Tommy Watson declares himself Sunderland ‘legend’ after ‘tough couple of weeks’ before Wembley heroics

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Quite frankly, the footballing gods couldn’t have written a more fitting ending for Tommy Watson’s brief but brilliant Sunderland career, and he now thinks he’s a legend at the club.

Breakthrough seasons don’t come more tumultuous and breathtaking than the one Tommy Watson has just completed with Sunderland.

After injury to Romaine Mundle halfway through the campaign, Watson stepped in and made a big impact for the Mackems. So much so, that he ended up securing a move to Brighton ahead of the summer transfer window.

It’s safe to say Sunderland fans were not happy with that particular move. Of all the players in the squad, Watson was the least likely to make a difference at Wembley for the Championship play-off final.

Obviously, then, fate would have it that he had to be the one to step up and win the whole thing with a stunning strike in the dying moments of the game.

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Tommy Watson writes himself into Sunderland folklore

Watson now calls time on his Sunderland journey in the most incredible fashion, with a goal that not only takes the club to the top flight but also bags them the £240m play-off prize fund.

Interestingly, Watson had some big words after the game, including describing himself as a club legend thanks to that all-important goal while also highlighting how tough it’s been to endure that abuse from the fans.

Speaking to talkSPORT after the game, Watson said: “I think I’ve been thinking about moments like that for weeks now, I’ve had a tough couple of weeks to be honest with the backlash from the fans from the move, but I’m so glad it’s going to end in a positive way now.”

Asked if it was the fairytale ending to his Sunderland career, he said: “I can’t wait for next season now to come and see them as probably a legend now at this club, I know how much that goal and this win means to the club so it’s just what dreams are made of.”

Whether you can actually be a club legend after making just 22 first-team appearances or not is up for debate. Still, in terms of impacting Sunderland’s history, it’s hard to argue against Watson’s legendary status really.

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Tommy Watson will have an interesting season with Brighton in 2025/26

Surely, there is a small part of Tommy Watson’s brain that is starting to regret pushing ahead with that Brighton transfer now.

Instead, he could have been heading to the Premier League with his beloved club, and doing so as the hero of the hour, too.

Now, the teenager will have to fight for a place in the Brighton team next season, which’ll be no mean feat. Fabian Hurzeler has a lot of quality players there, and Watson will really need to prove himself, especially given that big price tag.

He will also have the odd experience of looking out for that Stadium of Light return when the fixtures come out.

Still, fans have been urged to forgive Watson for the way he engineered that Brighton transfer. Something tells us they’ll find it pretty easy to do so now.