Sunderland AFC were founded in 1879. Although they are currently plying their trade in League One, they boast a long and distinguished history, having won six top-flight titles, two FA Cups and a Charity Shield. They have also been runners-up in the league on five occasions. Admittedly those glory years are long past, the last top-flight title having been won in 1936.
The Black Cats, as the club are nicknamed, play their football at The Stadium of Light, a venue they moved to in 1997 after almost a century at Roker Park. Currently managed by Lee Johnson, the club boasts some big managerial names from the past who have previously taken the helm at the club. These include Mick McCarthy and Peter Reid, the controversial Bob Stokoe who as a player won the FA Cup with Sunderland's bitter rivals Newcastle United, Alan Brown, Bill Murray and Johnny Cochrane.
A quick look at a list of the club’s greatest players shows some big names. Some of the most enduring heroes to have pulled on the famous white and red striped jersey include Niall Quinn, Raich Carter (who also played First Class cricket for Derbyshire), Dave Halliday, Len Shackleton (for whom Sunderland paid a then British transfer record fee of £20,050 when he was signed from Newcastle in 1948), Dave Watson, Bobby Kerr, Kevin Phillips and Charlie Hurley.
Who owns Sunderland AFC?
Young French businessman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is the chairman and majority shareholder of Sunderland AFC. At just 23 years old, he is the youngest chairman in English football. He also holds a 5% stake in Olympique de Marseille.
- Ground:
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The Stadium of Light
- Capacity:
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49,000