Breaking |
Sheffield United 1 Sunderland 2
Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard (centre) is headed to the Premier League with Sunderland
Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard (centre) is headed to the Premier League with Sunderland
Today at 09:19
Northern Ireland defenders Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume will be playing Premier League football next season after helping Sunderland win promotion to the top flight with a remarkable comeback win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
The Black Cats earned their place back in the promised land for the first time since 2017 as second half goals from Eliezer Mayenda and teenager Tommy Watson, who struck five minutes into added time, earned them the 2-1 win.
Ballard and Hume were immense in defence, both playing the full game, with Ballard producing an heroic block with the score tied 1-1 and Hume contributing with some crunching tackles as the Blades pressed.
The pair will now join fellow defender Conor Bradley in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny making it four Northern Irishmen in the top flight, while there is still the possibility that Jonny Evans could land with a top flight club after his release from Manchester United and midfielder Jamie Donley is set to return to parent club Tottenham Hotspur after a season on loan at Leyton Orient.
With the win, not only do Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years but they also bank an estimated £220million, the majority of which comes from the Premier League’s new £6.7billion broadcast deal.
Tommy Watson (left) netted Sunderland’s winner at Wembley (Ben Whitley/PA)
Tommy Watson (left) netted Sunderland’s winner at Wembley (Ben Whitley/PA)
As well as that, Régis le Bris’ side are also entitled to commercial fees, facility fees, and merit payments as a result of their promotion, while they are also guaranteed to at least receive parachute payments even if they are relegated back to the Championship next season, so their winnings could increase further if they survive an immediate return back to the second division.
Watson had only been on the pitch since the 73rd minute when he was given room just outside the box to advance on goal and send a beautifully-placed finish into the bottom corner, the 19-year-old sparking bedlam in the stands.
Sheffield United had looked set to seal themselves an immediate promotion following their relegation last season, Tyreece Campbell’s goal midway through the first half handing Chris Wilder’s side a lead they held until the final 15 minutes.
Mayenda then scored with a stunning drive to level for Le Bris’ side before Watson produced a moment that will live long in Wearside folklore.
Read more
Northern Ireland withdraw from youth tournament that set Steven Davis and Conor Bradley on their way to stardom