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.
Reid managed Sunderland in the 1998 Championship play-off final where his side drew 4-4 with Charlton Athletic after extra time, only to lose 7-6 on penalties.
"It's an iconic game, we scored 10 goals if you add the penalties, we did everything and still had heartbreak, I don't want or think history will repeat itself," he said.
Sunderland tasted play-off success for the first time after beating Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 in the League One play-off final at Wembley in 2022.
The 2024-25 Championship play-off final is dubbed the "richest game in football" as the winners will receive a minimum of £220m in extra income.
Reid said: "The finances are one thing but it would be great for the city as a whole, it would give the place a lift."
Sunderland will go into the final as underdogs at the bookies but Reid backed his team to get the win.
"The manager (Regis Le Bris) has done a terrific job, the young lads in the squad are very impressive and Jobe Bellingham he could be key," he said.
"I'd say 2-1. Anything but 4-4."
