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.
21. 1984
Back from left: Peter Daniel, Rodger Wylde, Nick Pickering, Barry Venison; Middle: Gordon Chisholm, Colin West, Mark Prudhoe, Chris Turner, Gary Bennett, David Hodgson; Front: Clive Walker, Howard Gayle, Shaun Elliott, Ian Atkins, Steve Berry, Mark Proctor. | Getty Images Photo: Sunderland Echo