Tommy Watson loses Sunderland fans after loss v Bristol City – ‘Not one of us’
Sunderland are staggering towards the play-offs, having been safe in the acceptance of their fourth-place berth in the Championship for several weeks now.
The Black Cats led in the first half away at Bristol City on Good Friday (18 April) but lost 2-1 in the end, having spent most of the game playing with a numerical disadvantage after Trai Hume’s controversial seventh-minute red card.
Eliezer Mayenda gained plaudits with a superb individual goal to open the scoring at Ashton Gate, but Tommy Watson received scathing criticism for yet another very quiet display.
Sunderland fans have had enough of Watson
Sunderland have already confirmed Watson will join Brighton & Hove Albion this summer for an eight-figure sum, with the 19-year-old having run out of time to complete a winter move to the Amex Stadium.
Regis Le Bris has continued to field the young winger, but his performances and commitment have been widely called into question by supporters.
The Wearsiders are merely ambling towards the play-off semi-finals with barely any momentum, having won two and lost three of their last seven.
TV commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, admitted he can understand the frustration of the Sunderland fans towards one of their own, as he knows he will be in the Premier League next season, whether his current club are or not.
“I can understand the fans thinking you’re not one of us anymore,” Darke said.
“If they’re deducing from the situation that he doesn’t care as much as everybody else about getting into the Premier League, and that his priority is being ready for Brighton, I understand.
“You’d like to think he’s a young professional footballer who has grown up with Sunderland, and as a parting gift, gives everything to help them get promoted. I get fans might see things as a certain way, but I do think players just want to play. I’d have thought Watson himself would likely be wanting to bust a gut to earn promotion for his club before he leaves.”
Premier League football up for grabs on Wearside
Never has there been a better opportunity to return to the Premier League for Sunderland since dropping out in 2017 as part of their double relegation.
The Black Cats have been assured of their semi-final place for some time, having for at least half the season been well in the mix for the top two automatic promotion spots.
| Sunderland play-off semi-finals* | Date |
| 1st leg – away from home | Fri 9 May |
| 2nd leg – at Stadium of Light | Tue 13 May |
Sheffield United currently look like the side who will join them from the three that remain in the race, unless they can beat Burnley on Easter Monday and make up a further two points.
Bristol City and Coventry City are in the driving seat for the final two spots, but Middlesbrough are in hot pursuit, while West Brom and Millwall are now firm outsiders.