‘Big At The Time’ – Exclusive: Former Sunderland Boss On Proudest Wearside Moment

Former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has identified the club’s win in the EFL Trophy as one of the highlights of his career.

Speaking exclusively to The Real EFL via Bristol Street Motors after the Group Stage draw for the 2024/25 competition, he stressed how important it was, at the time, to take Sunderland to a major final at Wembley.

“Yeah. I think it’s up there, obviously, to take such a big club to Wembley, which was big at the time, you know, it’s the first Wembley win in nearly 50 years for Sunderland.”

Having scraped through a semi-final on penalties against Lincoln City, it took a 57th-minute Lynden Gooch goal to separate them and League Two Tranmere Rovers. Despite it being a major final win for the Black Cats, their first since the FA Cup in 1973, it wasn’t enjoyed by supporters.

“Unfortunately, it was without the fans because it was COVID times. But it was important, you know, important for the staff, important for the players. And, you know, a day out at Wembley is fantastic, but only if you win it.

“So, it was nice to win.”


When asked which games he’d be watching in the competition this season, he opted for a club a little further to the south. Instead of plumping for his former employers Fleetwood, who face Bolton, Barrow, and Aston Villa under-21s, he chose Cheltenham Town.

His Dad, Gary, has recently bagged a role as director of football with the recently-relegated Robins, and they take on Reading, Newport County, and West Ham United under-21s in Southern Group H of the competition. 

“Obviously, with my dad there, Cheltenham [Town] versus Reading, I think is a good one to go to. You know, Dad’s just gone in there as director of football, and it will be a great opportunity.  

“He hasn’t won this competition before; I think he’ll want to do that. So, that one is a good one for me living in Bristol, to be able to go to either Reading or Cheltenham [Town] and watch that game.”

Johnson wouldn’t have to leave Bristol if he wanted to watch the Cod Army—from this season, every game in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy—from the group stage through to the final—will be available to watch live on Sky Sports. 

To browse a range of used cars to get you to games next season, or get the latest news on the competition, visit the Bristol Street Motors website. 

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