Former Sunderland manager Peter Reid has said the club "deserves" to return to the Premier League, ahead of its Championship play-off final.
Reid, who guided the Black Cats to two promotions in 1996 and 1999, will be at Wembley on Saturday when they face Sheffield United.
Sunderland secured a place in the final after defeating Coventry, thanks to a last minute goal from Dan Ballard at the Stadium of Light.
"Anything can happen in a final as I know, but it's a big occasion for the club and the fans, I hope they can get over the line," Reid said.