Championship play-off final: Sheffield United v Sunderland

BBC News

24-05-2025

Update:
Date: 12:13 BST
Title: Why does the match start at 15:01 BST?
Content: Sheff Utd v Sunderland (15:01 BST)
Like the two other play-off finals this bank holiday weekend, today's game kicks off at 15:01 BST to highlight the British Heart Foundation's Every Minute Matters campaign.
It aims to inspire people to learn life-saving CPR skills in the event someone has a cardiac arrest.
Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed eight minutes into his team's Championship play-off final against Coventry two years ago.
Lockyer, who is now an ambassador for the charity, said: "I'm lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than one in 10 people usually survive, which is why it's vital we continue to raise awareness.
"The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our life-saving message impossible to ignore."
Update:
Date: 12:05 BST
Title: A sea of red and white
Content: Sheff Utd v Sunderland (15:01 BST)
Steve MarshallBBC Sport at Wembley
Walking towards the ground from Wembley Stadium station more than three hours before kick-off, it was no surprise to be greeted by a sea of red and white striped shirts of both sides.
And there were more than a few apprehensive faces among the wearers.
The last time I was at a play-off final here, Oxford United beat York City in the National League promotion final to return to the Football League.
The U's manager that day in 2010? A certain Chris Wilder, who today returns to Wembley as boss of Sheffield United with a place in the Premier League on the line.
The Blades have never won promotion through the play-offs in nine previous attempts and have not tasted victory at the national stadium in 100 years.
Something has to give - but will it be Wilder's winning record in play-offs or the Blades' hoodoo?
Update:
Date: 12:00 BST
Title: Championship play-off final countdown begins
Content: Sheff Utd v Sunderland (15:01 BST)
David SpereallReporter, BBC News
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of today's Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Will Sunderland make it back to the Premier League after eight years away, or will Sheffield United finally break a 100-year curse and win at the national stadium?
We'll be bringing you all the pre-match build-up over the next three hours, before switching to updates from the final itself at 15:01 BST.
A place in English football's promised land awaits.