How Watson went from outcast to Sunderland promotion hero

Tommy Watson’s defeat at Sunderland would have been the match-winner, fewer spectators at Wembley for the Championship play-off final.

Even less so after sifting through the team list, which does not even include his name, in the official program.

The 19-year-old signed for Brighton and Hove Albion last month for a £10 million deal, with Watson sealing the deal later in the summer.

In contrast to his younger team, whose position in the top flight was guaranteed despite what transpired in the final.

Another interesting thing is that Watson was booed by some fans in the first home game at Stadium of Light last month in light of his planned move to the south coast.

Marco Gabbiadini, a former Black Cats striker, described that reaction as “brainless,” but Watson has undoubtedly had the last laugh in an unforgettable way.

The teenager scored in the most impressive way in his 22nd and final game for the club, which included his other two goals against Stoke City in December.

The key thing for Regis Le Bris was that the squad was unconcerned about Watson’s continued involvement in these crucial final weeks.

The Frenchman said: “It was probably a difficult decision for him, but it was obvious in our minds and his minds that he was still a Sunderland player.”

Although Watson acknowledged the difficultness of the season’s conclusion, he delivered a champagne moment that will stick with him forever.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle, “I’ve been dreaming about that moment for the past few weeks.”

“I’m really happy that this monster of a club is back where it belongs,” I said.

Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, and Chris Rigg all feature in the starting XI, making Watson the latest of a long line of Academy of Light graduates to join the club.

Jordan Pickford, a former England international, and Jordan Henderson, a former Liverpool player, were both present as part of the crowd to watch his hometown side earn promotion.

With sporting director Kristjaan Speakman leading the charge toward a more youthful approach, that production line has been successful for Sunderland.

Before the final, he claimed that promotion would uphold the strategy used by Sunderland to reclaim their position in the top flight.