Sunderland promotion: what the manager has to say
Alex Neil says he's "content" in returning the Black Cats to the Championship
Last updated 22nd May 2022
Alex Neil has brought the good times back to Sunderland.
The Black Cats have returned to the Championship for the first time in four years.
They deservedly beat Wycombe 2-0 in the Sky Bet League One play-off final at Wembley, with goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart sealing promotion in front of 46,000 fans.
Neil, who was appointed in February following Lee Johnson's surprise sacking, was proud to be the man to reverse the slide.
"When you come to a club like Sunderland, people love a fallen giant and love to stick the boot in," he said.
"It was such a challenge for me to come here because this club has hoovered up managers over the last four years, but I have always had confidence I could go to a big club.
"I'm not the one dancing around, people think I'm miserable but I'm not, I'm content. I'm extremely satisfied I have been able to deliver so much to so many people that it matters to and that for me is the most important thing, because it has been tough for this club for a few years.
"The team-talk today was talking about moments in your career, this is your moment in time, you could be a hero. For Sunderland fans, this team they will be heroes and they will be remembered forever and I'm so, so pleased for them.
"It has been a really good day for us. That is the most pleasing thing for me that you could imagine."
I'm extremely satisfied I have been able to deliver so much to so many people that it matters to
It was a deserved success at Wembley, with Embleton's early drive putting them in front before Stewart's 26th goal of the season sealed promotion late on.