About The Sunderland Stories

By Keith Chapman, Editor, The Sunderland Stories

Welcome to The Sunderland Stories, a brand-new CounterPress Media title dedicated to delivering in-depth, quality coverage of Sunderland for less than the cost of a pint at the match each month.

Launched ahead of the 2026/27 season, and coinciding with Sunderland’s return to European competition for the first time since 1973, I’m excited to be leading this brilliant digital platform and to provide insightful analysis, engaging features and a deep connection to Sunderland’s rich history, unique identity and vibrant community.

I’ve followed the club home and away for over 40 years and have a season ticket in the North West Corner of the stadium. My own journey with Sunderland began on New Year’s Day 1988, when I watched my first ever match from the railings at the front of the Fulwell End at Roker Park against Doncaster Rovers. They say you don’t forget your first match and I certainly don’t. We won 3-1. I’ve been a supporter ever since.

My first away game came at the age of 11, when Sunderland travelled to Chelsea for an FA Cup quarter-final in 1992. Since then, I’ve seen pretty much everything - including the journey all the way down to League One. I’ve stood on the terraces at Accrington Stanley in the rain, only for the game to be abandoned after 75 minutes. Those experiences make the journey we are on now all the more special.

I’ve also spent more than two decades writing and editing about football. I wrote for A Love Supreme fanzine before becoming a contributor to the hugely successful SAFC matchday programme from 2001 to 2016, carrying out interviews with players, referees and fans, as well as write about my travels on the road watching Sunderland. I have also been Editor of Stockport County official matchday programme since 2014, Burnley’s from 2021-2026 and I’m currently working with Sheffield Wednesday.

That experience, combined with a lifelong connection to Sunderland, has helped shape what I want The Sunderland Stories to be.

Supporters deserve coverage that gets beneath the surface and captures the essence of the club - its people, its history and the ups and downs that make following Sunderland such a unique experience.

The Sunderland Stories will deliver comprehensive coverage across news, views, analysis, interviews and historical features. There are lots of good digital platforms around connected with Sunderland, but I want this site to get right under the skin of Sunderland and provides the depth of coverage that can often be missing elsewhere.

We also want this to be a platform for supporters. Whether you’re cheering from the Stadium of Light, travelling to away games or following the Lads from thousands of miles away, your voice is part of the Sunderland story.

It’s a privilege to be part of The Sunderland Stories and to continue that lifelong connection with the club through a platform built by supporters, for supporters.

However, we do need your backing and support to help develop The Sunderland Stories into the best digital platform it can possibly be.

Thanks for your support. Join us as we set out on this exciting journey and bring you the depth, breadth and passion that Sunderland supporters deserve.