March 7, 2021, marks a year since Sunderland last played a home game in front of spectators. With pandemic restrictions due to ease from March 8, we thought we would whet your appetite for a return to the terraces by paying this photographic tribute to the club’s fan-tastic support.
9. Wembley woe
Now here's the travelling army at Wembley for the 2-0 final defeat. Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. Let there be Light
Were you at the Stadium of Light for its first game, a pre-season friendly against Ajax, in July 1997? Photo: Sunderland Echo
11. Patience pays
Back to the neighbours as this picture shows Sunderland fans celebrating during the club's 2-1 win over Newcastle United in 2008 - the first competitive home win over their rivals since that 1980 victory. Photo: Sunderland Echo
12. Just Capital
Sunderland fans celebrate as Gus Poyet's side take the lead at Wembley during the 3-1 Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City in 2014. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady