---
title: "Flashback: Sunderland relegated from the Championship"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/flashback-sunderland-relegated-from-the-championship/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Davies"
section: "Features"
published: "2019-05-25T06:15:07Z"
modified: "2019-06-19T10:47:33Z"
---

# Flashback: Sunderland relegated from the Championship

**What a weekend in could be for Sunderland. After the heartbreak of relegation from the Championship last season, it could all be forgotten if they are able to come out on top at Wembley. What an occasion it will be.**

Two historically big teams locking horns in a repeat of the 1998 play-off final that saw Charlton promoted to the Premier League. Sunderland will be aiming to gain their revenge, of course. While many are looking ahead to what could potentially be, let’s revisit what was oh so painful for Sunderland fans – their relegation last season.

What a horrific time to be a Sunderland fan it was, wasn’t it? A second successive relegation. A drop from the Premier League all the way down to the third tier of English football. A remarkable fall from grace for a team of such notoriety.

The story doesn’t stop there, however. As it was in the utmost of painful defeats that saw the Black Cats falter once again. Not only did rivals Burton score an injury-time winner, but Sunderland saw a last-minute equaliser ruled out for a handball.

It was a truly devastating defeat – and the Sunderland supporters felt it.

> The saddest day in the history of football on Wearside. What would Bob Stokoe make of this..
>
> — Neil Roberts (@verulamfisher) [April 22, 2018](https://twitter.com/verulamfisher/status/987921135764373505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Horrible feeling watching week after week when you constantly play Fletcher upfront
>
> — Chris Field (@GPixelTV) [April 22, 2018](https://twitter.com/GPixelTV/status/988059835546685440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> We must have a decent pre-season this time, two seasons of failing to prepare and uncertainty around who will own the club have contributed massively to the. Chris Coleman has been a true professional, I hope he stays to rebuild the club.
>
> — ken tuck (@ktuck1979) [April 22, 2018](https://twitter.com/ktuck1979/status/987991707680636928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> They will be back, [@SunderlandAFC](https://twitter.com/SunderlandAFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), good direction,planning and recruiting they will be on the up again. [#hawaythelads](https://twitter.com/hashtag/hawaythelads?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).
>
> — Mick Harford (@Mickharford) [April 21, 2018](https://twitter.com/Mickharford/status/987809255465078787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Many players earned over £50k/week in prem. Rodwell £70k. multiple players bought for +£10m sold for peanuts or released for free. Only 3 or 4 of last 50 or so purchases sold at profit. Owner is clueless.
>
> — Dave Rostron (@Rossalini22) [April 21, 2018](https://twitter.com/Rossalini22/status/987820859783110656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Been serious problems at board level for several years. Short and board totally destroyed Sunderland AFC.
>
> — Ian Graham (@IanGraham1701) [April 21, 2018](https://twitter.com/IanGraham1701/status/987723880176463889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

But here we are now, just a matter of hours away from the chance to redeem themselves from what was such a painful blow – and what a story it would be. It was revealed that midfielder Grant Leadbitter had lost his mother to cancer just the day before their second-leg draw against Portsmouth.

The midfielder started his career with a six-year spell at the club before returning this season. It would mean so much to both himself and the rest of Sunderland to see them return to the Championship.

***Sunderland fans, what do you think? Will you beat Charlton? If so, what’s in store for next season? Comment below.***