Exclusive: Phil Bardsley Backs Sunderland to Finish the Job at Wembley and Reach the “Promised Land”

Phil Bardsley would love to see his former club Sunderland win their place back in the “Promised Land”.

The Black Cats face Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday with the winner guaranteed promotion to the Premier League.

Having enjoyed seven seasons in the Premier League with the Tyne and Wear club, Bardsley knows only too well what getting back to the top tier would mean for the club’s die-hard supporters.

“It would mean everything to get back into the Premier League, it’s the ‘Promised Land’ for them,” revealed Bardsley, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com. 

The Black Cats beat Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, winning with a dramatic 122nd minute extra-time winner to leave themselves with a fine chance to get back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

“It’s brilliant for them to be in the final, it was mammoth effort from them to win that game and get in the final,” added Bardsley.

“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.”

RELEGATION DISAPPOINTMENT 

Sunderland suffered back-to-back relegations during the 2016-17 season, firstly from the Premier League down to the Championship.

And then a calamitous season immediately after as the Black Cats someone dropped down into League One after a season to forget.

But Bardsley, who loved playing at the Stadium of Light during his stay at the club from January 2008 until June 2014, is delighted the club are back fighting for a spot in the top tier once again.

“They’ve obviously suffered over recent years, playing League One football and in the Championship trying to get promoted, so for them to get back into the Premier League would be like the good old days when I was there,” reflected Bardsley.

“We had some good times when I was there. Roy Keane was manager and he signed me in the January and we went on to have a good run at the Premier League, we had six and a half years in the top flight."

“Listen, we had some challenging seasons, but it’s like everyone in football – especially when you’ve not got the biggest of budgets – but the players we had, and the players we brought in over course of that spell – did a brilliant job."

“More than anything the chemistry and the togetherness that it generated throughout was brilliant."

“There were different types of squads when I was there, but we always remained positive and we always kept a good team spirit."

“That came from within, but also from the amazing fans who always used to show us their support.”

SERIOUS DANGER

At one stage Sunderland were in serious danger of missing out on the play-offs after an alarming run of five straight defeats to finish the season.

But the Black Cats snook in and now have a one-game shootout with the Blades to hopefully delight their loyal fans.

“You go through challenges in a season, they went on a good run at the start of the season and then towards the end they tailed off a bit,” said Bardsley.

“Thankfully they did enough to get over the line and into the play-offs."

“It just shows the character of the group and the manager [Regis Le Bris] and what he demands."

“For them to beat a really good Coventry side, across two legs, was a big achievement."

“Coventry have done fantastic 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 jobs 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.”