Lee Clark makes ‘surprising’ Sunderland admission live on talkSPORT
Sunderland need to find some form as they take on Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals.
Régis Le Bris’ side enjoyed a positive season and finished seven points clear of Coventry in the Championship.
However, since securing a play-off position, form in the North East has dipped. As a result, the Black Cats go into their clash with Frank Lampard’s side with no momentum.
Sunderland are without a win in six games, losing their last five, and are now being viewed by some as the underdogs against Coventry.
Lee Clark admits to backing Sunderland in the play-offs
Sunderland have had a torrid time since being relegated from the Premier League in 2017, dropping all the way down to League One.
Their North Eastern rivals, Newcastle United, have managed to take some pleasure from this as they have continued to progress since their takeover.
The FA Cup tie between the two rivals at the Stadium of Light last season served as a reminder of just how strong the rivalry is in English football.
With that in mind, the majority of supporters in black and white are likely hoping to see the Black Cats struggle in their tie against Coventry.
However, former Newcastle and Sunderland man Clark has admitted that, despite his previous disputes with the Black Cats, he is hoping to see them go all the way in the play-offs.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (9 May, 9:39 am), Alan Brazil asked Clark, “Are you rooting for Sunderland or not?”
Clark replied: “I am. No, no, I tell you I am because I want the derby games back in the Premier League.
“I think it would be good for the area, Newcastle and Sunderland matches back in the Premier League and something the fans love.
“So yeah, another exciting game to the Premier League calendar without a doubt.”
Sunderland need Premier League return
It’s fair to say that Clark certainly isn’t the most popular man in Sunderland, so it’s somewhat surprising to hear him taking the other side of the debate and admitting to backing Le Bris’ men in the play-offs.
Although recent form has been disappointing, Le Bris will be hoping that all energy has been conserved for the tie with Coventry, and his side can produce their best football.
| Sunderland’s current form | |
| QPR (H) | 0-1 |
| Oxford United (A) | 2-0 |
| Blackburn (H) | 0-1 |
| Bristol City (A) | 2-1 |
| Swansea (H) | 0-1 |
| Norwich (A) | 0-0 |
The Sunderland manager should have no doubts over his best side now, and with the likes of Dan Ballard available once more, he should have the options necessary to deal with anything Lampard’s men throw their way.
With the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Ballard linked with exits from the Stadium of Light this summer, the North Eastern outfit cannot afford to underestimate the importance of the games that lie ahead.