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==Further success and First World War: 1913–1939==
==Further success and First World War: 1913–1939==
[[Image:Bobbygurney.JPG|right|thumb|Bobby Gurney, Sunderland's all-time leading goalscorer, after scoring 227 goals in 390 games]]
[[Image:Bobbygurney.JPG|right|thumb|Bobby Gurney, Sunderland's all-time leading goalscorer, after scoring 227 goals in 390 games]]
Sunderland finished in eighth place in [[1914–15 in English football|1914–15]] Division One season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl/fl1915.htm|title=Football League 1914–15|author=Richard Rundle|publisher=Football Club History Database|accessdate=6 January 2009}}</ref> before [[World War I]] forced the break-up of the team as men went off to fight on the continent.<ref name="p95">Days, p 95.</ref> [[Charlie Buchan]] and [[Bob Young (footballer)|Bob Young]] went on to win the [[Military Medal]] for serving their country.<ref name="p95"/> After the resumption of The Football League following the war, Sunderland finished fifth in the [[1919–20 in English football|1919–20 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl/fl1920.htm|title=Football League 1919–20|author=Richard Rundle|publisher=Football Club History Database|accessdate=6 January 2009}}</ref> To consolidate themselves in the First Division, Sunderland produced several large money signings, including the world record signing of [[Warney Cresswell]] for £5,500 (£{{Formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|5500|1922|r=-3}}|0}} today) from [[South Shields F.C.|South Shields]].{{Inflation-fn|UK}}<ref>Days, p 106.</ref> They came close to another league championship title in the [[1922–23 in English football|1922–23 season]] where Charlie Buchan broke the 30 goal mark, as they finished runners-up to Liverpool by six points.<ref>Days, pp 107–108.</ref> Sunderland were involved in a dispute between themselves and the [[England national football team|English]] and [[Scotland national football team|Scottish]] national teams. In the [[1923–24 in English football|1923–24 season]] Charlie Buchan and [[William Clunas]] had been called up with England and Scotland, respectively. Sunderland were two points clear at the top of the table, but without Buchan and Clunas, they travelled to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and were beaten 2–0, causing them to drop further out of the title race.<ref>Days, p 109.</ref>
Sunderland finished in eighth place in [[1914–15 in English football|1914–15]] Division One season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl/fl1915.htm|title=Football League 1914–15|author=Richard Rundle|publisher=Football Club History Database|accessdate=6 January 2009}}</ref> before [[World War I]] forced the break-up of the team as men went off to fight on the continent.<ref name="p95">Days, p 95.</ref> [[Charlie Buchan]] and [[Bob Young (footballer)|Bob Young]] went on to win the [[Military Medal]] for serving their country.<ref name="p95"/> After the resumption of the Football League following the war, Sunderland finished fifth in the [[1919–20 in English football|1919–20 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl/fl1920.htm|title=Football League 1919–20|author=Richard Rundle|publisher=Football Club History Database|accessdate=6 January 2009}}</ref> To consolidate themselves in the First Division, Sunderland produced several large money signings, including the world record signing of [[Warney Cresswell]] for £5,500 (£{{Formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|5500|1922|r=-3}}|0}} today) from [[South Shields F.C.|South Shields]].{{Inflation-fn|UK}}<ref>Days, p 106.</ref> They came close to another League championship title in the [[1922–23 in English football|1922–23 season]] where Charlie Buchan broke the 30 goal mark, as they finished runners-up to Liverpool by six points.<ref>Days, pp 107–108.</ref> Sunderland were involved in a dispute between themselves and the [[England national football team|English]] and [[Scotland national football team|Scottish]] national teams. In the [[1923–24 in English football|1923–24 season]] Charlie Buchan and [[William Clunas]] had been called up with England and Scotland, respectively. Sunderland were two points clear at the top of the table, but without Buchan and Clunas, they travelled to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and were beaten 2–0, causing them to drop further out of the title race.<ref>Days, p 109.</ref>


