ANALYSIS: From Accrington to Alkmaar - Sunderland's five-year journey
16.09.26, 07:50 Updated 16.09.26, 07:50 3 Minute Read
Keith Chapman
Sometimes there are moments when you stop for a second and take stock of where you are, because the game moves so quickly that it’s easy to become accustomed to things that, not so long ago, would have seemed almost impossible.
For Sunderland supporters, there can surely be no better way of doing that than looking back five years. In September 2021, Sunderland were at their lowest ebb in League One.
The Stadium of Light was preparing to welcome Accrington Stanley, while a trip to Fleetwood Town was among the fixtures on the horizon.
Those were the games that mattered then, the fixtures Sunderland had to navigate as they attempted once again to escape the third tier and begin the long journey back towards the level at which a club of this size should be.
Become a member today.
The Sunderland Stories needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of Sunderland AFC. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.
Already have an account? Sign in
Related Topics
Keith Chapman contributed to Sunderland's matchday programme from 2001-2016. Season ticket holder and supporter for over 40 years, Keith was one of the fans in one of the fleet of taxis home from Bristol Airport organised by Niall Quinn when he was Chairman of SAFC! Has also worked as a Programme Editor for Non-League, EFL and Premier League clubs since 2014.