We have to go back to 1988 to find ourselves in the same position as we are today following promotion from the third tier - how did we get on, and is there anything we can learn?
Now that Sunderland have jumped up a level there’s an expectancy that we’ll sign a better quality of player - but would any names from the past be on your transfer shortlist? American Mackem Kev offers some suggestions...
Sunderland are one of a few Championship clubs that, according to TEAMtalk, are interested in signing soon-to-be free agent Ireland international Robbie Brady.
In today’s fan letters, ambitions, transfers, and ownership are occupying the minds of Roker Report readers. Got something to say? Email us: RokerReport@Yahoo.co.uk
Despite all the talk of there being "no football" this summer, Euro 2022 in England will be the biggest event of the year so far - and four ex-Sunderland players will be hoping to lift a major trophy for our country.
In the absence of any real news, tabloid rumours linking Ross Stewart with a move to Rangers have been playing on the minds of Sunderland supporters - we simply have to ignore it, and back ourselves to develop him further.
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray wasn’t happy with Sir John Hall following the transfer of our FA Cup final captain to St James’ Park, and he wanted "clear-the-air" talks.
Following Sunderland’s recent link with Leicester goalkeeper Dan Iversen, we spoke to Preston reporter George Hodgson to find out how the Dane performed under Alex Neil at Preston.
With a nucleus of young, exciting talents at his disposal, how will Alex Neil make best use of the undoubted potential of his squad for the Championship campaign?
In a wide-ranging interview, the Irish international spoke of his admiration for Peter Reid and Mick McCarthy, and how the squad had come together after Roy Keane walked away from the World Cup.
There’s eagerness to get the ownership sorted, the future of Patrick Roberts, club shop woes and a plug for an evening with Reidy in the mailbag today. Got something you’d like to say? Email us: RokerReport@yahoo.co.uk
Marking the club’s 140th anniversary was the first-ever Sunderland AFC Hall of Fame ceremony, with a host of former stars honoured for their outstanding contributions to the football club.
"I have hopes and dreams of the perfect run, the perfect squad, the perfect set of circumstances culminating in our triumphant return to the Premier League, but I can wait as long as I can still see progress," writes Sean Brown.
Well it’s been a weird week or so as an SAFC fan, leaving a few of our editorial group with more questions than answers surrounding all kinds of issues, so Phil West, Rich Speight and Martin Wanless got together to see what they made of it all!
"I’m almost as fast as Usain Bolt. If I wasn’t playing football, I would love to be an astronaut!" Sunderland forward Emily Scarr speaks to Roker Report
Following our Wembley triumph, the waters have turned decidedly choppy, but nobody can lose sight of what is most important for this club and its immediate future.
It was on this day 37 years ago when it was confirmed Lawrie McMenemy had been made an offer to become manager of Sunderland and part of Roker Park was threatened with closure...
Sunderland are now a Championship club, and whilst the ownership carry-on is a distraction, it shouldn’t mean that the club gets complacent with other matters, big and small, both on and off the pitch.