James Copley’s Sunderland notebook: Chris Rigg’s dad, Wilson Isidor, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and a city united | OneFootball

Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Chelsea sealed seventh place and a first European campaign since 1973-74. The day was about more than numbers. For a boyhood fan covering his city and club, it was unforgettable.

Before kick-off, I took my first child, George, into the press box for a first proper look at the Stadium of Light. He arrived in September as Sunderland settled back into the Premier League. Football quickly seeps into family life.

Pitchside afterwards, the Stadium of Light felt ferocious, emotional and overwhelming. Seeing Juan Sartori, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Maurice Louis-Dreyfus celebrate with family reinforced the belief that when this city pulls together, the sky is the limit, and underlined the ownership’s role in the rebuild.

Family ran through the afternoon. Amid the chaos, Chris Rigg’s dad hugged me and shouted, "My boy is going to Europe!" A Newcastle United supporter, he has embraced his son’s Sunderland career.

A small aside, it was uplifting to see Wilson Isidor’s minutes rise late on. After George’s birth he sent a congratulatory message, soon after scoring against Aston Villa and with a new child of his own. That kindness stayed with me.

This was not just a league table, nor only Europa League qualification. It was about those who went to Accrington, Gillingham, Shrewsbury and Lincoln, about families, friends, colleagues and the staff who keep things moving. Now and then, reporting puts you inside a moment that never fades.

Source: Sunderland Echo