'The job is only half done'

BBC News

12-05-2025

Former Sunderland winger Kieron Brady has praised the Black Cats' first leg performance in the Championship play-off semi-final but warns "the job is only half done".Regis Le Bris' side host Coventry in the second leg on Tuesday with a 2-1 advantage following their first win at the CBS Arena in 40 years. "We obviously can focus on the tactics, the degree of containment that was utilised but I think also the inclusion of Dan Ballard who was colossal in the heart of defence, and then to play with two recognised forwards which is something of a rarity in the modern game, and then to go on and convert the chances that they had would be very, very personally satisfying for Regis Le Bris," Brady told BBC Radio Newcastle."But of course the job is only half done."He added: "Playing at home when you have an advantage brings its own potential challenges so it might be nervy tomorrow evening. It certainly will be the longer the game goes without any goals. "I've got no doubt Coventry will still be confident that they can come and get what's necessary. At the very least take it to extra time. Frank Lampard does have previous for overturning a home deficit so there's still very much a lot to play for. "As much as I think there can be a degree of optimism about going to the twin towers of Wembley a week on Saturday, I still think there's a lot of work to be done." A sell-out crowd is expected at the 48,707 capacity Stadium of Light for the second leg. Brady warns home advantage might not be so simple for Sunderland especially if Le Bris employs the same tactics from the first leg. "One of the potential implications that comes with having such a loyal and vociferous fanbase is that a lot of experienced managers and coaches know that there are ways that can be utilised to turn it into the away side's favour," Brady added."I think with Sunderland gleaning so much confidence from being able to go to Coventry and win, I would be very, very surprised if Regis Le Bris adopted a similar tactic, certainly for the full duration of the game tomorrow. "It's one thing to instil confidence in the 11 players that start the game that they can benefit from a similar approach but you just wonder how a large section of the supporters would react if they witness Sunderland playing a containing game which of course at times is going to concede chances or openings to the away side."It very much will necessitate a collective effort from all concerned and when I say that I do mean the players that take to the field as well as what's coming from the stands."You can listen to more from Kieron Brady on BBC Sounds.