Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson respond to Dan Neil’s message after Sunderland win
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson both responded as Dan Neil took to Instagram to celebrate Sunderland’s Championship playoff triumph.
The Stadium of Light witnessed incredible scenes on Tuesday, 13 May as the Black Cats reached the Championship playoff final thanks to Dan Ballard’s 122nd-minute goal against Coventry City.
Regis Le Bris’ men drew 1-1 with the Sky Blues on the night, but progressed to Wembley thanks to their 3-2 aggregate lead after winning the first leg 2-1 at the CBS Arena.
Sunderland will now go head-to-head with Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final on 24 May.
Bellingham and Henderson respond to Neil’s message as Sunderland reach Wembley
Neil has successfully captained the Mackems to the Championship playoff final, scoring two goals and three assists in the second tier this term.
| Dan Neil stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
The midfielder celebrated Sunderland’s two-legged triumph over Coventry as he wrote on Instagram [14 May]: “What an atmosphere, what a night. One more to go… see you all at Wembley.”
Madrid’s Bellingham and ex Black Cats man Henderson both commented with emojis showing their support for Neil.
Sunderland must win promotion to keep Jobe Bellingham
The Black Cats have enjoyed a stellar Championship campaign, which has culminated in the fact that they have reached the playoff final.
Le Bris has done exceptionally well to take Sunderland to Wembley in his first season as a manager in the English game, while the Mackems’ success has largely been built on the performances of their young talents.
But thanks to his consistent excellence in the Championship, Jobe Bellingham has attracted suitors in the transfer market, while Football Insider have exclusively revealed that the North East club are resigned to losing the 19-year-old if they do not clinch promotion to the Premier League.
As well as Bellingham, the Black Cats may also face an uphill battle to retain Chris Rigg if they do not win the Championship playoff final amid interest from Everton.
Rigg is still only 17 years old, but he has already established himself as one of the best players in the second tier.