In April 1925, Sunderland completed the signing of centre forward [[Dave Halliday]], after Charlie Buchan left for Arsenal.<ref name="p114">Days, p 114.</ref> In his second season he scored 38, helping Sunderland secure a third place finish in the league.<ref>Days, pp 117–118.</ref> However, in the [[1928–29 in English football|1928–29 season]], Halliday scored 43 goals which became a club record for most individual goals in a season.<ref>Days, p 124.</ref> Kyle, who had been Sunderland's manager since 1905, resigned at the end of the 1928-29 season. He had amassed a total of 25 seasons in charge of the club, managing 817 matches and taking Sunderland to the verge of a league and cup double.<ref>Days, p 121.</ref> He was replaced by [[Johnny Cochrane (footballer)|Johnny Cochrane]] who arrived from [[St. Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]].<ref>Days, p 124.</ref> With Cochrane in charge, Sunderland made their way to the FA Cup semi-final in the [[1930–31 in English football|1930–31 season]], where they met [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]; Birmingham won the match and knocked Sunderland out of the cup.<ref>Days, pp 129–130.</ref> Sunderland's next success came in the [[1934–35 in English football|1934–35 season]] when they finished as runners-up to Arsenal.<ref>Days, pp 137–138.</ref> The following season, Sunderland managed to surpass the runners-up spot and win their sixth league title by eight points. They scored 109 goals during the season, with [[Raich Carter]] and [[Bobby Gurney]] scoring 31 each.<ref>Days, pp 139–142.</ref>
In April 1925, Sunderland completed the signing of centre forward [[Dave Halliday]], after Charlie Buchan left for Arsenal.<ref name="p114">Days, p 114.</ref> In his second season he scored 38, helping Sunderland secure a third place finish in the League.<ref>Days, pp 117–118.</ref> However, in the [[1928–29 in English football|1928–29 season]], Halliday scored 43 goals which became a club record for most individual goals in a season.<ref>Days, p 124.</ref> Kyle, who had been Sunderland's manager since 1905, resigned at the end of the 1928-29 season. He had amassed a total of 25 seasons in charge of the club, managing 817 matches and taking Sunderland to the verge of a League and cup double.<ref>Days, p 121.</ref> He was replaced by [[Johnny Cochrane (footballer)|Johnny Cochrane]] who arrived from [[St. Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]].<ref>Days, p 124.</ref> With Cochrane in charge, Sunderland made their way to the FA Cup semi-final in the [[1930–31 in English football|1930–31 season]], where they met [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]; Birmingham won the match and knocked Sunderland out of the cup.<ref>Days, pp 129–130.</ref> Sunderland's next success came in the [[1934–35 in English football|1934–35 season]] when they finished as runners-up to Arsenal.<ref>Days, pp 137–138.</ref> The following season, Sunderland managed to surpass the runners-up spot and win their sixth League title by eight points. They scored 109 goals during the season, with [[Raich Carter]] and [[Bobby Gurney]] scoring 31 each.<ref>Days, pp 139–142.</ref>


The league championship win led to Sunderland playing in the Charity Shield. They met Arsenal who had won the FA Cup. Sunderland lifted the shield after goals from [[Eddie Burbanks]] and Raich Carter.<ref name="shield">{{cite web|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/engsupcuphist.html|title=England&nbsp;— List of FA Charity/Community Shield Matches|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=30 November 2008}}</ref> Their success continued in the [[1936–37 in English football|1936–37 season]] when they achieved their first FA Cup win. They beat Preston North End 3–1 in the [[1937 FA Cup Final|final]] as Bobby Gurney, Raich Carter, and Eddie Burbanks all scored goals at the [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]].<ref>Days, pp 143–146.</ref> Sunderland took their place in the Charity Shield for successive seasons, this time against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] who won the league title; they were beaten 2–0.<ref name="shield"/> Their FA Cup success looked set to continue in the [[1937–38 in English football|1937–38 season]] when they reached the semi-finals, they came up against [[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]], but were beaten 3–1 to end their chances.<ref>Days, pp 147–148.</ref> Cochrane announced his retirement from management in 1939, after he had been in charge of them for 11 seasons, taking them to a league title, and an FA Cup win.<ref>Days, p 149.</ref>
The League championship win led to Sunderland playing in the Charity Shield. They met Arsenal who had won the FA Cup. Sunderland lifted the shield after goals from [[Eddie Burbanks]] and Raich Carter.<ref name="shield">{{cite web|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/engsupcuphist.html|title=England&nbsp;— List of FA Charity/Community Shield Matches|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=30 November 2008}}</ref> Their success continued in the [[1936–37 in English football|1936–37 season]] when they achieved their first FA Cup win. They beat Preston North End 3–1 in the [[1937 FA Cup Final|final]] as Bobby Gurney, Raich Carter, and Eddie Burbanks all scored goals at the [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]].<ref>Days, pp 143–146.</ref> Sunderland took their place in the Charity Shield for successive seasons, this time against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] who won the League title; they were beaten 2–0.<ref name="shield"/> Their FA Cup success looked set to continue in the [[1937–38 in English football|1937–38 season]] when they reached the semi-finals, they came up against [[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]], but were beaten 3–1 to end their chances.<ref>Days, pp 147–148.</ref> Cochrane announced his retirement from management in 1939, after he had been in charge of them for 11 seasons, taking them to a League title, and an FA Cup win.<ref>Days, p 149.</ref>


