And you duly answered. While the decade has been a testing one for fans, there have been moments of brilliance with a number of individual players capturing the hearts of the Stadium of Light faithful.
This is YOUR Sunderland AFC team of the decade – scroll down and click through the pages to view it (4-3-3).
9. Lee Cattermole - CM
Sunderland apps: 258. Goals: 10. Where to start? A brilliant servant to the club and a superb leader. Gave his all. The supporters' representative on the pitch. The heir to Kevin Ball’s throne. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
10. Stephane Sessegnon - FW
Sunderland apps: 97. Goals: 18. A little trickster, Stephane Sessegnon lit up the Stadium of Light with his fast exciting play. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
11. Darren Bent - FW
Sunderland appearances: 63. Goals: 36. A truly brilliant goal-scorer for Sunderland despite moving to Aston Villa in controversial circumstances. Photo: Julian Finney
12. Jermain Defoe - FW
Sunderland apps: 93. Goals: 37. What a player. Joining in the twilight of his career, Jermain Defoe smashed in vital goals against Newcastle United and Chelsea. A superb forward player. Photo: Ian MacNicol