Sunderland snub promotion party

Sunderland have declined an invitation to celebrate their promotion with a parade through the city.

While Wearside has been in raptures since the club’s return to the Premiership was confirmed by Derby’s defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday, manager Roy Keane has tried to keep a lid on things.

The Black Cats head for relegated Luton on Sunday knowing victory, coupled with anything less for Coca-Cola Championship leaders Birmingham against Preston will hand them the title for the fourth time in 11 years.

However, chairman Niall Quinn, with the full agreement of Keane, has politely declined the offer of an open-top bus parade through the city and a civic reception whatever happens at the weekend.

In a club statement, he said: “Naturally, we are delighted that the club will be playing its football in the Premiership next season.

“Roy, the staff and players have done a tremendous job taking the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking and of course our fans have played a huge part in the season’s success.

“We are immensely grateful to the City Council for their very kind offer of a civic reception and parade.

“However, we feel this is only the beginning of our journey. Everyone is rightly proud of the team, but we feel that we have simply got the club back to where we should be – back among football’s elite.

“We recognise that there is still a long way to go and it has therefore been decided, with the agreement of Roy Keane, to graciously decline the City Council’s offer.

“We hope fans will understand our reasons for this and don’t think we are spoiling the party.

“This is a statement of our intent – we are not content with what has been achieved so far, and this is when the hard work really starts.

“Top-flight football benefits not only the club, but the city as a whole and we all agree it is where Sunderland belongs.

“Everyone is now focusing on next season and beyond and striving to achieve sustained success for our football club, with the continued backing and support of the city and our fans.”

Mick McCarthy’s victorious troops did parade their trophy two years ago, but 12 months later, slid out of the top flight having collected a record low 15 points.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Bob Symonds, said: “We are very proud of what the chairman, the board, the manager and the team have achieved this season to get Sunderland back into the Premiership.

“We know the people of the city would like to show their appreciation, but we completely understand the club’s view and look forward to the future in the Premiership.

“In the meantime, we thank the club for putting the smile back on so many football fans’ faces in the city.”