Tom Burwell issues rallying call to Sunderland fans after historic Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Tom Burwell has urged Sunderland supporters to savour a landmark after the Black Cats clinched Europa League football. According to Sunderland Echo, the feat completes a rise from League One to Europe in four years.

On the final day, Régis Le Bris’ side beat Club World Cup champions Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light to secure seventh place, with other results falling their way. It arrived exactly one year after their dramatic play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley.

Burwell hailed an unforgettable week and season, praising 49,000 fans who, in his view, refused to let the club be anything other than extraordinary. He lauded the support as a true 12th man and said there were too many heroes to name, on the pitch and around the world. He added that Sunderland are marching on Europe.

Back in the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, Sunderland had been widely tipped to scrap for survival. Instead they delivered a top-seven finish and a first continental campaign since 1973-74, while recording a second win over Chelsea this season.

Emotional scenes followed the final whistle as players, staff, supporters and members of the ownership group celebrated. Le Bris said the run proves anything is possible, stressing Sunderland must remain humble before a busier schedule next season. He declined to set firm targets, pointing to the club’s structure as a platform for continued progress.

Source: Sunderland Echo