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“Chris Rigg’s unexpected Classy message to Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has everyone talking ahead of Championship final
Chris Rigg Delivers Respectful Message to Sheffield United Ahead of Wembley Showdown
Sunderland’s rising star Chris Rigg has offered a respectful message to Chris Wilder and Sheffield United as the two sides prepare to meet in the Championship play-off final at Wembley next weekend.
After a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over Coventry City, Sunderland booked their place in the final, where they’ll face a Sheffield United side that cruised past Bristol City 6-0 over two legs. With a Premier League promotion at stake, all eyes now turn to London.
Speaking to the club’s media, 17-year-old Rigg acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Sheffield United are a strong team with recent Premier League experience.
They’re just one game away from going back up. We’ve already had two good battles with them this season, and this final will be another huge test.
We’ve started preparing, and we’re ready to embrace the moment. These are the games that really count.”
Rigg also expressed his appreciation for the Sunderland fanbase, who have rallied behind the team all season: “From the moment we left the Academy of Light, we felt their support.
The energy we had at Coventry came from a real sense of togetherness—we made them proud.
“I was buzzing all day Tuesday waiting for that game. The late kick-off made the anticipation even bigger, and when we got out to warm up, the atmosphere was incredible.
Now, we’re off to Wembley. I’m only 17, and to play in front of 90,000 people—it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”
Le Bris: One More Step to Go
Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s season as a major achievement, regardless of the result at Wembley, but made it clear that the focus is firmly on finishing the job.
Despite facing a formidable opponent—Sheffield United collected 92 points during the regular season despite a two-point deduction—Le Bris believes his team is ready for the challenge.
“This season has been fantastic,” he said. “It’s important to recognize what we’ve done so far, because whether we win or lose at Wembley, the journey has been special.
Still, we’ve got one more step to take, and we’re fully focused on that.
“After the intense games against Coventry, we gave the squad a recovery day on Wednesday.
Training resumes Thursday, and our full attention now shifts to Wembley. We’ve got one last challenge to meet.”
