Sunderland fan blog: This is what the retained list told us about Lee Johnson's plans

In 2019 it was the disastrous play-off final defeat to Charlton, 2020 was the season of the controversial points-per-game ratio, but this season feels worse.

Saturday's play-off semi-final defeat to Lincoln City at the Stadium of Light brought their season to an end - a season in which the damage was arguably already done before Lee Johnson s arrival as head coach.

Missed chances, shambolic refereeing performances and the failure to capitalise on dragging themselves back into the game all proving decisive in who would play Blackpool on Sunday at Wembley.

But, despite this, there was hope. Hope for the future.

Overheard by the boos filtering in the stadium was applause for the effort and desire that the players had shown to try and pull themselves back into the tie.

This was when Sunderland showed their true meaning and purpose - the one that was shone so brightly within the Netflix documentary: the fans.

Boardroom failures have cost the Black Cats in recent tenures, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus needing to steady the ship and push the Wearsiders into a thriving position, and back to where they ultimately belong.

Louis-Dreyfus is looking for the club to have a long-term sustainability plan behind the scenes and a team that on the field gives the fans something to shout about on a Saturday afternoon and be proud of.

Pace, physicality and a bold outlook are just a couple of things that need to be translated onto the pitch, with the retained list portraying just the task that the senior figures have during a significant summer period.

Players that have been consistently around the squad over the past couple of seasons are gone, with Johnson calling out for a fresh outlook on his Sunderland - a Sunderland that can hopefully learn from their errors both on the pitch and off it.

If he wants to do that, he requires players with invention and creativity, because if anything, Sunderland desperately need promotion next season.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor