Sunderland to 'take over' London bar before play-off final as big crowd expected
by Simon Duke · ChronicleLiveA bar in central London is set to be packed to the rafters with Sunderland fans this weekend ahead of Saturday's Championship play-off final and, after plans to host an event close to Trafalgar Square were shelved.
While the Black Cats haven't been the best run of form in the last few months, having been assured of a place in the play-offs for some time, they dug when it mattered most to edge out Coventry City away in the first leg of the play-off semi final, before a last gasp goal from homegrown defender Dan Ballard sent the Stadium of Light into a frenzy last Tuesday, with his header meaning that penalties didn't need to be taken and Sunderland sealed a trip to Wembley.
And now, having won at Wembley in the league one play offs in 2022, SAFC are now aiming to defeat Sheffield United, who were the convincing two leg winners against Bristol City in their play off semi and return to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2017, which was the first of two successive relegations within 12 months.
We've already had one North East triumph at Wembley, with Sunderland's rivals Newcastle beating Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup and now tens of thousands of Sunderland fans are getting ready to set off for the capital, hoping to see their team return home with a trophy and, more importantly, a place in the Premier League next season.
Like Newcastle supporters, Sunderland fans will definitely be creating a party atmosphere in London before their big game and one place where there looks set to be an epic atmosphere is the Redwood sports bar near London Bridge. Just stop from Trafalgar Square on the Tube - from Charring Cross to London Bridge - the bar, in a great location next to The Shard, looks set to become a sea of red and white on Friday night, as well known North East DJ Wee Phillie, famous for his matchday parties at The Wheatsheaf on Wearside, hosts.
The event will have FREE entry, with doors opening to Sunderland fans at 6pm and Phillie on stage from 7-9pm.
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