Sunderland have secured their promotion back to the Premier League thanks to a dramatic 2–1 victory over Sheffield United in Saturday‘s playoff final. Régis Le Bris‘s side were far from their best for the vast majority of the game but shone late on to complete a stunning comeback and end their eight-year exile from England‘s top flight.

The Blades took the lead through Tyrese Campbell and had several chances to build on it as Chris Wilder's side were dominant. However, Sunderland struck twice late on as Eliezer Mayenda equalized with less than 15 minutes to go and then substitute Tom Watson curled home in stoppage time to send the Black Cats back to the Premier League as their fans were in dreamland.

Ballard’s Sunderland will now play Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium in London for a place in next season’s Premier League — and the riches that come with it.