At the time of writing, Sunderland sit 10th in the Premier League, in the mix for a European spot, and are still celebrating that famous victory over rivals Newcastle United in an all timer of an away day for the travelling Mackems. Despite this success, the Black Cats’ journey back to the top would entail relentless and emotionally testing years that would see them climb from the depths of League One, to the heights of the Premier League.
The year is 2016. Sunderland fans all around the world are still recovering from the “great escape” of the 15/16 season which oversaw the Black Cats going undefeated in their final six games, including the unforgettable 3-0 win over Everton at the SoL. However, this triumph would be fleeting. Sunderland started the season in historically poor fashion, winning just two points within the first 10 games. As the toxic atmosphere around the club grew, Sunderland were inevitably relegated by Bournemouth in a 1-0 defeat at the SoL.
A dismal season in the Championship would follow. After a poor run of results, new manager Simon Grayson was sacked. However, the grass wasn’t greener as the appointment of Chris Coleman would prove to be too little too late. While he’ll always be remembered on Wearside as “a married man with six kids” after his infamous argument with a supporter, even his family-man persona couldn’t save his job. After a pathetic Championship campaign, Sunderland were sent packing in a 1-2 defeat at home to Burton Albion, in which ex-Black Cat Darren Bent would score a late equaliser and really rub the salt in the home supporters’ wounds with a provoking celebration.
League One was unfamiliar territory and Sunderland struggled to adapt. With the new appointment of manager Jack Ross, results were frustrating. Under Ross, the 18/19 season would end in agony and a harsh reality check that came in the form of a devastating 2-1 loss at Wembley to Charlton Athletic.
After further seasons of building and painful trips to Wembley, it seemed Sunderland’s luck was about to turn. We faced Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs, first at the Stadium of Light where Ross Stewart would give us the advantage ahead of the second leg. When Lee Gregory levelled for Wednesday, old fears resurrected. That fear was short-lived however, as Patrick Roberts fired away in the 93rd minute to send us to Wembley, simultaneously sending the away end into pandemonium.
21st May 2022. The day the Wembley curse was lifted for Sunderland. Promotion was finally secured after an early Elliot Embleton strike and a Ross Stewart long-range effort which would cement his name in Sunderland folklore.
The 24/25 season. A period that would prove to be detrimental in terms of our progression. New head coach Régis Le Bris would implement his distinct style of football which propelled us to an improved 4th position. This set the stage for a dramatic play-off final. This time, no heartbreak. Only sheer euphoria thanks to local lad Tom Watson’s strike which solidified the youngster’s status as “legend” and the club’s status as Premier League.
Where are we now? Contrary to predictions from “reputable” sources and figures (I’m looking at you Alan Shearer), Sunderland aren’t here to just make up the numbers. We are here to compete, whether they like it or not. Sunderland AFC are back, and we are here to stay.
PRE-SUMMER TRANSFER GOSSIP
PRE-SUMMER TRANSFER GOSSIP
PRE-SUMMER TRANSFER GOSSIP
PRE-SUMMER TRANSFER GOSSIP
THE REBIRTH OF A BROKEN CLUB
THE REBIRTH OF A BROKEN CLUB