Former Sunderland player Phil Bardsley believes his ex-club deserves to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
[Sunderland](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/sunderland) faces Sheffield United in the crucial play-off final at Wembley on Saturday after beating Coventry City. Despite recent struggles, Bardsley is confident in Sunderland’s ability to secure a spot in the top tier once again.
Having enjoyed seven seasons in the Premier League with the Wearsiders, Bardsley knows only too well what getting back to the top tier would mean for the club’s die-hard supporters.
Speaking to SportsBoom he said: “It would mean everything to get back into the Premier League, it’s the ‘Promised Land’ for them.
“It’s brilliant for them to be in the final, it was a mammoth effort from them to win that game and get in the final. I thought Coventry were the better team over the two legs, they were a bit unfortunate. But it just goes to show the attitude and desire Sunderland had to get into the play-off final and, ultimately, the Premier League.
“For a club of that size and the support that they generate week-in, week-out, well they deserve to be in the Premier League.
“For them to beat a really good Coventry side, across two legs, was a big achievement. Coventry have done a fantastic job this season, they’ve kicked into form over the last few months, so to get a win like that can breed massive confidence.
“But look, the job’s not done. They’ve got a tricky game against Sheffield United. However, it’s a game that if they show their commitment and desire, they’ve shown over the two semi-final legs, well there’s no reason why they can’t win that game.”
Meanwhile, head coach Regis Le Bris says the build-up to the final has gone well. The young side have shown no tension and are excited at completing a job they started when Le Bris challenged them over their aims when he first met the squad.
Asked if there were any signs of nerves in the camp, Le Bris said: “So far so good. They were well balanced this week. We are replicating what we did all season.
“So the focus is on our game, our identity and making sure we deliver. It will be another tough game but we are ready.”
A whole season’s work has come to this moment and Le Bris added: “It will be different but at the same time we are exactly where we wanted to be at the start of season. When I first met with the players I asked them ‘what is the purpose of the season?’
“And they said they wanted to get promoted and here we are."