Twelve minutes of added time in the playoff final at Wembley – and they were still playing. Sunderland romped over the line thanks to a ninety-fifth minute goal to defeat Sheffield United and become the third side promoted to the Premier League along with Leeds and Burnley.
Have to feel sympathy for Sheffield united fans, Hammers’ supporters certainly know what that late sickener goal feels like having fallen foul of late defeats themselves this season: Although to lose a play off final from a goal that late – has be a real ‘kick in the blades’.
David Moyes and Graham Potter were on course to clash over the recruitment of key members of the Sunderland team, having both made public their desire to try and recruit the same midfielders out of the Black Cats if they failed to secure Premier League status.
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Dan Neil was reported a David Moyes’ Everton target whilst Graham Potter and West Ham were hotly tipped to signChris Rigg – Sunderland’s youngest midfielder at 17. Now, more than likely both Moyes and Potter will go empty handed as the trio of Bellingham, Neil and Rigg enjoy the fruits of their labour with their adoring Sunderland fans celebrating like crazy.
Back to the drawing board for the Hammers, then, as that ninety fifth minute goal more than likely put a spanner in West Ham’s summer recruitment works as well as breaking Blades’ fans’ hearts.