Sunderland’s rise to European football - Murray and Phillips reflect

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Sunderland is preparing to play in European competition for the first time, marking a significant milestone after years of ups and downs under new ownership led by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The club’s upcoming match against AZ Alkmaar highlights its revival and raises hopes that Sunderland can establish itself as a strong presence in both the Premier League and European football.

Sunderland’s journey to European football has been met with enthusiasm and pride from key figures associated with the club’s history. After years marked by fluctuations in success, the team is preparing to compete in Europe for the first time, a milestone reflecting significant progress under current ownership.

Ellis Short, Sunderland’s former owner, is notably absent from recent discussions despite having presided over a pivotal period for the club. His tenure, which included memorable moments such as the 1992 FA Cup final appearance and various top-flight campaigns, laid groundwork for the club’s longer-term ambitions. Bob Murray, who sold Sunderland in 2006 and witnessed both the highs and lows during and after his involvement, expressed deep emotion over the club’s current ascent. Murray credited the current ownership led by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus for rescuing Sunderland from one of the bleakest points in its history and revitalising the team’s prospects. Apart from his reflections on Sunderland’s footballing achievements, Murray remains engaged with the community through initiatives such as the Foundation of Light charity and the Beacon of Light sports hub.

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips also highlighted the significance of the club’s recent accomplishments. Phillips praised the squad managed by Regis Le Bris, noting that their European qualification surpasses the achievements of Sunderland sides from recent decades. He suggested that the players could attain legendary status if they succeed in maintaining Premier League status and make continued progress in European competitions.

The club is set to host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar tonight at the Stadium of Light, expecting a full-capacity crowd eager to witness Sunderland’s return to continental football. This match symbolizes both a historic moment for the club and an opportunity to establish themselves on a broader stage. Fans and former players alike are watching closely as Sunderland embark on what could be a defining chapter in their storied history.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.