Stephen O'Donnell

To any young kid reading this… I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in. Ryman Prem. Conference South. League Two. League One. Championship… And even right before my first Premier League start last night. That’s not weakness. That’s being human. That’s being alive. When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman. Like they never felt doubt. Like they never felt nerves. The truth is…. it’s often the opposite. Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok! You now have to then step out there with courage. Confidence feels good. Courage doesn’t. But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence. Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years. When it goes well: I worked for it. I earned it. Well done. Watch it back. Get better. When it doesn’t: I know I prepared the best I could. It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football. But Well done. Watch it back. Get better. That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night. Leading the team out. Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball. Celebrates tackles. Gives everything for the city of Sunderland. And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One. So if you’re a young player feeling doubt… Low confidence… Or like you don’t believe in yourself… You’re not alone. Every player feels it. Confidence isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you build. Bit by bit. Day by day. With courage. With work. With learning. Anything worth building takes time. But that’s what makes it so worthwhile! Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍

@dunloy1 Brilliant stuff Paul. 🙌🏻 Good luck to everyone taking part in the big walk on Friday 🩵 See you all Friday night 🤝

Great to finally get a win and thanks to Oran and the players for inviting the gang that are doing the sponsored walk in to the changing room for photo , our Princess Lydia wouldn’t believe this is all happening in her memory #shewore 🩵🩵🩵🩵

Every time you get mad at yourself for not succeeding or at your football team for losing, you should remind yourself of what Giannis Antetokounmpo said about failure. 👏 Arguably the best response to a reporter in a post-match interview ever. ❤️

90+5mins: 🇭🇺 2-3 🇮🇪 Ireland holds its breath, on the last throw of the dice... Hat-trick for Parrott 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 📺 @rte2 @rteplayer shorturl.at/X2pcP 📻 @rteradio1 shorturl.at/gi0y8 📱Updates: shorturl.at/BX36M

@stevenrcrawford @BelfastLive @BelLiveSport Good luck on whatever is next big man. Hope you and the family are well 🍀 🤝

Unfortunately my time at @BelfastLive & @BelLiveSport has come to an end. Thoroughly enjoyed the last three years, thank you to everyone who took the time to speak to me and read my articles...now it's time to look to pastures new...

Non-league player on what it’s like to play Spurs: 🗣️ “Mate… you know when people say ‘I could play the prem’ nah man you can’t play the prem… they are so strong, so quick… Lucas Bergvall, he glides across and is just 18yo, he’s gonna be some player.”

@W5Murphy @IrishLeagueOTD @OfficialBlues @amcleanbookies @GallahersBlues @IFBMedia @LinfieldHistory @LinfieldOl6121 @Linfield_FC @Portsmedia Head like a mountain goat, sure how could you miss 😂😂😂

@IrishLeagueOTD @OfficialBlues @amcleanbookies @GallahersBlues @IFBMedia @LinfieldHistory @LinfieldOl6121 @Linfield_FC @Portsmedia @sodonnell15 couple lucky headers 😉

🚨 Irish League - On This Day 🚨 8 September 2012 Huge controversy as referee appears to assist a Linfield goal. However, a double from @W5Murphy secured a 4-2 win for @OfficialBlues over Portadown.

@stevenrcrawford Haha that’s right. Tbf, yous boys probably kept me back to do the media. Bus man must have got fed up listening to me waffle 😂

Remember having to give @sodonnell15 a lift down the road after he got left behind at Windsor one day 😀

What It Takes to Deliver Under Pressure Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell sets the tone, it’s not just about tactics or talent. It’s about resilience when it matters most. He introduces a powerful message from the incomparable Katie Taylor, who speaks with raw honesty about performance anxiety, the myth of a “right to win,” and the deep inner battle every athlete must face. Katie prepares to win by skill, but she’s always ready to win by will. The trenches aren’t a metaphor for her. They’re part of her process. A masterclass in mindset from one of Ireland’s greatest. Thanks Graham Dillon for sharing

Watch it……. drink it in

@stevonevo1 @JohnnyMcNabb21 😂

“We’ve had 80% possession and are still 1-0 down” Russell Martin :

Sky Sports just dropped the coldest Ange edit....

Meanwhile, no cupset at Ibrox as Queen's Park get the job done without any fuss.

@UpshotTowers @neilgpharley @nathanmoore_5

Coked-up refs, on-pitch arrests, and Vini Jr's hissy fit: it's been a wild season so far. From the brothels of Johannesburg to the sofas of the One Show, there's been scandal everywhere. As we hit the half way point, here's a rundown of the maddest moments...

The PFA Northern Ireland is heartbroken to hear the news today of the sad passing of Michael Newberry. Our heartfelt condolences go to Michael’s family and friends alongside his current and former teammates. 💔

@ScotlandSky @joshcarson121 @mclaughlinjame5 @ianparkhill16 @Rodss13Rodney @alexgawne_x 😂😂😂

🐼 Stoppage-time winner 🔵 12 points behind league leaders Celtic 3⃣ Premiership wins on the bounce for hosts St Mirren scored a late winner at home to secure all three points against Rangers ⤵️

@ScotlandSky @JohnnyMcNabb21 😂😂😂😂

Merry Christmas from the O’Donnells 🎄💚💖

@chrisgray71 @AaronJarvis_11 @joshcarson121 Top man Chris. See you tomorrow 🤝🏻

@sodonnell15 @AaronJarvis_11 @joshcarson121 Merry Christmas lads see you tomorrow