IN the space of just 21 minutes, Sunderland turned agony into ecstasy. That’s all the Black Cats needed to turn around Saturday’s Championship playoff final, fighting back from 1-0 down against Sheffield United to win 2-1 and secure promotion back to the Premier League after an eight-year absence from the top flight.

Sunderland are certainly no Premier League strangers, but a lot has changed at the Stadium of Light since they were last among English football’s elite. Indeed, the Black Cats have a completely different approach and strategy that has completely transformed the club. Sunderland are back, but not as you remember them.

The upward trajectory of the North East club can be traced back to 2021, when Kyril Louis-Dreyfus arrived. A distant cousin of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the 27-year-old is far from the typical football club owner and has spearheaded a cultural overhaul at the Stadium of Light. Louis-Dreyfus has been willing to do things differently.

Last summer, for example, Sunderland hired Regis Le Bris as their manager. He was a relative unknown, certainly in English football circles, having coached for just two seasons in Ligue 1. Le Bris left Lorient after suffering relegation to the French second tier and so many doubted he would make an impact in the Championship.

Quickly, though, Le Bris put his own stamp on the team. Sunderland quickly became one of the best transition teams in the league, with Le Bris capable of adapting his strategy depending on the situation and opponent – this was certainly the case against Sheffield United on Saturday when Le Bris’ alterations were key.

Le Bris is most comfortable on the training pitch. He is also a fierce advocate of Sunderland’s youth academy, which has produced several first team players since Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover. This is partly why Le Bris was hired in the first place – to help bring through academy players into the first team.

This season, Sunderland had the lowest average age (24.3) of any Championship team. Eliezer Mayenda, who scored a well-taken equaliser in Saturday’s playoff final, is only 20. Tom Watson, who netted the stoppage time winner to clinch promotion, is 19. Youth is at the centre of Sunderland’s new strategy.

Jobe Bellingham is the club’s prize asset. The 19-year-old brother of a certain Real Madrid superstar is making a name for himself as one of the brightest young midfielders anywhere in Europe. 17-year-old Chris Rigg is another high-potential talent who could reach the top of the game. 

It’s possible Sunderland could become a victim of their own success before they even kick a ball in the Premier League next season, with transfer speculation already swirling around some of their best players. Bellingham has been linked with Borussia Dortmund, where his brother developed so quickly at a similar stage of his career. He could leave this summer.

 

Watson’s winner against Sheffield United was a parting gift with the teenager on his way to Brighton this summer for £10m. Others could be plucked from the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland’s model should stand them in good stead. This is a club with a clear vision and a very effective recruitment strategy.

Not so long ago, Sunderland were a tragic symbol. They epitomised the mismanagement and desperation of many clubs in the English league system. The three seasons they spent in League One between 2018 and 2022 were a manifestation of this. It was a deserved punishment. Now, though, the Black Cats are back in the Premier League and are setting an example for others. 

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