Sunderland symphony 🎻

EUROPA LEAGUE was never the dream. Not because I didn’t want it. Because if I’m being honest, I never thought it was possible. What kid would? Especially when 12 years ago I was playing non league football in the Ryman Premier and Conference South, just trying to stay alive in the game. What kid dreams about Europe when, two weeks into the off season, his dad has to tell him he’s been released by Watford F.C. over the phone? I was heartbroken. My dad looked at me and said: “What are we doing tomorrow?” To which I replied with the words he’d drilled into me my whole life: “We’re training, Dad.” So we trained. Every single day. My dad emailed every EFL club asking for an opportunity. One club replied. One. That was all I needed. An opportunity. @WealdstoneFC and @wwfcofficial , I’ll always be indebted to you. Then came the move to @SunderlandAFC . A massive club. A massive opportunity. And I couldn’t wait to prove myself. But 45 minutes into my debut… hooked. “Rabbit caught in headlights. Waste of money. Get rid.” Then came the Championship. “He’s not good enough for this level.” Then the Premier League. “Let’s give him a debut and then get rid of him.” I understood the doubt. I’ve faced it my whole career. And truthfully, you doubt yourself too at times. But I’ve always tried to live by one mindset: Outwork your doubt. You don’t always need to see the full journey. You just need to take the next step. Then the next one. And then another. Even when social media tells you you’re not good enough. Even when the voice inside your own head whispers the same thing. Keep working. Keep learning. Keep showing up. Because sometimes the places you end up are bigger than anything your younger self could’ve ever imagined. To any young player reading this, don’t put a ceiling on yourself too early. You genuinely have no idea where this game and life can take you. And to the boys… thank you. You removed the glass ceiling I’d placed on myself. What a team. What a club. What a fanbase. Sunderland… rocking all over Europe ❤️🤍 And in the words of Granit Xhaka: “This is just the beginning.”

EUROPA LEAGUE FOOTBALL IS COMING TO SUNDERLAND!

Sunderland fans leaving Everton’s ground yesterday with their new chant about Newcastle… “You laughed at us, When we were shite, We came back up, And beat you twice One nil at home, Two one away, All the Geordies ran away”

😁 That's one very happy Head Coach. RLB reflects on today's win at St. James' Park 📺

IT'S HAPPENED AGAIN 🤣🤣🤣

🤳🏼 Sunderland’s Chris Rigg re-emerges into the St James’ Park pitch on his own to take selfies in front of the jubilant Sunderland fans — and wind up their rivals. #SAFC #NUFC

Brobbey with his very well deserved goal in the late stages 👏 💪

SUNDERLAND'S NUMBER NINE IN THE 90TH MINUTE AT ST. JAMES' PARK

Join us for a series of fantastic events with Clare Mackintosh as we celebrate and discuss her gripping new thriller, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK. Details here: waterstones.com/events/searc…

Dan Ballard proud recipient of the NorthEast FWA Player of the Year.

Big moments require big players. The journey continues...

Sunderland have been handed a major boost after Dan Ballard agreed an extension to his current contract. The Echo understands that Ballard put pen to paper on fresh terms ahead of the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, and that confirmation of the new deal is now imminent. Sunderland have been keen to reward Ballard for his rapid progress on Wearside, emerging as one of the key players in Régis Le Bris's squad since promotion to the Premier League. sunderlandecho.com/sport/foo…

Sunderland AFC is appalled by the vile online racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle following today’s Premier League fixture against Fulham.

😍 Dan Ballard has been named the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year for 2025. Congratulations, Dan! 💪

The most recent #DCIKateDaniels investigation has suddenly grown a #Bestseller #ebook flag. This is great to see two years on from publication. Thanks to all who’ve bought, read, reviewed or shared on social media. 🤔 Should I write number 10? @AMHeathLtd @orionbooks

UPDATE Moved to Saturday 24 January. See you then @TonyKent_Writes ! @wstonesdurham are looking forward to your visit. Please RT to spread the word. #RevengeOfOdessa

Saturdays event with @TonyKent_Writes has been postponed until 24th January due to adverse weather conditions

📸 Sunderland mock Newcastle by taking a team photo in front of their fans — on the pitch — following their 1-0 win over their arch-rivals. (Newcastle did this two years ago when they won here in the FA cup…) #SAFC #SUNNEW

Sunderland setting the tone for the Magpies... 🐈‍⬛ #SUNNEW