Coventry v Sunderland: Did you know...?

Sunderland has some bitter history with their play-off rivals Coventry City.

Cast your mind back to 1977, when there were three teams in danger of relegation from the old First Division: Sunderland, Coventry and Bristol City.

Sunderland lost to Everton and were awaiting the result of Coventry v Bristol City, which had been delayed due to traffic issues around the Sky Blues' then home ground, Highfield Road.

As the Black Cats had been defeated, a draw would be enough to keep both the Sky Blues and the Robins up, while a loss would send either team down.

With five minutes left in the game, Sunderland's result was broadcast from the tannoy system at Highfield Road and with the score at 2-2, the game petered out with neither side particularly incentivised to go on and win the game.

Sunderland were relegated and left questioning the fairness of the decisions made by then-Coventry managing director Jimmy Hill, stirring up bad blood between the two sides.