Much like the 1970s, the 1980s proved to be a challenging time for Sunderland as a town.
Coal mining declined during the period with shipbuilding ending in 1988. The unemployment crisis rose to 20% of Mackems out of work in the mid-1980s.
However, Nissan car plant did open in 1986 and on the field, Sunderland reached a cup final the year before.
Scroll down to view these iconic, retro Sunderland AFC photos from the 80s – have any special memories or stories to tell? Get in touch.
9. 1982
Five dedicated football fans who were helping to keep Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association alive back in the 1980s. Left to right: Carolyn Buckle, Ann Howe, Judith Tucknutt, Marie Forster and Audrey Baillie at the typewriter. Recognise anybody from the photo? | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. 1984
Six Sunderland AFC youth players in 1984, left to right: Gordon Armstrong, Paul Breen, David Woodcock, Cameron Duncan, John Moore and Mark Outterside. | JPIMedia Photo: JPIMedia
11. 1985
Sunderland player Barry Venison in action during the 1985 Milk Cup final at Wembley Stadium. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. 1989
Paul Hardyman played for Sunderland from 1989 to 1992. | Getty Images Photo: Sunderland Echo