Alious
As Sunderland eyes a return to the Premier League, a growing number of fans are beginning to ask a once unthinkable question: *Is promotion even worth it anymore?* The debate has flared following former Sunderland striker Ross Stewart’s relegation with Southampton—a sobering reminder of how cruel top-flight football can be.
In today’s hyper-competitive football landscape, even reaching the Premier League isn’t the guaranteed dream it once was. Sunderland, currently sitting fourth in the Championship under Regis Le Bris, are firmly in the play-off picture. But what lies beyond promotion is now the subject of division among supporters.
That division was stoked over the weekend when Stewart’s Southampton were officially relegated, less than a year after celebrating promotion. Despite the financial boost and expectation that came with their rise, Southampton joins fellow promoted clubs Leicester and Ipswich in facing a swift return to the second tier—raising serious doubts about the sustainability of promotion success.
**From Promotion Hope to Premier League Horror: Stewart’s Tough Year**
Ross Stewart’s tale is particularly poignant. Once a prolific scorer at the Stadium of Light, the striker has managed only 138 minutes of Premier League football for Southampton this season, his momentum derailed by persistent injuries. His move last September was meant to be a major step forward. Instead, it became a case study in how brutal top-flight football can be.
Fans who once dreamed of Sunderland returning to the big stage are now watching Stewart’s struggles and wondering: *Are we next?*
**Supporters Sound Off: Is the Premier League Worth the Risk?**
Sunderland fans took to social media to share mixed feelings. One supporter admitted, “Honestly, as a Sunderland fan there’s a part of me who’d sooner not get promoted if this is what’s in store.” Another echoed the sentiment: “Seeing the 3 promoted sides being utterly hapless and miles out of their depth does absolutely nothing to change that. What depressing seasons for all 3.”
Others highlighted the stark contrast in quality between England’s top two divisions. “The bottom of the Premiership makes very sobering reading,” wrote one fan. “It’s not just 18-20, but their aggregate number of wins and points.” Another bluntly added: “It’s not the big six anymore, it’s the big 17.”
Doubts were also cast on Sunderland’s current squad, with concerns that only a handful of players could genuinely adapt to the Premier League level: “There are very few capable of making the step-up, particularly so soon.”
**Could Sunderland Buck the Trend? Reasons for Optimism Under Le Bris**
Despite the doom and gloom, there are reasons to believe Sunderland might avoid the fate of this year’s relegated trio. Unlike Ipswich, Sunderland haven’t jumped two leagues in two years, and they’ve had a stable managerial setup under Regis Le Bris—something both Southampton and Leicester lacked throughout the campaign.
Statistically, Sunderland look more prepared than most recent promotees. Their defensive record is strong, conceding fewer than one goal per game, while they also boast the Championship’s fourth-best goals-per-game ratio. They’re a difficult team to beat, and their pragmatic approach—averaging just 48% possession—suggests they’re less likely to suffer the same fate as Southampton, whose overly risky style cost them dearly.
The potential permanent signing of Roma loanee Enzo Le Fée would also provide a major boost in quality. And with Premier League and European giants keeping close tabs on rising stars like Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and Dan Neil, it’s clear that elite clubs see potential in this squad.
**A Risk Worth Taking?**
For Sunderland, the question remains open-ended. Promotion brings glory, revenue, and the chance to compete at the highest level—but also the risk of immediate humiliation, as Stewart’s experience at Southampton so painfully highlights.
Still, with a tactically sharp manager, promising young talent, and a system less likely to be exposed at the next level, Le Bris’ Black Cats might just be different. The debate rages on, but Sunderland may yet prove that the Premier League dream is still worth chasing—if done the right way.
Alious
