Sunderland midfielder Harrison Jones has described the club’s promotion to the Premier League as, “everything I dreamed of as a kid.”
It was a landmark season that saw the 20-year-old academy graduate break into the first team.
Jones made six senior appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, having started the season with the U21s. His consistent attitude and performances in training caught the attention of the senior staff, and his gradual integration into the first team squad became one of the quiet success stories of the club’s promotion push.
He told safc.com: “I started the season focused on improving with the U21s, but every time I trained with the first team, I gave absolutely everything. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I just wanted to be ready.”
That dedication paid off. The midfielder became a regular member of the senior group in the second half of the campaign, eventually earning a place in the squad for the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley, a moment Jones said he’ll never forget.
“I found out the day before the final that I was in the squad,” he recalled. “I couldn’t stop smiling. My family were over the moon. It meant the world to them and to me — and to be honest, they felt like I deserved it, which made me really proud.”
Jones joined the Academy of Light aged nine, and he said representing his hometown club on the biggest stage made this season all the more special.
“To come through the academy, play at the Stadium of Light, and then be part of a squad that got promoted — it’s everything I dreamed about as a kid. It still doesn’t feel completely real,” he added.
“From day one, the head coach [Regis Le Bris] showed trust in me. He backed me in training, gave me chances, and when he spoke publicly about me being a key part of the group – that gave me such a lift. That kind of belief from someone like him means everything.”
He also singled out Luke O’Nien for his leadership and support, describing the defender as a role model.
“Luke was brilliant with me,” he continued. “From the first session, he made me feel part of it. He was always talking to me, encouraging me, giving little bits of advice. He leads by example, and I’ve learned so much from just watching how he carries himself.”
While Jones didn’t feature in the play-off final itself, he said he was focused on being fully prepared if called upon and emphasised the professionalism of the staff in helping the squad handle the magnitude of the occasion.
“The staff did a great job of playing the whole thing down,” he explained. “They kept us calm and focused, and on the day, it just felt like another game. Everyone knew what was at stake, but we stuck to what had got us there.”
Now, after a short break, he has already begun his personal training programme to prepare for pre-season – and is happy to inspire others.
“I just want to give my all again,” he said. “I’ve already started training again because I want to be in a good place when we come back. I know how high the level is, but I’m ready to work and keep pushing.
“I’ve been that nine-year-old just starting out at the academy. If seeing me in the first team helps even one younger player believe it’s possible, then that’s something I’m proud of.”
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