Sunderland Football Club

Sunderland Live

Sunderland Football Club was originally founded as the Sunderland District and Teachers Association Football Club back in 1879. The founder, a secondary school teacher called James Allen opened the club up to other professions just two years later, and accordingly changed its name, when it became simply the Sunderland Association Football Club - the full name it retains today. The young side was elected into the Football League at the start of the 1890-91 season and remarkably won the League Trophy just one season later.

This prosperous start to Sunderland's footballing history continued with 5 more league wins between then and 1936. They also won the FA Cup for the first time the following season in 1937. This big win saw the start of their downward turn though and the team struggled to stay in contention for the next few years. Eventually they were outclassed and in 1958 they underwent relegation to the second division where they stayed until the shake up of the divisions during the 90s. Before their relegation they set an unprecedented record though by staying in the top league for 68 successive seasons - a record that has only been beaten as yet by Arsenal.

Being a second division team didn't stop Sunderland Football Club from winning the FA Cup for a second time though and in 1973 they beat rivals Leeds United 1-0. Since then there have been many ups and downs though and in the last 10 years alone, the team has been promoted to the Premier Division no less than four times. Each time however the thrill is closely followed by the disappointment of relegation within the next few seasons.

At present Sunderland Football Club remains in the Premier Division and the team have recently signed new manager Steve Bruce on a three year contract. Their home ground, the Stadium of Light, now holds close to 50,000 supporters and is the seventh stadia used by the club throughout their history - the most memorable of which was Roker Park where Sunderland played for 99 years. Even through their troubles Sunderland have remained a popular side and with their new manager it is hoped that next season will their best for a long time.

The fans of the north east are well renowned for their love of football and Sunderland fans are no different.