We’ve taken a look back at the last two decades in the third and seen where the losing play-off finalists have finished in the season immediately following their promotion heartbreak. And while it was bad news for some, the Black Cats could be encouraged by the performances of some of their predecessors - and will be hoping that history repeats itself this season. Scroll down and click through the pages to see how the history books suggest the Black Cats will fare, if previous play-off finalists are anything to go by:
5. 2013/14: Leyton Orient
And here’s how not to follow-up play-off disappointment. Orient lost on penalties to Rotherham at Wembley before being relegated to League Two the following season. Finished the year after play-offs: 23rd. Photo: Pete Norton
6. 2012/13: Brentford
The Bees are a perfect example for Sunderland to follow. They lost to Yeovil in the play-off final before finishing second the next year. Let’s hope for similar on Wearside. Finished the year after play-offs: 2nd (promoted). Photo: Steve Bardens
7. 2011/12: Sheffield United
The Blades narrowly missed out on promotion in 2012 after a tense penalty defeat to Huddersfield. They crashed out of the play-offs the following year, too. Finished the year after play-offs: 5th. Photo: Nathan Stirk
8. 2010/11: Huddersfield Town
Peterborough sent the Terriers packing in the 2011 play-off final, but Huddersfield weren’t to be deterred - sealing promotion the following season at Wembley. Finished the year after play-offs: 4th (promoted via play-offs). Photo: Matthew Lewis