Sunderland Will Never Die
By Kurtis Ottey
Credit: Getty - Contributor
“Sunderland till I die, I'm Sunderland till I die, I know I am, I'm sure I am, I'm Sunderland till I die…”. The chant heard worldwide thanks to the captivating Netflix documentary will be back for a third and final season. “Sunderland Till I Die” follows the legendary club through the course of a season highlighting it’s players and passionate fan base. After season one, I was almost ready to jump ship as a Chelsea fan (Which might still be in play for me if we continue to be a disappointment) after seeing what the club means to the community. Every game seems like life or death, and I wanted to truly understand how a team like Sunderland keeps its fan engagement so consistent regardless of what league they play in.
Sunderland Association Football Club, also known as Sunderland AFC or simply Sunderland, is an English professional football club based in the city of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1879 and has a long and storied history in English Soccer.
In its early years, Sunderland was a dominant force in English Soccer, winning the league title six times between 1891 and 1936. The club also won the FA Cup twice, in 1937 and 1973.
Photograph: PA
Sunderland's success in the early 20th century was largely due to the contributions of its legendary manager, Bob Stokoe. Stokoe joined Sunderland in 1971 and quickly turned the club around, leading them to a famous FA Cup victory over Leeds United in 1973. Stokoe is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Sunderland's history and is remembered fondly by the club's supporters.
Despite its early success, Sunderland has experienced a number of ups and downs over the years. The club was relegated from the top flight of English football on several occasions and has struggled to consistently compete at the highest level. In the 1980s and 1990s, Sunderland experienced a series of relegations and promotions, culminating in a historic third-place finish in the Premier League in 1999. Did I mention their stadium?
Credit: Foundation of Light
The Stadium of Light is a world-renowned home ground of Sunderland and has a capacity of over 49,000. It is considered one of the largest and most impressive football stadiums in the country and has been the stage for some of the most memorable football matches in recent history.
The Stadium of Light was officially opened in 1997 and was built to replace Sunderland's previous home ground, Roker Park. The new stadium was designed by award-winning architect Archibald Leitch, who also designed several other famous football stadiums, including Old Trafford and Anfield. The stadium is located on the banks of the River Wear and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most impressive features of the Stadium of Light is its striking exterior design. The stadium is built in the shape of a giant horseshoe and features a distinctive red and white striped facade, which reflects Sunderland's traditional colors. The exterior also includes a large video screen, which displays live scores, team news and replays during matches.
The stadium's seating arrangements are designed to offer the best views possible to all fans. The seats are arranged in a steeply sloping pattern, which means that every fan has an unobstructed view of the pitch. This design also creates a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium, as the noise and passion of the fans is amplified by the steep stands.
Another impressive feature of the Stadium of Light is its state-of-the-art facilities. The stadium includes a range of modern amenities, including executive boxes, hospitality suites, restaurants, bars and conference rooms. These facilities make the stadium a popular venue for a range of events, from business meetings to weddings and concerts.
The Stadium of Light has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in recent football history. It has hosted several international matches, including England's victory over Turkey in 2003, and has been the home ground of Sunderland for over two decades. During this time, the stadium has witnessed some of Sunderland's most famous victories, including the club's return to the Premier League in 2007 and their famous victory over Chelsea in 2014.
Sunderland's success in the Premier League was short-lived and the club struggled to maintain its place in the top flight. In 2002, Sunderland was relegated to the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football.
The following years were difficult for Sunderland, as the club struggled to regain its place in the Premier League. In 2006, Sunderland narrowly avoided relegation to the third tier of English football and the following season, the club was relegated to the Football League One, the third tier of English football.
Despite these setbacks, Sunderland was able to bounce back and earn promotion to the Championship in 2007. The following years were marked by inconsistency and the club struggled to mount a serious challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Image: PA
In 2013, Sunderland appointed Gus Poyet as manager and the club enjoyed a resurgence. Poyet led Sunderland to a run to the final of the League Cup in 2014, where they were ultimately defeated by Manchester City. The following season, Sunderland narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League and the club has remained in the top flight since.
Today, Sunderland competes in the English Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. As it stands they’re sitting 9th on the table with promotion to the English Premier League looking unlikely. Despite its recent struggles, the club remains an important part of the English football landscape and continues to have a devoted fan base. At the end of the day, Sunderland will never die.
