A whole host of players have made a long-lasting impression on Sunderland over the last three decades after becoming firm favourites with the Stadium of Light faithful.
Who can forget Kevin Phillips’ transformation from cut-price signing to a European Golden Boot winner during his time on Wearside? Or Julio Arca joining as a relative unknown and departing as a genuine cult hero six years later? Then there is Niall Quinn, who forged a fearsome partnership will Phillips that terrorised Premier League defences around the turn of the millennium and pushed the club to the brink of challenging for a place in European competition.
But Sunderland being Sunderland, there are also a number of players that have almost been forgotten following their own spells in the famous red and white stripes. We take a look back through the last three decades to identify 15 players that endured less than memorable spells on Wearside.
1. Brian Deane
A history-maker after scoring the first ever Premier League goal for Sheffield United - but Deane also had a brief spell with Sunderland making just four appearances in 2005. Photo: Michael Steele
2. Stern John
The Trinidad and Tobago international spent time at Sunderland during the 2006/07 season and scored five goals in 16 appearances before joining Southampton in a deal that saw the Black Cats land Kenwyne Jones. Photo: Clive Mason
3. Wayne Bridge
A loan signing during the second half of the 2011/12 season, the England left-back made eight appearances for the Black Cats before returning to Manchester City at the end of the campaign. | Getty Images
4. Tal Ben-Haim
Another loan signing, the Israel international made a handful of appearances after joining the Black Cats from Manchester City during the second half of the 2008/09 season. | Getty Images