==Second World War halts progress: 1939–1959==
==Second World War halts progress: 1939–1959==

Revision as of 20:23, 1 May 2009

For a statistical breakdown by season, see Sunderland A.F.C. seasons.
Sunderland's 1937 FA Cup winning side

Sunderland Association Football Club are an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. They were formed in 1879, and played several years in the FA Cup and local cup competitions before joining the Football League in the 1890–91 season in place of Stoke. They played in the top league in England until the 1957–58, season when they were relegated into the Second Division. Sunderland are England's sixth most successful club of all time,[1] having won the English League championship six times: in 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913 and, most recently, in 1936. They have also been runners-up on a further five occasions: in 1894, 1898, 1901, 1923 and 1935 (see Sunderland A.F.C. seasons).

Sunderland have also won the FA Cup twice, in 1937 against Preston North End and in 1973 against Leeds United. They were finalists in 1913 and 1992, where they were beaten respectively by Aston Villa and Liverpool. They were finalists in the 1985 Football League Cup Final, but were beaten by Norwich City. Their other honours include two Charity Shields, in 1902 and 1935.

Early years and title success: 1879–1913

Sunderland AFC began life as "Sunderland & District Teachers Association Football Club", founded in 1879 by James Allan, a teacher at Hendon Board School.[2][3] His object was to provide "recreational amusement" for the area's schoolteachers.[2] Their first recorded competitive game was against Ferryhill Athletic on 13 November 1880, which they lost 1–0. Their first kit was an all blue strip, a contrast to the red and white stripes they play in today.[4] Their first ground was the Blue House Field in Hendon, close to James Allan's school, and they would change their home four times in seven years before settling at Newcastle Road in 1886.[5]

Team photo taken in 1884

In 1881 the club's name was changed to Sunderland Association Football Club, and non-teachers were allowed to join.[6] They turned professional in 1885, the same year that the club recruited a number of Scotsmen, their first internationally capped players.[7] Founder James Allan left Sunderland in 1888 and formed Sunderland Albion because of his dislike for the "professionalism" that had been creeping into the club.[8] Tom Watson became their first manager when he was appointed in 1888.[9] the Football League's founder, William McGregor, labelled Sunderland as "the team of all talents" stating that they had "a talented man in every position".[10] Sunderland's games consisted of local competitions and the FA Cup. Aditionally they participated in friendlys with Football League clubs; they beat the League champions Preston North End.[11] As their popularity grew, they applied for admission into the Football League. At the League's annual meeting Sunderland offered to pay towards other club's travelling costs due to compensate for the extra distance they would need to travel, this deal ultimately secured their place in the Football League.[10] They replaced Stoke, one of the original League founding members, who failed to be re-elected.[12] In their second season in the Football League, Sunderland won the title by five points over Preston North End.[13] This was followed up successfully in the following season, when Sunderland won consecutive League titles, this time 11 points ahead of their nearest contenders.[14] That season also included a 8–1 win over West Bromwich Albion.[14]

They came close to winning three successive League championships in the 1893–94 season; when they finished as runners-up to Aston Villa.[15] The club shared this period of success with Aston Villa, and the battles between these clubs were shown in a Thomas Hemy painting of the two clubs in action during the 1894–95 season, one of the earlist recorded painting of a competitive Football League match. Entitled A Corner Kick, the painting now stands in the doorway of their current stadium, the Stadium of Light.[16] Sunderland completed three League titles in four seasons in the 1894–95 season.[17] After their League championship success, Sunderland took part in a game with Heart of Midlothian, the champions of Scotland. The game was played on 27 April 1895; it was described as the Championship of the World title match. Sunderland won the game 5–3 and were crowned "champions of the world".[17]

