Black Cats say promotion will be the start of their problems

Possible play off final opponents Sunderland reckon that they have solved 60 to 70 per cent of the financial problems they have inherited, but reckon that the real challenges will start if they are promoted: That's when our problems start

The Championship is notorious for having the most uneven playing field of any division. Relegated clubs receive substantial parachute payments for a number of years (depending on how long they stayed in the top flight). They are also able to sell off Premier League level players at a profit. Clubs like Rotherham find it difficult to compete, while Millwall only clung on by the skin of their teeth.

Although they are frank about the financial challenges they will face, Sunderland still want to go up.