Lynden Gooch sends one-word message to Dan Neil as Sunderland promoted
Sunderland booked their place in the Premier League after defeating Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.
The Black Cats ended their eight-year hiatus from the top flight after seemingly looking dead and buried for most of the match.
Eliezer Mayenda’s 76th-minute equaliser gave the travelling Sunderland supporters hope, before Tommy Watson’s stoppage-time winner sparked chaotic scenes for all the Mackems in attendance.
A fitting result for one of England’s biggest and most historic clubs, who, without a doubt, should be a Premier League outfit.
Gooch congratulates Neil following Wembley triumph for Sunderland
Former Sunderland midfielder Gooch made 247 appearances for the club before he departed the Stadium of Light to join Stoke City two years ago.
Gooch, who came through the youth ranks at Sunderland, was quick to congratulate his former teammate Neil after the game.
The Sunderland captain posted a collection of photos from the memorable afternoon to his personal Instagram account.
Gooch left a message under the post saying “Skipper” with two heart emojis, one red and one white.
All eyes on the Premier League
Once Regis Le Bris’ side have recovered from their celebrations, all attention must turn to the Premier League.
It is no secret that Sunderland’s target next season will be survival. Finishing in 17th is something that should be celebrated and would be a remarkable achievement for the Black Cats.
Newly promoted teams have struggled in the last two seasons, with all of the clubs crashing straight back down into the Championship at the first time of asking.
Next season, Sunderland, Leeds United and Burnley have an opportunity to buck this trend.
Many feel that surviving in the Premier League now as a promoted club is impossible. The three teams going up will most likely be written off before a ball has even been kicked.
Le Bris could potentially harness this underdog mentality to make the Stadium of Light a difficult place to go for travelling teams next season.
This alone will not be enough, it will also need to be paired with some smart recruitment.
Sunderland are set to receive £120 million as a prize for their promotion, but they will need to utilise their resources wisely.
A striker seems to be an obvious priority for the North East club, with a rumour linking them to Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat.
In the Premier League, there is no place for sentiment, and Sunderland will need multiple signings if they want to stay up.