Manager Watson resigned at the end of the 1895–96 season in order to join Liverpool, after taking Sunderland to three English League championship titles.[18] Robert Campbell replaced him as manager.[18] From 1886 until 1898, their home was Newcastle Road.[19] In 1898, the club moved to what would become their home for almost a century, Roker Park.[20] Initially the ground had a capacity of 30,000.[20] However, over the following decades it was continually expanded, and at its peak held an official crowd of over 75,000 in a sixth round FA Cup replay against Derby County on 8 March 1933.[21] Campbell did not achieve such success as former manager Watson, failing to win any titles in his three seasons at the club. He left Sunderland in the 1898–99 season to join Bristol City.[22] Scotsman Alex Mackie replaced Campbell as manager, and gained success in the 1901–02 season as Sunderland won their fourth League title.[23] He followed this up with a Sheriff of London Charity Shield, which was a competition that featured the best amateur and professional sides in England; Sunderland beat Corinthians 3–0.[24]

Early souvenir card dating back from around 1890.

In 1904 Sunderland were involved in a financial irregularity, in which the club's board of directors gave their right back Andy McCombie £100 (£13,600 today) to start a business, with the view that his benefit game would enable him repay the money.[25][26] McCombie however, saw the money as a gift and refused to pay back the club. The Football Association launched an inquiry and agreed with McCombie, stating that it was a "resigning/win/draw bonus". The club's records showed further breaches of the League's financial rules.[25] Sunderland were fined £250 (£34,000 today); six directors were suspended for two and a half years.[25][26] McCombie would go on to sign for Newcastle United, and help towards their spell of League success.[25] After 214 matches in charge of Sunderland, Mackie left the club as a result of the "McCombie affair".[27] He was replaced by Irishman Bob Kyle; another 70 candidates had also applied for the managerial position at Sunderland.[28] In 1905 Sunderland were involved in the first £1,000 (£135,600 today) transfer fee for a player when Alf Common signed for Middlesbrough.[26][27] The 1907–08 season included Sunderland's record League win, a 9–1 victory against Newcastle United at St James' Park.[29]

Kyle achieved his only League championship in charge of Sunderland in the 1912–13 season when they won the League with 54 points.[30] On 19 April 1913 Sunderland narrowly missed out on becoming one of the few clubs to win the League and cup double, when they were beaten 1–0 by Aston Villa in the FA Cup Final at Crystal Palace.[31] This decade in their history also saw the goalscoring of Charles Buchan, who went on to score 221 goals for Sunderland,[32] currently standing as the second highest goal-scorer in their history, behind Bob Gurney.[33]

Further success and First World War: 1913–1939

File:Bobbygurney.JPG
Bobby Gurney, Sunderland's all-time leading goalscorer, after scoring 227 goals in 390 games

Sunderland finished in eighth place in 1914–15 Division One season,[34] before World War I forced the break-up of the team as men went off to fight on the continent.[35] Charlie Buchan and Bob Young went on to win the Military Medal for serving their country.[35] After the resumption of the Football League following the war, Sunderland finished fifth in the 1919–20 season.[36] To consolidate themselves in the First Division, Sunderland produced several large money signings, including the world record signing of Warney Cresswell for £5,500 (£379,000 today) from South Shields.[26][37] They came close to another League championship title in the 1922–23 season where Charlie Buchan broke the 30 goal mark, as they finished runners-up to Liverpool by six points.[38] Sunderland were involved in a dispute between themselves and the English and Scottish national teams. In the 1923–24 season Charlie Buchan and William Clunas had been called up with England and Scotland, respectively. Sunderland were two points clear at the top of the table, but without Buchan and Clunas, they travelled to Arsenal and were beaten 2–0, causing them to drop further out of the title race.[39]

