Phil Bardsley reckons this year could see “one of the most competitive play-offs ever” as the race for promotion to the Premier League hots up.
The ex-Sunderland and Burnley defender has insisted he will be “sat on the halfway line” if his two former clubs are in the final at Wembley on May 24. Regis Le Bris’ side and the Clarets look likely to secure a spot in the top six over the coming weeks, with Burnley having a more realistic chance of automatic promotion hovering just behind Leeds United and Sheffield United.
If the two clubs were to finish the campaign in their current positions, they would avoid meeting each other in a play-off semi-final, but could feasibly face off in the showpiece.
Assessing the Championship promotion battle during an interview with BoyleSports, Bardsley said: “In the race for automatic promotion, I think Leeds United and Sheffield United have got so much experience at the level, it’s going to be hard for Burnley to get above them and stay there.
“Having said that, with Scott Parker at the helm, they won’t give up believing or fighting; they have a great group of players and will give it everything. It’ll be interesting to see if two of my former clubs get into the play-off places. If Sunderland play Burnley, I’ll have to sit on the halfway line.”
He added: “It could be the most competitive play-offs ever this year; looking at what Frank Lampard has done with Coventry and their form, they probably cannot wait for the next game at the moment. It’s all about form in the play-offs and if they can carry on, they will give themselves a hell of a chance.”
Bardsley started his playing career with Manchester United, then went on loan to Burnley, among others before signing for Sunderland on a permanent basis in 2008. After six-and-a-half years on the books at the Stadium of Light, he departed for Stoke City before returning to Turf Moor on a cut-price transfer in 2017.
