.

Dan Ballard 👑

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

Sunderland AFC play European football this evening 🥹

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

@alanshearer @_connor31 😭

[Paddy Power @paddypower]

We're so blessed to be living in the same era as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Brian Brobbey. Just enjoy them while you can.

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

EUROPA LEAGUE FOOTBALL IS COMING TO SUNDERLAND!

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

TWO-ONE TO THE VISITORS 😉

[Luke O'Nien @LukeONien]

To any young kid reading this…

I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in.

Ryman Prem.
Conference South.
League Two.
League One.
Championship…

And even right before my first Premier League start last night.

That’s not weakness.
That’s being human.

That’s being alive.

When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman.

Like they never felt doubt.
Like they never felt nerves.

The truth is…. it’s often the opposite.

Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok!

You now have to then step out there with courage.

Confidence feels good.
Courage doesn’t.

But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence.

Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years.

When it goes well:

I worked for it.
I earned it.
Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.

When it doesn’t:

I know I prepared the best I could.
It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football.

But Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.

That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night.

Leading the team out.
Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball.
Celebrates tackles.
Gives everything for the city of Sunderland.

And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One.

So if you’re a young player feeling doubt…
Low confidence…
Or like you don’t believe in yourself…

You’re not alone.

Every player feels it.

Confidence isn’t something you’re given.

It’s something you build.

Bit by bit.
Day by day.
With courage.
With work.
With learning.

Anything worth building takes time.

But that’s what makes it so worthwhile!

Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

SCENES.

[. @hsafc18]

@ellis_platten

[Paddy Power @paddypower]

Erling Haaland has Brian Brobbey posters on his wall.

[. @hsafc18]

*SOLD

[. @hsafc18]

I’ve got an adult and an under 18 going spare for West Ham away today, can meet at ground at needed @SunlunTickets

#safc

[. @hsafc18]

@joe_henderr @RobSinclairQual @SunlunTickets Sorry mate these are sold

[. @hsafc18]

@RobSinclairQual @SunlunTickets Give us a follow back so I can message you

[. @hsafc18]

@allyrachel_ @SunlunTickets Is this available

[. @hsafc18]

@Xhazza18 @SunlunTickets I’m down on the south coast so don’t get a chance to go often, on the mobile tickets it doesn’t say who owns them, wonder how they do it

[. @hsafc18]

@Xhazza18 @SunlunTickets In the same boat mate, don’t really fancy travelling there to be told I’m not getting in😂

[. @hsafc18]

@NRaine97 @SunlunTickets Won’t let me message you

[. @hsafc18]

@NRaine97 @SunlunTickets Are these available mate?

[. @hsafc18]

@AlfieFalcus @Punished_TBlair If you didn’t care about the derby, you wouldn’t be responding to me😉