Let’s face it, Black Cats supporters some of the most passionate fans in the country with big crowds turning up to Roker Park and the Stadium of Light for decades.
We’ve delved into the archives to take a look at some of the most iconic photos of Sunderland fans supporting their team ahead of the new season and supporters returning to their rightful place.
![Sunderland fans prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjkzMmY3YzkzLTZjMzAtNDc3NS05NGJiLWQ3M2JlZjI0MGU2OTpmMzA1NmU5YS0wOWE2LTQ0ZGYtODQ4Mi0wYmZkMDZmOWJkNzk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
17. 2015
Sunderland fans prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light. Photo: Michael Regan
![A Sunderland fan enjoys a bite to eat prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjc3NmMwMGUxLTQ2Y2YtNDUwYi04NDI2LTRjNTkwZGQ5NTRlZDpmYjRhODQ1NS02NzBlLTQ4NzAtOWJlMC05MjAzNzgwMDJmODA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
18. 2015
A Sunderland fan enjoys a bite to eat prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Michael Regan
![Sunderland fans cheer during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmJiZTdkM2YzLWEwMmYtNDQ3ZC1hMTg4LTU2NTAwOTk1YzE4ZTplMmU4NTYyNi1hOGIyLTRjNTgtOWYxNS1hNDdhOTE3NWNiNGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
19. 2012
Sunderland fans cheer during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Michael Regan
![A young Sunderland fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere ahead of the Sky Bet League One Play-off Final match between Charlton Athletic and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjVjZWY3YTY4LTdlODItNDNiYi04NDA5LTlhMmVmYmIwZTljMzo1ZTBmYjIxNS0wNzhhLTRiMDYtYTU4MS01MzA2ZGJhNDRhNDc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
20. 2019
A young Sunderland fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere ahead of the Sky Bet League One Play-off Final match between Charlton Athletic and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst