A new era dawns for under Len Ashurst during the 1984/85 season.A new era dawns for under Len Ashurst during the 1984/85 season.
A new era dawns for under Len Ashurst during the 1984/85 season.

Sunderland AFC in the 1980s: 22 iconic photos of the Milk Cup final, Gary Bennett, Gordon Armstrong & more!

Once again, we’ve delved deep into The Echo’s photo archives to bring Black Cats fans 23 iconic, retro Sunderland AFC photos.

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.

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