How many tickets Sunderland AFC sold when last at Wembley as Le Bris eyes Championship play-off final | OneFootball

Sunderland will be hoping to return to Wembley next month as they try to reach the Premier League via the play-offs.

Sunderland have known for some time that they will be in the Championship play-offs this season, with Regis Le Bris managing his squad accordingly ahead of those crucial games.

Whether it’s a benefit or not remains to be seen, but the Black Cats will feel they are capable of reaching the Premier League due to the talented young squad they have assembled.

Another factor that works in their favour is that, by finishing fourth, they will play the second leg of the semi-final at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s fans can help promotion push

The Wearside outfit boast the biggest stadium in the league, and they have averaged over 40,000 this season, which is remarkable for a second tier side.

Of course, that isn’t always an advantage, as it brings pressure and expectancy that the players may not be used to, and it can be a difficult environment to flourish in when things aren’t going well.

Nevertheless, having such a support base is a positive overall, and Le Bris will want them to create a raucous atmosphere for the second leg of the play-offs.

The aim is to reach the Premier League, so another Wembley final could await for Sunderland, with the club having played at the national stadium 11 times over the years.

Sunderland's mixed record as 46,000 flood to Wembley

The high point at Wembley came in 1973 for Sunderland, when they shocked Leeds United to win the FA Cup, with a famous double save from Jim Montgomery helping the side on their way to lifting the trophy.

Sadly for the club, heartbreak would follow on their next trips down south, with two League Cup final losses, an FA Cup final defeat and two play-off final losses in cruel fashion against Charlton over the years.

Yet, their last visit to Wembley did bring some happy memories, as Alex Neil’s side beat Wycombe Wanderers to seal a return to the Championship.

As well as the crucial win, it was a great day out for Sunderland fans, as 46,000 made the journey to Wembley, which meant they outnumbered Wycombe by more than two to one.

Given the size of the fan base, the Black Cats could easily take much more than that number to Wembley for a Championship play-off final, although the reality is that they are unlikely to get the chance.

Whilst allocations for the final are yet to be decided, last season Leeds were given just under 36,000 for the final against Southampton, which they lost.