Sunderland supporters know they're one win away from a return to the second tier of English football but standing in their way is a Wycombe Wanderers side who know just what it takes to win a play-off final under the arch. The same cannot be said for the Black Cats who have not won a play-off final in their history after six failed attempts.
But in head coach Alex Neil, they have a man who is hoping to defy history and lead the Wearsiders back to the Championship. The Scot entered management at the relatively young age of 31 and wasted no time putting his stamp on a Hamilton Academical side that were in the second tier of Scottish football.
Neil led the club to promotion in his first full season in charge, winning the play-offs in May 2014. Hamilton won the tie on penalties to send the Accies back to the Scottish Premiership, the Scotman's first success in the play-offs as manager.
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The former defensive midfielder then made more history whilst in charge of the Scottish outfit, beating Celtic away for the time in 76 years. Norwich City would come calling for his services in 2015 and he'd make an instant impact.
Neil took over the Canaries after the turn of the year, and similarly to Sunderland, would guide Norwich to the play-off final after an impressive 17 wins from 25 games. The Canaries would square off against Middlesbrough with a return to the Premier League the prize.
Norwich won the final under the Wembley arch 2-0 and the Canaries would play top flight football once more. Sunderland supporters will be hoping Neil can repeat the feat come May 21.
The Black Cats head coach has done an impressive job at shoring up the defensive line, whilst also giving Sunderland's creative players a license to roam. The Wearsiders put their Wembley hoodoo to bed last year, and now's the time to write their own history.
