Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has congratulated Sunderland manager Alex Neil on Sunderland’s promotion to the Championship.
The Black Cats defeated the Chairboys 2-0 at Wembley Stadium on May 21 to secure a place in England’s second tier after a four-year exile.
The win means Neil has now won 10 of his 18 games in charge since taking over in February, losing just the once.
Witnessed sportsmanship at its best today - @wwfcofficial boss Gareth Ainsworth personally sought out @SunderlandAFC manager Alex Neil post-match to personally congratulate him on The Black Cats’ promotion to the @EFL Championship 👏 pic.twitter.com/XxJ4CjAG0Q
— Jim White (@JimWhite) May 21, 2022
It’s the second promotion of his English managerial career, as he helped Norwich City return to the top-flight via the Championship play-offs in 2015.
That same year, Wycombe lost the League Two play-off final against Southend.
Ainsworth said: “Today [May 21] is obviously the lowest [point of the season].
“It’s a day that we wanted to perform, and we just missed out.
Gareth Ainsworth full of praise for #SAFC and Alex Neil, says they deserve to be in the Championship.
— Richard Mennear (@RichMennear) May 21, 2022
Always come across as a top fella
“It just escaped them today and I think the high point was getting into the play-offs and it’s seeing the faces of the boys when I see them day in, day out.
“It’s not one moment.
“It’s the boys coming in and learning and I am honoured to be involved in this club.”
Gareth Ainsworth really classy in his post match interview, he’s done a remarkable job with that club
— Neil Mackenzie (@neilmack84) May 21, 2022
On Neil, Ainsworth continued: “He has done a fantastic job, a really fantastic job.
“Sunderland have spent money on quality players, but I have got quality as well.
“They are a huge club, probably the biggest outside the Premier League and they deserve to be in the Premier League.”
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