chances from open play (55) than any other player in the squad, showcasing his exceptional crossing ability. However, he is not just an attacking threat; he is also a terrific tackler, winning more tackles than any of his teammates. His defensive capabilities will be tested more rigorously in the Premier League, but his marauding forward runs will remain a crucial part of Sunderland’s attacking game plan.
The Mastermind: The Tactics of Regis Le Bris
The architect of this promotion is head coach Regis Le Bris. The 49-year-old Frenchman has had a transformative impact at the Stadium of Light, implementing a flexible and intelligent style of play. While he generally prefers a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, he has demonstrated a willingness to adapt his game plan based on the opposition. His Sunderland side is comfortable in possession and adept at creating overloads in wide areas, often by pushing a full-back high up the pitch.
However, as they showed so effectively in the playoffs, they are equally comfortable defending deep in a compact block and hitting teams with devastating speed on the counter-attack. Towards the end of the season, they became the most effective counter-attacking side in the division. This tactical flexibility will be their greatest asset in the Premier League, where they will need to be pragmatic and adaptable to survive against the world’s best teams. Le Bris has proven he can build a cohesive unit and get the best out of young players—a skill set that will be put to the ultimate test in the top flight.
Sunderland Club Fact File
- Premier League Seasons: 16
- Highest Premier League Finish: 7th (1999/2000, 2000/01)
- Major Honours: First Division (6 times), FA Cup (2 times)
- Most Premier League Appearances: John O’Shea (189)
- Most Premier League Goals: Kevin Phillips (61)
