Sunderland are one win away from returning to the Premier League promised land and they battle Sheffield United this weekend.
The Black Cats were former mainstays in England’s top-flight but have spent their recent history toiling across the EFL divisions.
Formed in 1879, the Wearsiders have claimed six top-flight titles and are two-time winners of the FA Cup.
Regis Le Bris’ young side are now closing in on returning the club to the Premier League after reaching the Championship playoff final.
Sunderland, who finished fourth in the second tier, overcame Coventry over two legs to set up a showdown with Sheffield United.
Dan Ballard’s goal in the final moments of extra time saw the Black Cats secure a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, booking their place at Wembley by winning 3-2 on aggregate.
When were Sunderland last in the Premier League?
Sunderland have not graced the top-flight of English football since the 2016/17 season, which ended a 10-year stay in the elite division.
The Black Cats were Premier League mainstays from 2007 to 2017, but they only finished in the top half once in that decade.
In 2016, Sam Allardyce departed Sunderland to take up the England job and left them looking for their ninth manager in eight years.
David Moyes was named as his replacement a day later, but relegation was confirmed after a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth in April 2017.
Sunderland’s misery was compounded after the club slid into the third tier for the first time in 30 years after successive relegations.
It took them four seasons to find a way back to the Championship, having beaten Wycombe 2-0 in the League One playoff final in 2022.
When is the Championship Play-off Final?
The 2024/25 Championship Play-Off Final will take place on Saturday, May 24, at Wembley Stadium.
Kick-off time is scheduled for 3pm.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will have live coverage of the final.
Adrian Durham will be your presenter, with commentary from Sam Matterface, former Sunderland striker Darren Bent and ex-Blackpool boss Ian Holloway.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
It will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
