AliousDon Goodman: Sunderland Must Rise Above Newcastle’s Success—Or Risk Losing Jobe Bellingham Without Promotion
Former Sunderland striker and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has shared a candid assessment of his old club’s Championship play-off campaign, praising their resilience while warning that failure to secure Premier League promotion could cost them not just glory—but one of their brightest young talents.
As Sunderland prepare for their play-off semi-final second leg against Coventry City, Goodman reflected on the team’s rollercoaster season, noting a sharp drop in form during the latter half. Despite a morale-boosting 2-1 win in the first leg, he remains cautious about their consistency.
“In 18 years covering the Championship play-offs, I’ve rarely seen a team in such poor form make it through,” Goodman told *Capital Football*. “They’ve looked disjointed, experimenting with lineups and losing their rhythm.”
Still, Goodman acknowledged Sunderland’s potential, pointing out that in a cup-style format like the play-offs, momentum can shift rapidly. “It’s a reset. Forget the form. They just need to remember how they played in the first half of the season—confident, expressive football.”
Highlighting Jobe Bellingham’s growing reputation, Goodman suggested the young midfielder could play a decisive role in the promotion push—but only if Sunderland go all the way. “Jobe is an outstanding talent. He’s a different type of player to his brother Jude, but still top quality. If Sunderland don’t go up, I can’t see them holding onto him. He may be in the Premier League next season—with or without them.”
Adding to the emotional weight of the campaign, Goodman touched on the pain Sunderland supporters feel watching rivals Newcastle United rise—having just won the Carabao Cup and pushing for European football.
“It must hurt to see Newcastle thrive while Sunderland are still fighting to get back up. But that’s football. Different clubs, different paths. Nothing would ease that sting more than a promotion-winning run at Wembley.”
As for a potential showdown with Sheffield United—play-off favourites after a dominant campaign—Goodman conceded they’re a formidable side, but not unbeatable. “They’re the best team in the play-offs, no question. But Sunderland have the talent to hurt anyone if they can rediscover their best form. It’s one last push.”
With high stakes and the promise of Premier League football in reach, Goodman’s message is clear: Sunderland must seize this chance—or face watching their stars, and their rivals, pull further away.
Alious
