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Former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has backed the Black Cats to survive their return to the Premier League – but believes the combination of top-flight and European football could make for a gruelling 2026/27 campaign.
There is plenty of optimism around Wearside ahead of Sunderland’s first Premier League season in almost a decade, with Régis Le Bris’ side also preparing for their first European campaign since 1973.
That optimism is not
necessarily shared by the wider football world, with a number of pundits predicting Sunderland to struggle.
Bardsley, though, believes survival is within Sunderland’s grasp – while warning supporters that the demands of the season should not be underestimated.
“I’d probably say 11th or 12th would be a very good season,” Bardsley said when asked what would constitute a successful Premier League campaign.
“Where I think they might actually finish? Maybe around 16th – but, crucially, still avoiding relegation.
“It’s going to be a demanding campaign. The Premier League is difficult enough as it is, and adding European football into the mix makes it tougher. I think Sunderland will survive, but I do think it could be a bit of a grueller.”
Bardsley knows from experience just how difficult it can be for a relatively small squad to deal with the demands of European football alongside domestic competition.
According to the former right-back, it is not necessarily the travelling itself that presents the biggest problem.
“I’ve been there and I know how difficult it can be,” he explained.
“We had it at Burnley with a relatively small squad. It’s the away games, travelling, coming back and then playing again a few days later.
“People might look at it and think, ‘You’re travelling in luxury, what’s the issue?’ But it’s the mental fatigue. Knowing you’re travelling again, spending time sitting around and constantly having to recover does take its toll.”
Despite his prediction, Bardsley stressed that he would be delighted to be proven wrong.
“I hope I’m wrong,” he said. “I’d love nothing more than to see them comfortably flying high in the league, doing well in Europe and enjoying a strong domestic campaign.”
‘A chance of getting into the knockout stages’
While Bardsley expects Sunderland to face a significant challenge domestically, he is much more enthusiastic about their prospects in Europe.
He believes simply being competitive during the league phase and giving themselves an opportunity to progress would represent an excellent campaign.
“If they can have a competitive league phase and give themselves a chance of getting into the play-offs, that would be brilliant,” he said.
“A lot will depend on the draw. If it’s kind to you in these competitions, you can see a route through into the knockout stages.”
Bardsley also believes Sunderland’s home form could be crucial, both in the Premier League and in Europe.
“The home form will be especially important, both in the league and in Europe,” he said.
“Not many teams will enjoy coming to the Stadium of Light.”
That could be particularly significant given the transformation in atmosphere around the club over the past couple of seasons.
‘There are not many places better than the Stadium of Light’
Bardsley experienced both sides of the Stadium of Light during his Sunderland career.
There were difficult periods when results were poor and supporters turned on the team, but he also experienced some of the best atmospheres the ground has produced.
“It makes a massive difference,” he said.
“I experienced both ends of the scale at Sunderland – some brilliant times and some very difficult ones.”
The former defender understands why supporters can become frustrated when performances are not good enough, but believes the Stadium of Light becomes a very different place when Sunderland are winning.
“It is certainly not a nice place to play when things are not going well. But when things are going well, there are not many places better than the Stadium of Light.”
And for Bardsley, there are certain elements of the Sunderland matchday experience that make it particularly special.
“The anthem, the Elvis music, winning a game and hearing Wise Men Say – it is pretty special,” he said.
“Sunderland supporters should be proud of themselves because not many clubs or grounds around the country can generate that level of noise.”
With Sunderland now preparing for European nights as well as Premier League football, Bardsley believes supporters have plenty to look forward to.
“They should keep backing the team,” he said.
“What the players are giving them at the moment is outstanding, and I’m sure there are plenty of good days ahead – particularly with this European campaign.
“I’m sure the fans will enjoy themselves wherever they go.”
Listen to the full interview
Bardsley’s comments were taken from an exclusive interview with Haway The Podcast, with the audio featured in last week’s episode of the podcast.
The episode also covers Sunderland’s new third kit, transfer business and the latest issues surrounding match tickets.
You can listen to the full episode of Haway The Podcast here:
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