In partnership with
Sunderland head South to take on recently promoted side Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 22, 9a CST.
The Black Cats will not be taking the Tractor Boys lightly since Sunderland were in their position to start last season and found a way to dominate at home and finish 7th in the table.
Just don’t get distracted by Ed Sheeran and the pomp around the launch of another season in the EPL.
SIDE NOTE - Sunderland have knocked their kits out of the park this season!
1879
Sunderland
2025/26 Finish - 7th Place
Qualified for the UEFA Conference League
44 - Over/Under projected points.
“Sleeping Giant”. The Best Club You May Have Not Known Before Last Season. Sunderland FC is a Medium-Large club with great history, it’s just been a while since they’ve lifted trophies, the last being in 1973. In their history the club has only spent 5 seasons outside of the top 2 levels of English Football, 4 of those seasons were 2018-2022. So, if you are somewhat new to the EPL you probably have not heard of Sunderland. Kinda like NFL fans under the age of 40 who may not know the Chicago Bears play in the league.
The Black Cats had one of their best seasons in the last 50 years. After being promoted from League 1 (level 3) to The Championship (level 2) in 2024 and then to the PL to start last season they rode the wave of a HUGE home pitch advantage, The Stadium of Light, and surprised everyone by finishing in a European Spot. Manager Regis Le Bris has led the club for both promotions and now into Europe.
This club has the history, fanbase, home field advantage and spending ability to sustain this success. the relatively new ownership and young French manager have been focused on the long term, something sustainable, and the confidence around the club is high. It also helps when you sweep your biggest rival, Newcastle, which is a priority for the fanbase.
It will be a new challenge this year having the added volume of games with Europe. The club will need to improve their depth if they hope to match last season’s results. This is a FUN club to watch, a team that plays hard and has a very hungry fanbase. If you’re looking for a club - check out the documentary on Sunderland, that should give you an idea of what this club is about.
The Club
Located in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear (Northeast Coast)
Stadium of Light, 49,000 capacity
Rough estimates
$250M Annual Revenue
$190M Player Payroll
Logo at Stadium of Light
History on the Pitch
6 Titles, last in 1936
2 FA Cup, 1973
0 Europe Cups
Sponsorship
Kit: Hummel
Shirt: TBD
Sleeve: TBD
These Kits Are Brilliant!
Home Kit
Away Kit “Elvis”
Ownership
Sunderland Limited. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (Swiss-French businessman) acquired a majority stake of Sunderland in 2021 at age 23 purchasing 41% and then increasing that to 64% in 2022. Kyril is heir to the Louis-Dreyfus Group, a global commodities empire with $36B in value.
The Louis-Dreyfus Company - LDC
“Our diversified portfolio covers the entire agriculture and food value chain, from farm to fork. We rely on our global reach and extensive asset network to deliver for customers and consumers around the world – safely, reliably and responsibly.”
Biggest Rivals
12 miles separate the clubs.
In 159 matches Sunderland are 55W 50D 54L.
The first meeting took place in 1883.
The rivalry is rooted in the English Civil War of the 1600s
AND
23 miles separate the clubs.
In 155 matches Sunderland are 64W 50D 37L.
The first meeting took place in 1887.
Some consider this a lesser rival than Newcastle due to the distance, but for people who live on the south side of Sunderland, and the proximity to the Teesiders, the rivalry is much more intense.
The Culture
Sunderland is a port town at the mouth of the River Wear on the North Sea about 10 miles South of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Sunderland, and in particular St Peter’s Church (founded in 674 AD) was a significant learning center of its time. Sunderland then became the “largest shipbuilding town in the world” making more than 25% of the ships in the world. with a passionate, working-class community based on industrial heritage of Wearside. The fanbase reflects its history, resilient, ambitious and spirited.
Mackem. A nickname given to the residents and people of Sunderland. It is also a name for the local dialect and accent, AND for a fan of Sunderland. A Mackem is not to be confused with a Geordie. A Geordie is distinctly from Newcastle, has its own dialect and roots for Newcastle United. A Mackem has significant differences from a Geordie, just ask the locals, and is specific to the City of Sunderland and the urban area of Wearside.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die. In 2018 the sports documentary series, Sunderland ‘Til I Die, was released on Netflix and ran for three seasons. The series starts with Sunderland having been relegated from the PL into the Championship and captures the deep connection to its working-class supporters and the city’s history. It’s worth your time. Th series covers the clubs surprising relegation down to League 1 (Level 3) when they probably thought they were covering what would be a promotion back to the EPL. Its authenticity inspired Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to buy Wrexham and document their seasons in Welcome to Wrexham.
Word Association
Sleeping Giant, Stadium of Light, Ha’Way the Lads, Passion, Wearside, Big Club History, Black Cats, Mackem, Roker Park, Red & White, Elvis.
Sunderland v Aston Villa
One of the earliest soccer paintings in the world was created when Thomas MM Hemy painted a picture between Sunderland home to Villa.
Thomas MM Hemy
Supporters You May Recognize
Jordan Pickford (yes, the Everton Keeper who was born there and played for their academy).
Jordan Henderson (yes, the Liverpool captain who was born in Sunderland and also played for the club’s academy)
Most of the “famous” people are from 30+ years ago.
Song
Wise Men Say (Link to YT)
Based on the song Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley, this song is played before kickoff of each match since the 1990s.
Wise men say, “Only fools rush in,” But I can’t help falling in love with you. Sunderland! (Clap, Clap, Clap) Sunderland! (Clap, Clap, Clap) Sunderland! (Clap, Clap, Clap)
Game Day Pub Guide
Black Cats Bar (In the stadium)
Fan Sites
Official X
@SunderlandAFC
High Follows on X
@RokerReport (60k)
@WMS_Podcast (25k)
@WeAreSunderland (2k)
The Team
The Gaffer
Regis Le Bris (France), 50yo.
Most of Le Bris’ managerial career was with French side Lorient from 2012-2024, starting in the U17 squad and working his way up to the first team.
In his first year at Sunderland, he led the team to promotion to the PL.
ODDS
To Win League +75,000
Top 4 +5000
To Be Relegated +224
Roster Notes
Full Roster click link
No Americans on the Roster.
Noah Sadiki
Granit Xhaka
Chemsdine Talbi
Trai Hume
Nordi Mukiele
Enzo Le Fee
Simon Adingra
Chris Rigg
Habib Diarra
Daniel Ballard
Chris Rigg
Briam Brobbey
Omar Alderete
Goalkeeper
Robin Roefs
Stadium of Light
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