If there was one quality which encapsulated Sunderland’s play-off campaign, it was undoubtedly the never-say-die fighting spirit which was epitomised by the ‘Til the end’ strapline. As we walked away from Wembley, excitedly discussing the challenges that being back in our rightful place in the Premier League would bring, few could have foreseen the extensive recruitment campaign that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman were plotting. NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Noah Sadiki of Sunderland celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Sunderland at City Ground on September 27, 2025 in Nottingham, England. The fighting spirit that has brought us this far is now very evident in this incarnation of Sunderland. The way Régis Le Bris has moulded the first two of those qualities is as much a reason why we currently sit 5th in the Premier League as the latter.