In April 1925, Sunderland completed the signing of centre forward Dave Halliday, after Charlie Buchan left for Arsenal.[40] In his second season he scored 38, helping Sunderland secure a third place finish in the League.[41] However, in the 1928–29 season, Halliday scored 43 goals which became a club record for most individual goals in a season.[42] Kyle, who had been Sunderland's manager since 1905, resigned at the end of the 1928-29 season. He had amassed a total of 25 seasons in charge of the club, managing 817 matches and taking Sunderland to the verge of a League and cup double.[43] He was replaced by Johnny Cochrane who arrived from St. Mirren.[44] With Cochrane in charge, Sunderland made their way to the FA Cup semi-final in the 1930–31 season, where they met Birmingham City; Birmingham won the match and knocked Sunderland out of the cup.[45] Sunderland's next success came in the 1934–35 season when they finished as runners-up to Arsenal.[46] The following season, Sunderland managed to surpass the runners-up spot and win their sixth League title by eight points. They scored 109 goals during the season, with Raich Carter and Bobby Gurney scoring 31 each.[47]

The League championship win led to Sunderland playing in the Charity Shield. They met Arsenal who had won the FA Cup. Sunderland lifted the shield after goals from Eddie Burbanks and Raich Carter.[48] Their success continued in the 1936–37 season when they achieved their first FA Cup win. They beat Preston North End 3–1 in the final as Bobby Gurney, Raich Carter, and Eddie Burbanks all scored goals at the Wembley Stadium.[49] Sunderland took their place in the Charity Shield for successive seasons, this time against Manchester City who won the League title; they were beaten 2–0.[48] Their FA Cup success looked set to continue in the 1937–38 season when they reached the semi-finals, they came up against Huddersfield Town, but were beaten 3–1 to end their chances.[50] Cochrane announced his retirement from management in 1939, after he had been in charge of them for 11 seasons, taking them to a League title, and an FA Cup win.[51]

Second World War halts progress: 1939–1959

Sunderland's stadium for 99 years, Roker Park

Bill Murray filled the managerial job at the club in 1939,[52] but the league was postponed shortly into the 1939–40 season, halting the new manager's progress.[53] The FA Cup was also postponed, but a replacement tournament, the Football League War Cup, was introduced in its absence.[54] Sunderland took place in the two-legged War Cup final in the 1941–42 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[55] The first leg was tied 2–2 at Roker Park, but Wolves won the return leg at Molineux 4–1 to win the trophy.[55] During the war, Roker Park suffered damage from bombs, in which the Roker End clubhouse was destroyed, and a police constable was killed while patrolling the stadium's perimeter.[56] In the 1945–46 season, after the end of the war while the league was still postponed, the FA Cup resumed, where Sunderland reached the fifth round until they were beat by Birmingham City.[57] The league resumed the following season, and Sunderland finished in ninth place.[58] However, the 1947–48 season was a less successful season for the Wearsiders, as they finished in twentieth, on the brink of relegation for the first time.[59]

In January 1949, Sunderland were involved in what is often regarded as the first case of a player transferring himself when they paid £18,000 (£803,000 today) for Carlisle United player-manager Ivor Broadis.[26][60] In the 1948–49 season, Sunderland visited Yeovil Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Yeovil were a non-league club at the time, but beat Division One side Sunderland 2–1 to knock them out.[61] However, Sunderland's next season was more successful, as they finished thirteenth. Sunderland were also the top scorers in that season with 83 goals,[62] and had the league's top goalscorer, Dickie Davis with 25 goals.[63] In the 1950–51 season, Sunderland completed the world record signing of Welsh striker Trevor Ford from Aston Villa for £30,000 (£1.3 million today), in a time when Sunderland were known as the "Bank of England Club" because of their large money signings.[26][64]

Sunderland made significant progress in the FA Cup for the first time since the resumption of football, as they made their way to the semi-final in the 1954–55 season. They played Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, but were beaten 1–0 to end their chances of playing against Newcastle United in the final.[65] In January 1957, a letter was delivered to The Football Association (FA) from "Mr Smith", in which the author made allegations that Sunderland were making illegal payments to players.[66] The FA sent an investigation team to Sunderland, who found evidence of illegal activity in their accounts, including a £3,000 (£91,000 today) bill for "straw" to cover the pitch.[26][66] The team uncovered a string of similar accounting glitches; contract companies were purposely charging Sunderland excessive fees for services, and later sending credit-notes to redress the balance. These credit notes were passed on to players.[66] In total, just over £5,000 (£152,000 today) was handled in this way.[26][66] Their chairman and chief financier along with three club directors were permanently suspended. Sunderland were fined £5,000 (£152,000 today), manager Murray was fined £200 (£6,100 today), and a number of players, including record-signing Trevor Ford were temporarily suspended.[26][66] In the aftermath of the event, manager Bill Murray was replaced by Alan Brown. In 1958, with Brown in charge, Sunderland were relegated from Division One for the first time in their history,[67] bringing their 68 year stay in England's top division to an end. Going into the final game of the season, they still had a chance of avoiding relegation, if they won their game against Portsmouth and hoped that Leicester City would be held by Birmingham City.[67] Sunderland won their game 2–0,[68] but Birmingham could not stop Leicester from winning and Sunderland were relegated.[67]

FA Cup glory and Europe: 1959–1979

Following Sunderland's first relegation from Division One in the 1957–58 season, they languished in the bottom half of Division Two, eventually finishing the 1959–60 season in sixteenth place.[69] Two league finishes in third place followed for Sunderland in the 1961–62 and 1962–63 seasons, as they missed out on promotion by just one position. The 1961–62 season also saw the retirement of Brian Clough due to injury,[70] having scored 63 goals in 74 games for Sunderland.[71] Sunderland were promoted back to the First Division in the 1963–64 season after six years in Division Two.[72] Brown resigned from his managerial post at Sunderland in 1964, in order to manage Sheffield Wednesday. After playing through three months of the league season managerless, George Hardwick took over as caretaker manager.[73] Ian McColl took the managers job on a permanent basis at the end of the season in 1965.[74] Brown returned for a second spell at Sunderland in 1968.[75] After being promoted to the First Division in the 1963–64 season, Sunderland failed to make an impact and finish higher than fifteenth, and six years later they were relegated for the second time.[76] Billy Elliott-a former Sunderland player-took over from Brown following his second departure.[77] He managed only four Sunderland games before former Newcastle United player Bob Stokoe was appointed as full term manager.[77]

File:Sunderland1973cupfinal.jpg
Bob Stokoe embraces Jimmy Montgomery following victory in 1973 FA Cup Final

In 1973, Second Division side Sunderland ended their cup run by beating cup-holders Leeds United in the FA Cup Final. A first half goal by Scotsman Ian Porterfield was the only goal of the game. Jimmy Montgomery produced a double save, first from a Trevor Cherry header, and then from a shot by Peter Lorimer to prevent Leeds from scoring.[78] At the end of the game, Sunderland manager Stokoe ran on to the pitch to embrace his goalkeeper, in the style of the statue currently standing outside the Stadium of Light.[79] Only two other clubs, Southampton in 1976,[80] and West Ham United in 1980,[81] have equaled Sunderland's achievement of lifting the FA Cup while playing outside the top tier of English football.[81]

The FA Cup win in 1973 led Sunderland to qualify for a European competition for the first time in their history, in the form of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.[82] They were first drawn against Hungarian side Vasas Budapest, who they beat 3–0 on aggregate.[82] After passing through the First round, Sunderland drew Sporting Lisbon. They won the first leg 2–1 at Roker Park, but in the return leg in Lisbon, they were beaten 2–0 and knocked out of the competition in the Second round. In 1976, Sunderland were again promoted to the First Division as champions.[83] Stokoe became ill in the 1976–77 season; he stepped down from the job, where he was replaced temporarily by caretaker manager Ian MacFarlane. McFarlane's stay was short, and he was replaced by Jimmy Adamson in 1976. After promotion in the previous season, they were relegated to the Second Division.[84] Adamson managed them for just two seasons before resigning to move to Leeds United.[85] In a flurry of many managers in a short time period, David Merrington firstly took over as caretaker manager.[85] Billy Elliot joined Sunderland as manager for a second time, replacing Merrington until the end of the season.[85]

Two cup finals: 1979–1997

Sunderland celebrated their 100 year centenary in the 1979–80 season with a testimonial match. They played an "England XI" side, featuring players from both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough; they lost the game 2–0.[86] They appointed another manager in 1979 when Ken Knighton took the vacant managers position, after Elliot ended his spell.[86] Knighton managed Sunderland for 94 games leading them to a second position finish, in which they were promoted to the First Division,[87] although he was sacked the following season with Sunderland struggling towards the bottom of Division One.[88] Mick Docherty was brought in as caretaker until the end of the season, and helped them survive relegation.[89] With much activity in the Sunderland manager's seat, Alan Durban was appointed permanent manager in 1981.[90] Following a defeat against Manchester United in the 1983–84 season, Durban was sacked and former player Bryan 'Pop' Robson brought in for a single game as caretaker manager.[91]

