Name of Club – Sunderland AFC
Year founded – 1879
Ground Name – Stadium of Light

After entering the football league in the year 1890, they were one of the strongest teams in Britain. In the year 1913, Sunderland won their fifth league championship and reached their first FA Cup final, suffering defeat against Aston Villa. Sunderland won the league title at the end of the 1935 – 1936 season and won the 1937 FA Cup final. During the 1950’s they stabilised their league position and reached the semi finals of the FA Cup in 1955 and 1956. They heroically won the FA cup in 1973 by defeating the then all conquering Leeds United 1-0 in the final. They reached the 1985 league cup final, suffering defeat against Norwich city, however were relegated to the third division for the first time in their football career in 1987. Manager, Denis Smith led Sunderland back to the top flight at the end of the 1989 – 1990 season and they reached the 1992 FA Cup final, suffering defeat against Liverpool in the final. For much of the 1990’s and early 21st century they have spent their time in either the premiership or second tier of English football. Under the new guidance of Roy Keane, the Rokerites are hoping for ambitious things to come.

Past Managers
Bill Murray: 1939 – 1957
Alan Brown: 1957 – 1964
Ian McColl: 1965 – 1968
Bob Stokoe: 1972 – 1976
Ken Knighton: 1979 – 1981
Alan Durban: 1981 – 1984
Lawrie McMenemy: 1985 – 1987
Denis Smith: 1987 –

Great Players

Jim Montgomery – Montgomery was arguably the finest goal keeper of his era, making 537 league appearances for Sunderland between 1962 and 1977. He is well remembered for the double save he made from a Trevor Cherry shot and then a Peter Lorimer shot in the 1973 FA Cup final win against Leeds United.

Charlie Buchan
Dave Halliday
Martin Harvey
Niall Quinn
Tony Norman
Marco Gabbiadini
Dennis Tueart
Chris Turner