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Sunderland fans will still be reeling from the fact they won the Championship play-off final, but soon, the prospect of the challenge of Premier League football will sink in.
Against the odds, Sunderland turned around a one-goal deficit on Saturday afternoon to dismantle a dominant Sheffield United side at Wembley.
The Black Cats were in terrible form heading into the play-offs, but they managed to find a way past Coventry City with a spirited display.
Then, in the final, goals from Eliezer Mayenda and a stunning gift of a goal from Tommy Watson in the dying moments sealed the win and promotion to the top flight for Sunderland.
The Wearside outfit can now look forward to a massive £240m influx as their reward, but can Sunderland spend that money wisely and remain in the Premier League beyond next season?
Fans predict relegation for Sunderland next season
Regis Le Bris has a lot of work to do this summer, with new players needed and some deadwood needing to be cleared out.
But, when we asked fans across the EFL to share their thoughts on Sunderland’s hopes for next season, it’s pretty clear that, sadly, relegation is on the cards for the Black Cats.
A quick poll on Twitter/X generated 173 votes in total, with a 41% majority (71 voters) thinking Sunderland will go down with a fight next term.
However, 29.5% (51 voters) do think Sunderland could just about scrape survival, though that comes with a caveat.
One Birmingham City fan wrote: “They are immediate favourites to go down, and have a team that is even short of the other two promoted teams. But it all comes down to recruitment now. Invest well and they can put up a fight, with their fans behind them. If they don’t, they’ll be practically down by Christmas.”
If that investment is made, then 18.5% of our survey (32 voters) believe Sunderland could end up being a surprise package in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, 11% (19 voters) reckon we could see Sunderland become the worst Premier League side of all time, beating Derby County’s dismal record of 11 points.
That’s echoed by one Norwich fan, who wrote: “[Sunderland will be] 20th, 19th at a push. Think Leeds will be the best of the promoted teams.”
Now, we just have to wait and see what happens this summer. Sunderland will become a Premier League club and give it a good shot next season, we’re sure, but it may still not be enough to bridge that gulf between the top and the second tier.
Sunderland’s magical day at Wembley
Honestly, even if you ask Regis Le Bris, there’s unlikely to be a meaningful or accurate explanation as to just how Sunderland managed to overcome Sheffield United at Wembley.
In short, though, we can attribute it to the Blades not putting away their chances, and Sunderland finding momentum at exactly the right time.
The success was largely down to Academy of Light graduates like Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, and Tommy Watson, with match-winning saves from the goalkeeper and Watson making himself a Sunderland legend with his dramatic goal.
Now, Sunderland have secured their first signing of the summer as Enzo Le Fee’s loan move becomes permanent. Fans will be hoping for more of the same as the weeks go by now, as they await that glorious return to English football’s top table after eight seasons away.