Len Ashurst was then brought in as manager, though he had a mixed season. He took Sunderland to their first League Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Norwich after an own goal from Gordon Chisholm, while Clive Walker had earlier missed a penalty for Sunderland.[92] At the end of the season they were relegated back to the Second Division,[93] and Ashurst was sacked.[94] Lawrie McMenemy was brought in as manager in 1985,[94] but Sunderland reached their lowest point in their history in 1987 when they suffered relegation to the Third Division after losing a two-leg play-off to Gillingham.[95] The return of 1973 FA Cup winning manager Bob Stokoe,[96] who returned as caretaker manager following the sacking of manager McMenemy, could not help Sunderland avoid relegation. It was the first time in their history that they had fallen into the Third Division of English football. Under their new manager Denis Smith, promotion was gained at the first attempt; Sunderland returned to the Second Division as champions in 1988.[97]

Peter Reid was appointed Sunderland manager in 1997, and served until 2002

Two years later, Sunderland reached the Second Division play-off final after beating Newcastle United in the semi-final. This fixture is noted for the final leg at St. James' Park where Newcastle fans, seeing their team down 2–0 with only five minutes remaining, invaded the pitch in the hope of forcing an abandonment.[98] However, the game was resumed and Sunderland completed the win.[99] In the play-off final, Sunderland lost 1–0 against Swindon Town at Wembley. However Sunderland were promoted a few weeks later in place of Swindon—who remained in the Second Division-after admitting financial irregularities.[100]

Sunderland were again relegated after just one season in the First Division.[101] They subsequently struggled in mid-table in 1991–92. However in 1992, Sunderland embarked on a run leading to the FA Cup final, where they lost 2–0 to Liverpool,[102] after having beat Chelsea in a quarter-final replay previously.[103] Smith had quit as manager during the season and was replaced by his assistant Malcolm Crosby,[104] who in turn resigned after less than a year. Crosby was replaced by ex England player Terry Butcher.[105]

Before the end of 1993, Butcher's short-lived reign as manager came to an end after 45 games in charge, and he was replaced by Mick Buxton.[106] In a period including six managers in ten years, Buxton was sacked in 1995.[107] Sunderland's board turned to Peter Reid as manager to keep Sunderland clear of relegation.[108] That objective was achieved within weeks and he was rewarded with a permanent contract.[108] Reid's first full season as Sunderland manager was successful as they won the Division One title and gained promotion to the Premier League for the first time since the league re-structuring.[109] In the 1996–97 season, despite beating Manchester United,[110] Arsenal[111] and Chelsea[112] they were relegated.[113]

Recent times: 1997–present

In the 1996–97 season Sunderland relocated to the 42,000-seat Stadium of Light at Monkwearmouth after 99 years at Roker Park.[114] Its capacity has since been expanded to 49,000 seats and is currently the fourth largest club stadium in England.[114] Due to the mining industry of Sunderland's area of support, a Davy Lamp currently stands outside the stadium.[115]

The Stadium of Light

In their first season at the new ground, Sunderland finished third.[116] After beating Sheffield United in the playoff semi-final,[95] they reached the final at Wembley. Over 40,000 fans travelled from the North-East to see the game against Charlton Athletic which ended 4–4 after extra time. Charlton, however, went on to win the game on a penalty shootout, after Michael Gray had his penalty saved by Charlton goalkeeper Saša Ilić.[117] Sunderland returned to the Premier League winning the Division One title in 1998–99 season with a then record 105 league points.[118] They clinched promotion at Bury after winning 5–2.[119]

Kevin Phillips won the European Golden Shoe in his first top-flight season with Sunderland, scoring 30 goals.[120] The 1999–2000 season started at Stamford Bridge as Sunderland were beat 4–0 at the hands of Chelsea.[121] On their ascension of the table, Sunderland turned the tables on Chelsea, avenging their 4–0 defeat with a 4–1 win at the Stadium of Light.[122] In 1999 Sunderland achieved a 2–1 victory over rivals Newcastle United at St. James' Park,[123] which saw Magpies boss Ruud Gullit resign shortly after.[124] Sunderland finished seventh, narrowly missing a place in European competition in both the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons.[125][126]

