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.
But, as ever, the football club remained, providing its fans with a welcome escape.
Scroll down to view these retro Sunderland photos from the 80s.
1. 1986
Sunderland v Hull City Played at Roker Park back in 1986. The match finished 1-0 to the home side. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. 1984
A match against Southampton on 25 August 1984. The match ended in a 3-1 victory to Sunderland. Black Cats players Howard Gayle (far left) and Clive Walker (far right). Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. 1984
A team photo from 1984 - how many of the players can you name? Photo: Sunderland Echo