A gruelling 58-game campaign featured two managers, a major takeover, a Wembley win and yet more significant upheaval in the playing squad.
A relatively sluggish start to the season left Sunderland well off the pace by the time a COVID-19 outbreak disrupted their progress even further at the start of 2021.
Despite a raft of defensive injuries under Lee Johnson the Black Cats surged to the brink of the top two, only to fall away with a desperately poor run of form at the crucial moment.
With only 12 players currently under contract for next season, and some of those facing uncertain futures, a significant summer rebuild is expected by all on Wearside.
Johnson has vowed to build on the intense pressing of the first half at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, which helped build on an already outstanding atmosphere in front of 10,000 fans at the Stadium of Light.
With that in mind, and with the disappointment of three failed attempts to win promotion fresh in the memory, the club are facing a number of significant calls with regards to the playing squad for next season.
As it stands, there are 11 players whose contract is currently set to expire at the end of June.
Here, we review the performances of each player to feature in the club’s senior squad next season, to assess how they fared and what the future might hold...
1. LEE BURGE
Responded superbly to being dropped at Shrewsbury Town earlier this year, going on to play a key role in the long unbeaten run that followed. Like so many in the squad, wasn’t quite able to sustain those levels through the run-in. Established himself firmly as number one over the campaign and was named in the team of the season across the league. B- Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. REMI MATTHEWS
Was recruited to be a genuine contender for the number one shirt but arrived short of match practice and that proved key. A good cup performance led to a big chance at Shrewsbury but that could prove to be his last Sunderland appearance. Given the context of Jon McLaughlin’s departure, this was another big Phil Parkinson call that didn’t work out. D Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. ANTHONY PATTERSON
Didn’t get much senior action but it was a big campaign in that he made a significant impression in training on the first-team staff. Whether or not he goes out on loan next season, he looks to have a very bright future at the club. B+ Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. CONOR McLAUGHLIN
Comfortably produced his best football in a Sunderland shirt during the stretches when he was fully fit. Unfortunately that was not quite often enough, leaving the club with a big decision to make on his future. B- Photo: FRANK REID 2020