In 2001–02 Sunderland narrowly avoided relegation. They were the lowest scoring team in the Premier League,[127] with just 29 goals and were knocked out of both cup competitions in their first rounds, and ended the season in seventeenth place.[127] In 2002–03 they finished bottom, with 4 wins, 21 goals and 19 points, which was an English Premiership record at the time.[128] Reid had been sacked in October and been replaced with Howard Wilkinson, with Steve Cotterill as his assistant.[129] Wilkinson's reign was unsuccessful, and he left the club after only six months in charge.[130] Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy came to the club in March 2003, but could not prevent relegation.[131]

Sunderland finished third,[132] and only a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace prevented them from reaching the play-off final.[133] In the 2004–05 season, Sunderland finished top of the table in the Football League Championship, returning to the Premier League.[134] The 2005–06 season was poor for Sunderland as they failed to win a home game before Christmas and were relegated with what was then the lowest points tally of 15 points, breaking their previous record.[135] McCarthy was sacked as manager in March, and replaced by caretaker manager Kevin Ball.[136] He took Sunderland to their first home win of the season with a 2–1 victory over Fulham.[137]

Sunderland began the 2006–07 season with new backroom staff, as former player Niall Quinn, backed by the Drumaville Consortium, completed their £10 million takeover of the club.[138] Chairman Bob Murray left Sunderland after two decades in charge; where he was given the role as honorary lifetime president.[139] Quinn brought former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland player Roy Keane to take his first managerial post in charge of Sunderland,[140] after they had lost their first four games with Niall Quinn as manager.[141] Sunderland went from bottom of the Championship, to champions after beating Luton Town 5–0 ,[142] as Birmingham City lost to Preston North End.[143]

Sunderland celebrated 10 years at the Stadium of Light with a draw against Juventus,[144] and prepared for the oncoming season by spending nearly £40 million on new players for the squad,[145] whilst also breaking the British transfer record for a goalkeeper with the £9 million transfer of Craig Gordon.[146] Sunderland's season took off with a victory at home against Tottenham, as Michael Chopra scored in the last minute.[147] After a derby victory over Middlesbrough, and with teams below failing to win, Sunderland secured their Premier League status for the 2008–09 season.[148] In November 2008, Sunderland defeated rivals Newcastle United 2–1 at the Stadium of Light, their first home win over them since 1980, and the first time they had ever defeated them at that ground.[149] Keane left Sunderland after a run of defeats in the Premier League.[150] First-team coach Ricky Sbragia took over as caretaker manager,[151] and was later appointed permanent manager.[152]

References

General
  • Paul Days (1 December 1999). Sunderland AFC: The Official History 1879–2000. Business Education Publishers Ltd. p. 336. ISBN 978-0953698417. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  • Garth Dykes (November 2000). All the lads: A complete who's who of Sunderland A.F.C. Polar Print Group Ltd. p. 312. ISBN 978-1899538140. Retrieved 6 January 2009. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • "Sunderland AFC — Statistics, History and Records". The Stat Cat. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
  • "Sunderland AFC honours". Ready To Go : Independant Sunderland AFC. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
Specific
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  111. ^ "Sunderland 1 – 0 Arsenal". Soccerbase. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
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  114. ^ a b "Stadium of Light". Sunderland A.F.C. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
  115. ^ Duncan Adams. "Sunderland AFC". Football Ground Guide. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  127. ^ a b Richard Rundle. "2001–02 FA Premier League". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  129. ^ "Wilkinson takes Sunderland job". BBC Sport. 10 October 2002. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
  130. ^ Tim Rich (11 March 2003). "McCarthy set to take charge as Wilkinson goes". The Independant. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  133. ^ "Sunderland 2–1 C Palace". BBC Sport. 17 May 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  135. ^ "English Premier League - 2005/06". ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
  136. ^ "Sunderland sack manager McCarthy". BBC Sport. 6 March 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
  137. ^ "Sunderland 2–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. 5 May 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  144. ^ Louise Taylor (6 August 2008). "Keane eyes Mido and Gordon as Ranieri backs Black Cats to surprise". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  148. ^ Julian Taylor (26 April 2008). "Sunderland 3–2 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
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  150. ^ "Keane resigns as Sunderland boss". BBC Sport. 4 December 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  151. ^ "Keane resigns as Sunderland boss". BBC Sport. 4 December 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  152. ^ "Sbragia appointed Sunderland boss". BBC Sport. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.

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