'Fans be proud' - Ex-Sunderland players have this message for supporters after Luton Town loss

Several ex-Sunderland figures have reacted to the Black Cats' 2-0 loss to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the second-leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals on Tuesday evening.

David Preece, a former goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach with Sunderland, took to social media to give his take on the events against Luton Town after the home side netted through Gabriel Osho and Tom Lockyer.

He said: "Luton we’re absolute beasts tonight. Their intensity without the ball would’ve put anyone in trouble tonight. A Sunderland side with Stewart, Ballard, Batth, Evans, Cirkin, Embleton available would’ve been a different animal though and would’ve probably finished higher anyway.

"It’s been an incredible achievement given all of the circumstances and something to give hope and build on for the future. All credit to everyone at the club."

Darren Williams, who played over 200 times for Sunderland between 1996 and 2004, added: "No excuses here buzzing we made play-offs, yes would’ve been great to make final but months without forwards and centre-halves. If those lads aren’t proud of what they have achieved then they need to know, fans be proud of our club that’s on the rise we build and go again."

Another ex-Sunderland player, Matt Piper, said: "Congrats Luton. But I’ve gotta say how proud I feel about the #safc performance & the season they’ve had. Got bullied but stood up & had a right go!! Add a little more physicality & a 9! & we go again next season. I finally feel, after all these years… #safc are back!"