A NORTH East man has spoken of how his son was “absolutely over the moon” when he was surprised with tickets to go and see Sunderland at Wembley yesterday in a now viral Twitter video.
Peter Bryson, from Washington in Sunderland, said that his son had slept in his Sunderland top after yesterdays victory in Wembley.
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Nine-year-old Jude Bryson had told his dad how he wanted to see the match at Wembley, but thought he would be watching the excitement from home after his dad said he might not be able to get the tickets.
However, through the help of a friend, Mr Bryson managed to secure two tickets to the highly anticipated event, which he successfully kept as a secret from his son.
In a now viral Twitter video, viewers can see Jude’s reaction after his dad tells him to put his Sunderland top on because he will be going to Wembley.
As promised, the follow up of a 2 week secret, awful telling him we were just watching it at home, this makes it we'll worth it. One very happy lad. Next stop Wembley 🔴⚪ @SunderlandAFC @ladbible #SAFC pic.twitter.com/P6Gm5nxLoa
— Peter Bryson (@Brysa08) May 21, 2022
Mr Bryson said it was horrible trying to keep the secret for so long, as Jude had regularly told him “I wish we were going to Wembley.”
He added: “Even the night before when I put him to do bed, I’m gutted that we’re not going to Wembley and it was horrible not being able to tell him.
“But on the morning it was well worth the wait.”
Mr Bryson said that the day turned out to be “the best day ever” and that he was happier for his son who manged to see the win.
He said: “He’s still got his Sunderland top on and I think he slept in his Sunderland top, he’s still got it on now.
“It was the best day from start to finish from 5am that morning until half-one this morning when we got back we’ve had the best day ever.”
The video has received a huge response on Twitter, even from Newcastle fans who decided to support Sunderland after seeing the heart-warming video, something that Mr Bryson was “impressed” with.
He added: “I was impressed with Newcastle fans wanting us to win, so that was amazing, I know what the Sunderland fans are like, they’re like one big family, so I knew they would be on board with it but when other fans started getting on it and the Newcastle fans as well I thought, fair play to them.”
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“When it comes to kids like that, football kind of just goes out the window, I’d be the same if I’d seen a Newcastle reporter, like a 9-year-old kid doing the same, I’d be the same.”
He concluded: “So he’s absolutely over the moon, he’s out there playing football now in his Sunderland gear, he’s absolutely loved it.
“It was a proud moment for me to see him like that.”
The father-of-two joined thousands of fans across the nation to support The Black Cats in the momentous occasion.
Over the weekend, city landmarks including Keel Square, the Northern Spire, Fulwell Mill, Hylton Castle and the Cliffe Park lighthouse were lit in the club red and white colours to honour the team's success.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Excellent.
“This result is great news for all fans and good for the city as it gives everyone a lift, especially with the challenges we’ve all been facing and continuing to face outside of football.
"It’s very deserving for the club and everyone who has resolutely continued to show their support.”
Steve Cram CBE, retired track and field athlete and well-known Sunderland fan, said: “I am so pleased for everyone at the club and especially the fans.
“We’ve had the Wembley wobbles too many times, but not on this occasion.
“I was gutted to miss the match as I was commentating on the Diamond League in Birmingham but had the match on the whole time! I can’t wait to get home and celebrate with everyone."
Many famous fans, ex-players and well-wishers took to social media to congratulate the Black Cats on their success.
Sunderland fan Sir Tim Rice, the lyricist and author best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tweeted: "So delighted (and relieved) that the Black Cats are on the road back to the top. Great performance, great goalie. Just what the fans, indeed the entire city of Sunderland, deserve."
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini posted: "Goodnight to all of my Sunderland AFC friends. What a day we had."
He's not a Sunderland fan, but Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted his congratulations, saying: "Well played and congratulations to Sunderland AFC on winning their playoff final. Wearsiders out of the wilderness.
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Former Sunderland fans' favourite Julio Arca posted a message in Spanish, which read: "Vamos Sunderland por fin se dio," which translates as "Come on Sunderland, it finally happened." The Argentinian added (in English): "Congrats to Sunderland AFC, great to see the club back in the championship. Let's get back to the Premier League now."
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