Sunderland fans pack trains ahead of Wembley final

More than 40,000 Black Cats fans are expected to descend on the capital ahead of the game

Sunderland AFC fans are travelling to London ahead of crucial match at Wembley, with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.

Trains travelling from Sunderland to the capital on Friday were almost entirely sold out, as fans head south to watch Sunderland and Sheffield United meet in the 2025 English Football League (EFL) Championship play-off final on Saturday.

After eight years away, fans are eager to see the Black Cats return to football's top tier. More than 40,000 fans are expected to descend on the capital - many without a ticket.

In their two most recent meetings, each side won at home and lost away, but Sheffield United are favourites to win the Wembley clash, according to bookies.

Excited fans were letting off red and white flares at Trafalgar Square on Friday

Crowds in red and white stripes turned out at Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden on Friday evening to start the celebrations, singing Elvis' Can't Help Falling in Love.

"I couldn't not be here and would have moved heaven and Earth to make it," one fan told BBC Radio Newcastle's Dom James.

"I went to the FA Cup in 1973, took my dad to that one," said another.

"You've got to keep faith in the club."

• BBC Sounds: Sunderland fans take over Trafalgar Square

At 98-years-old, George Forster, former club chairman for nearly three decades, is expected to be the oldest supporter at the game.

"Five times I've been to Wembley with Sunderland, so I'm excited," he told BBC Look North.

"The club is in my heart and I give my chest a tap each morning to make sure it's still ticking over."

Fans of all ages have travelled to London ahead of Saturday's final

PJ Barbers, in Gladstone Street, Roker, opened its doors at 05:30 BST with barber Peter Jones telling BBC Radio Newcastle: "It's been rammed because everyone wants to be fresh for the match."

He said his colleague, Jimmy, would be joining in the festive spirit wearing a "tomato ketchup" suit on Saturday, when the two teams are due to meet at Wembley.

"It's the same one he wore when Sheffield played us on New Year's Day," said Mr Jones.

Peter Jones (right) said his barbershop had been "rammed" before fans boarded trains to travel south for the match

BBC reporter Andy Watson has visited Sunderland's Park Lane bus interchange, another transport hub awash with fans - or Mackems - swarming South.

"Sunderland fans are already boarding the coaches down to Wembley.

"There's a buzz in the air... it seems like something special may happen," he said.

It was an early morning party for many fans travelling from Sunderland

Rail operator have said train services were expected to be "very busy this weekend"

Rail operator LNER said train services were expected to be "very busy this weekend".

It advised passengers to arrive early at departure stations as queuing systems may be in operation ahead of boarding.

"Be mindful that not every customer will be travelling for the football and be considerate of everyone around you, and be kind to colleagues at stations and on board trains who are there to help you," an LNER spokeswoman said.