Smith Rowe and Bellingham react to Dan Ballard’s passionate Sunderland message
Sunderland hero Dan Ballard shared an upbeat message with supporters following his dramatic winning goal against Coventry.
The Black Cats booked their place in the Championship play-off final thanks to a stoppage-time header from Ballard in extra-time.
Sunderland held a 2-1 advantage over Coventry from the first-leg, but Ephron Mason-Clark’s second-half volley brought the tie level and forced extra-time.
With penalties on the horizon, Ballard rose highest to head home the decisive goal, sending the Stadium of Light into raptures.
While teammates including Jobe Bellingham shared heartfelt tributes to the fans, Ballard posted a message of his own in the aftermath of the victory.
Sunderland players hail Dan Ballard after dramatic play-off winner
The former Arsenal defender posted on social media after the victory, sharing pictures from his passionate celebration along with the message: “‘TIL THE END. See you at Wembley.”
The post drew plenty of attention from across the footballing world, with former teammate Emile Smith Rowe commenting with a fire emoji, and Liverpool’s Conor Bradley also liking it.
Bellingham joined the reactions with a simple: “Machine”, while Dennis Cirkin added: “MAESTRO BALLARD”.
Ballard has been a consistent performer for Sunderland throughout the season, leading the backline with maturity and emerging as a key figure in the dressing room.
| Match statistics | Sunderland | Coventry City |
| Possession | 41% | 59% |
| Shots | 16 | 20 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 2 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Yellow cards | 8 | 3 |
Tottenham handed Jobe Bellingham transfer boost amid Champions League doubts
Despite the celebrations from the win, Regis Le Bris’ side are still facing uncertainty over the future of Bellingham, who continues to be linked with a summer exit.
Football Insider revealed that Tottenham will be boosted in their pursuit of Bellingham if Borussia Dortmund fail to secure Champions League football.
Sunderland are resigned to let Bellingham leave if they don’t achieve promotion, with a fee of £25 million being touted for the 19-year-old midfielder.
Both Dortmund and RB Leipzig are said to be keeping close tabs on the situation, while Bellingham remains under contract until 2028. Though the club may be reluctant to part ways with such a key player, the financial offer could be too significant to ignore.
For now, Sunderland fans will hope Bellingham continues to follow Ballard’s lead as focus shifts firmly to Wembley.