Tom Burwell rallies Sunderland fans after historic Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Tom Burwell has issued a rallying message to Sunderland supporters after the Black Cats sealed Europa League football for the first time in 53 years.

Régis Le Bris’ side clinched seventh place with a final-day 2-1 victory over Club World Cup champions Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, helped by results elsewhere. Sunderland Echo notes the achievement completes a four-year climb from League One to Europe.

“What a day. What a week. What a season,” Burwell wrote, praising a 49,000 crowd he felt refused to accept anything ordinary. He said their backing helped propel Sunderland into Europe, saluting heroes on the pitch, in the stands and around the world.

The landmark came exactly one year after promotion was secured in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley. Full-time brought emotional scenes as players, staff, supporters and members of the ownership group celebrated a defining moment on Wearside.

Le Bris said qualification proves “anything is possible” in football after an extraordinary first season back in the top flight. He urged Sunderland to stay humble amid a busier schedule, adding that the club’s structure offers a platform to keep progressing, and he declined to set firm limits or targets for what comes next.

Source: Sunderland Echo