Sunderland AFC 2024/25 Season Review: A Youthful Revival and Premier League Return

The 2024/25 season marked a remarkable turnaround for Sunderland AFC, culminating in a dramatic promotion to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. Under the guidance of head coach Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats combined youthful exuberance with tactical discipline to achieve this milestone.talkSPORTWikipedia+8The Guardian+8The Times+8

📈 Championship Campaign: Steady Ascent

Sunderland finished 4th in the Championship, securing a spot in the play-offs. The team amassed 76 points over 46 matches, with a record of 21 wins, 13 draws, and 12 losses. Despite a challenging end to the regular season, including five consecutive losses, their earlier consistency ensured a play-off berth. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

🏆 Play-Off Triumph: Wembley Wonders

In the semi-finals, Sunderland faced Coventry City. A 2-1 away victory followed by a 1-1 home draw, thanks to a last-minute goal by Daniel Ballard, secured a 3-2 aggregate win. Wikipedia+1ESPN.com+1Wikipedia+4ESPN.com+4Wikipedia+4

The play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley was a testament to the team’s resilience. After trailing 1-0, Eliezer Mayenda equalized in the 76th minute. Substitute Tom Watson then scored a stoppage-time winner, sealing a 2-1 victory and promotion. Premier League+9Wikipedia+9Sports Mole+9Diario AS+4The Guardian+4The Scottish Sun+4

🌟 Key Players and Emerging Talents

• Wilson Isidor: The French striker led the team’s scoring charts with 13 goals across all competitions. safc.com+6Sports Mole+6The Fishy+6

• Eliezer Mayenda: The young forward netted 11 goals, including the crucial equalizer in the play-off final. Sports Mole

• Jobe Bellingham: At 19, he was a midfield mainstay and was named the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season.

• Chris Rigg: The 17-year-old midfielder made significant contributions, earning the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season award. Wikipedia

• Tom Watson: The academy graduate’s decisive goal in the final was a fitting send-off before his move to Brighton. The Scottish Sun

🧠 Régis Le Bris: The Architect of Success

Appointed in June 2024, Le Bris brought a fresh perspective to Sunderland. His emphasis on youth development and tactical adaptability transformed the team’s fortunes. Despite initial unfamiliarity with the club, Le Bris quickly became a fan favorite. Wikipedia+9The Times+9The Guardian+9

📊 Season Highlights

• League Position: 4th (Promoted via play-offs)The Scottish Sun+8Wikipedia+8talkSPORT+8

• Top Scorer: Wilson Isidor (13 goals)FOX Sports+5Wikipedia+5The Guardian+5

• Highest Attendance: 46,530 vs. Coventry City (Play-off semi-final)Wikipedia+1ESPN.com+1

• Largest Victory: 4-0 vs. Sheffield WednesdayWikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

• Heaviest Defeat: 0-3 vs. Coventry CityWikipedia

🔮 Looking Ahead

With promotion secured, Sunderland faces the challenge of Premier League survival. Club legend Kevin Phillips emphasized the need for strategic investments to bridge the quality gap between the Championship and the top flight. talkSPORTtalkSPORT

The club’s youthful core, combined with prudent acquisitions, positions Sunderland for a promising return to the Premier League.

For a visual recap of Sunderland’s memorable season, watch the following video: