Sunderland

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Sunderland.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

Andrew: Growing up in west Cumbria where rugby league ruled, I never really had a football team, but I happened to be a student in Sunderland when they played and won an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in 1992.

I was at a house party where the majority were listening to the match on the radio. As soon as Gordon Armstrong's header went in the whole place erupted.

I've been addicted ever since.

Send us your pictures and stories here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

'Why did you fall in love with your club?'

This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.

Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.

The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.

But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?

"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.

"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.

"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."

Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.

Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.

"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.

"It's handed down from generation to generation."

The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.

An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.

"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.

"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.

"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."

Share your story in our My Club My Passion campaign

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Regis le Bris' new contract "protects" Sunderland going forward, says former striker Marco Gabbiadini.

Le Bris signed a new three-year deal on Monday as the Black Cats continue preparations for their return to the Premier League.

The Frenchman has been with the club just over 12 months and brought success in his first season in charge by winning the Championship play-off final and ensuring top-flight football returns to the Stadium of Light after an eight-year absence.

"All positive. It has been a positive summer of transactions so it follows the trend," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It protects the club. You see the likes of a Spurs or a West Ham and those sorts of clubs, if they have a slow start they are always in the hunt for any up and coming talent and he would fit that bill.

"So it protects the club that we have got him under contract and also rewards him I'm sure for his success with the club last season.

"There is still no doubt in my mind it is going to be a very difficult season and it will be interesting to see how that progresses. We see so often newly promoted teams changing their manager after a slow start to the campaign but hopefully Sunderland are a little bit more patient and little more considered in the way that we do that.

"Hopefully we look forward to a real calm time with the manager because we have been through a lot over the past seven or eight years."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Regis Le Bris signing a new three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Here are some of your comments:

Owen: Thank god we've extended his contract. Did very well last season and helped develop players such as Rigg, Jobe and Ballard as well as bringing in players such as Isidor. Here's to another three years of Regis.

John: He deserves the contract. He really has a connection and a full understanding of the people who live in Sunderland and all the supporters globally.

Colin: Le Bris Has done well so far getting us to the Premier League, now the big test of his credentials starts against West Ham and for the rest of the season. Then we will know just how good he is.

Derek: It is a reward which is very well deserved. He has achieved things with the team that many, including me, had doubts about when he was appointed.

Arthur: Well deserved! An intelligent, modest man but is showing he can be ruthless in his aims.

John: Cracking news. He's done a great job.

Sunderland head coach Regis le Bris says he can "feel the energy and intent to push forwards" after signing a new three-year contract with the club.

The Frenchman has been rewarded for guiding the team into the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after an eight-year absence.

Le Bris joined the Black Cats in June 2024 and has managed 51 games, winning 23, drawing 14 and losing just 14.

"The connection I have with the staff, players, and supporters has been natural, and we shared many great moments together," he told club media.

"The collective ambition is there to see and now, there is a desire to become stronger. I can feel the energy and intent to push forward, and we need that in the next challenges we will face.

"In every part of the organisation, everyone has their part to play, and we are all aligned."

Sunderland have backed their head coach so far this summer with eight new signings and get their league campaign under way at home to West Ham on Saturday, 16 August.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Like every Sunderland supporter, I'm delighted we are announcing this contract extension for Regis. It provides clarity going into the Premier League season, but more importantly it recognises his contribution and continued commitment to the club.

"Regis has an unrelenting desire for progression that matches our own and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the upcoming season."

How are you feeling about the news?

How far can Le Bris take the Black Cats?

Get in touch here

Derby County boss John Eustace says Sunderland midfielder Nectar Triantis is not on his transfer radar despite rumours circulating about a possible move for the Australian.

"That's not a name I've been speaking about with the club. I think his agent might be putting that out there," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby after the side's 2-0 pre-season victory over Atromitos on Saturday.

"He's a good player but he's not somebody that, at the moment, we are looking at."

The Rams may find themselves a little lighter defensively as they prepare for their opening Championship game against Stoke City on Saturday (15:00 BST), with Eustace unsure if left-back Owen Beck and defender Matt Clarke will be fit in time.

The 45-year-old added: "They've had slight injury niggles so we will have to see if they will be available for next week.

"But Jake Rooney has stepped in, he's done well today."

Listen to the full post-match interview with Eustace and more on BBC Sounds.

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Sunderland and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Bill: My grandad took me to my first football match in 1957-58 when I was seven years old. We stood in the Fulwell End at Roker Park. That was the season. We were relegated for the first time.

I have followed the club ever since. One of my first memories was of a miserable old man complaining that he had followed the club for 50 years and their only trophy was the FA Cup in 1973.

I had a season ticket for many years but had to give it up due to my age. I remember in my last season at the Stadium of Light that I was complaining to the person in the next seat that the only trophy we had won was the FA Cup in 1973.

I had become that miserable old man.

Image source, Getty Images

Regis le Bris says Sunderland "need time" to bed in the summer signings but believes their potential for this season is already evident given the experience they have added.

The Black Cats fell to a 1-0 defeat by La Liga opponents Real Betis at Stadium of Light on Saturday in their sixth pre-season friendly but Le Bris was still encouraged by what he saw.

"We're adding new building blocks with three new players in the squad, who have a bit more maturity and experience," the Sunderland boss told BBC Radio Newcastle. "We need time because it's not easy.

"Granit Xhaka brings maturity and a level of confidence to the squad. That was in our plan.

"We started the recruitment window with talented young players, but we can't step up [to the Premier League] with just skills.

"You need experience and we felt the immediate difference in this game, so now it is about sharing experiences.

"We are building a new squad and I think the quality is here, so now it is about balance and adding new building blocks progressively."

Sunderland travel to Germany next, where they will face Augsburg and Rayo Vallecano before they kick-off the Premier League season against West Ham.

Listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your feelings about the upcoming season after Sunderland lost 1-0 to Real Betis in a pre-season friendly at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

New signing Granit Xhaka impressed but the Black Cats recorded their fourth defeat in six pre-season games.

Here are some of your comments:

Bob: Pleased with the passing, bit of a weakness on the left side in defence and oh how we need a striker.

Rusty: I don't know. I just don't know...if I knew I'd be walking away with the winning lottery numbers every week. I'm half hope and half trepidation - is this normal for a promoted side? Hang on, this isn't that promoted side that got us up with blood, sweat and tears - it's an almost entirely brand new team! So, it's going to come down to coaching plans, strategies, getting these strangers to gel ASAP, understand each other and keep us in this division. Can we do a Leicester? Who knows? It's been done before and any new side can take the regulars by surprise sometimes. Can we compete and survive or fight and fail? Right now it's all just hoping. I've wanted us to at least thrash one side and have an exciting attacking style but it's been workmanlike (boring) in pre-season and I just don't know. Ask the question at Christmas.

Nigel: Too early to judge but great to see new signings. Let's get a win next Sunday.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland went down 1-0 to Real Betis at the Stadium of Light as a late Aitor Ruibal goal secured the Spanish side a friendly win.

Regis le Bris made three changes to his side, with Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs, and Reinildo making their first appearances for the club.

Simon Adingra saw a goal disallowed on a day where the Black Cats extended their winless run in recent matches.

Their summer record reads four defeats, a draw and a win over South Shields.

Were you at the game? How are you feeling about the season to come?

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett said: There are a lot of positives to come out of the game. The goalkeeper is a big plus if you go off this game, he is very confident with the ball at his feet, confident commanding his box.

"Xhaka was quality, absolute quality, dictating the play. That is the standard everyone has to get up to. Getting on the ball, his passes, his weight of pass, his decision making was excellent.

"The problem for Le Bris is which three you play in there. You have Le Fee, Sadiki, Diarra, Xhaka, you have to pick three of them four."

Listen to Bennett and Nick Barnes here

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland have confirmed the departure of assistant head coach Pedro Ribeiro.

The 39-year-old moved to Wearside in October 2024 to join head coach Regis le Bris' first-team backroom staff.

Ribeiro played a role in the Black Cats' promotion back to the Premier League, after achieving a fourth-place Championship finish last season.

Le Bris' coaching team has undergone a restructure this summer, with Luciano Vulcano being announced as the new assistant head coach, Isidre Ramon Madir coming in as an assistant coach and Neil Cutler joining as a goalkeeping coach at the start of July.

The club said Ribeiro had agreed to "mutually part ways", adding in a statement: "We thank him for his contribution to the club and for the role he played in our promotion-winning campaign.

"Everyone at the Academy of Light wishes him well in the next chapter of his career."

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland have signed Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract to link up with the Premier League newcomers.

Roefs made 32 appearances and kept 10 clean sheets last season, as NEC Nijmegen claimed a spot in the 2025-26 Europa Conference League with an eighth-place finish in the Dutch top-flight.

He has also represented the Netherlands national team at Under-21 level.

"It feels really good to have signed for Sunderland," the shot-stopper told the club website, external.

"Joining such a big club with a rich history is a proud moment for me and I'm excited for the challenge ahead in the Premier League.

"Last season was my first real experience as a senior goalkeeper and I was happy with how it went, especially with the stats at the end of the campaign."

Roefs becomes head coach Regis le Bris' eighth signing of the summer.

Image source, Toni

On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Sunderland and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Toni:

"My family live in Blackpool. My dad was an avid Sunderland fan his whole life but did work away for long periods. To my dad's joy, I got a place at Sunderland University, which gave him a great reason to get a season ticket to see the boys. I got taken along for the ride.

"Seeing what the club means to the people of Sunderland, what a hold on the players that it has and the lasting effects it has on players made me proud to be called a Sunderland fan.

"Unfortunately in 2014, my dad discovered he had cancer and he made me promise one thing - if I were to have children, make sure they are red and white. Fast forward a couple of years, my daughter went to her first match when she was two and has her own season ticket.

"We travel from Blackpool most weekends and wouldn't have it any other way. Wembley was the highlight for both of us and we cannot wait for the season ahead."

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love Sunderland.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Sunderland have reached an agreement with NEC Nijmegen for Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs, with the 22-year-old expected to sign a five-year contract to join the Premier League newcomers. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Sunderland are keen on taking Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old is being made available by Chelsea given they boast a host of other options and Guiu has previously attracted the attention of relegated Ipswich Town.

However, the chance of going on loan within the Premier League could also be attractive as Chelsea and the £5m signing from Barcelona in 2024 weigh up their options.

Guiu got six goals in 16 matches in his first season at Chelsea.

The Blues could also loan out winger Tyrique George, also 19, with both attackers having played a substantial role during Chelsea's Conference League win last season.

Chelsea have since signed Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens. They are also in talks to add RB Leipzig attacker midfielder Xavi Simons to Enzo Maresca's squad.

Image source, Getty Images

New Sunderland signing Granit Xhaka says he "felt the energy and mentality" of the club and fans upon choosing to make the move back to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen.

Xhaka left Arsenal after seven years in 2023 and won the league and cup double in his first season in Germany.

The 32-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Stadium of Light, including 137 appearances for Switzerland and featuring at six major tournaments, most recently captaining the team at Euro 2024.

"I'm very proud to be here," Xhaka said on his arrival.

"When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It's exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.

"I feel that I'm ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well."

Black Cats boss Regis le Bris added: "First of all, it's a massive statement about the attractiveness of the club. If a player of that dimension, says yes to our project, it means something.

"He brings many things for the balance of the squad. He's a captain, a leader, has strong experience in the Premier League and the national team. We're really happy."

Image source, Getty Images

Summer signing Simon Adingra got his first goal for Sunderland but could not prevent Regis le Bris' side slipping to defeat at Hull in a friendly on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old swept home a fine finish to give the Black Cats the lead after just 11 minutes but they were pegged back by the Championship side when Nathan Tisdale levelled.

After Le Bris made 10 substitutions, Hull's Abu Kamara slotted home a second-half winner.

Despite the loss, the Sunderland boss was happy with the improvement in his side's performance after they were comprehensively beaten by Hearts on Saturday.

"This evening, I felt we showed improvement across different phases of the game. Of course, we made some mistakes, but that's part of the process," he said.

"It's about finding the right balance between taking risks and playing it safer when necessary."

Sunderland are next in action on Saturday at home to Conference League finalists Real Betis.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on whether impending signing Granit Xhaka is exactly what the Black Cats need for their Premier League return.

Here are some of your comments:

Stu: The signing of Xhaxa is a gamechanger in terms of the profile of the club externally. It will make many sit up outside of the club and note that Sunderland are serious and not only in the Premier League to make up the numbers. It reminds me of the summer in '99 when Stefan Schwarz signed, who at the time was Sweden captain, and like Xhaxa had a huge pedigree and reputation. He was outstanding for us and believe Xhaxa will be the same in raising standards on and off the pitch. Love it and Ha'way the lads!

P Dinsley: Xhaka is exactly what Sunderland could do with in the middle of the pitch. His experience and commitment should inspire the younger talents around him. He will have plenty of players around him to provide the pace we will require to compete in the Premier League.

David: As an elite, proven midfielder his experience will be invaluable and the fee is more than justified if he helps us stay up. It speaks volumes of his character that he wants to take on the challenge and it will also ensure the backing of the fanbase from the outset. Clever all round.

Chris: Only time will tell whether or not the Xhaka signing will be a success, but without the benefit of hindsight, I think it's definitely worth the risk. Even at a slightly elevated fee. Not only for the experience and quality he can bring directly, but also for the knowledge he can impart to the youngsters around him. With lots of top coaches at the club, I also think he has seen this as an opportunity to work towards the next steps in his career and learning from them to develop his leadership skills further.

Jon: He's exactly what we need. Experienced midfielder that can be the influence around the younger players.

Nigel: He is exactly the type of player we need. He will bring leadership and experience to a young team. The midfield signings so far are all energetic young players who will do the box-to-box work. Xhaka is a great distributor of the ball and will be a valuable addition to the team.

Image source, Getty Images

The probable arrival of Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka is a "huge signing" and "fantastic news" for Sunderland, believes former striker Marco Gabbiadini.

The Black Cats have agreed a £13m deal to sign the 32-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen, with a potential £4m in add-ons.

After spending seven years at Arsenal in the Premier League, he moved to Levekusen in 2023 and won the Bundesliga in his first season.

"He is a huge signing," Gabbiadini said. "He has obviously seen a connection that he thinks he can make. It is fantastic news for us.

"He is a brilliant tournament player for Switzerland and is exactly the all-rounder that we need. He has quality but also that little bit of nastiness and tenacity that you need. That is what he epitomises. He is solid - as his name suggests.

"It is going to be a big issue for us this year - that physicality in the middle of the park and Xhaka will bring that. With all the games he has played in the Premier League, he is a very exciting prospect."

Xhaka has plenty of experience in England, scoring 23 goals in 297 appearances for the Gunners and helping them win the FA Cup twice.

On whether Xhaka is a better signing than former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has joined Brentford this summer, Gabbiadini added: "That is up for debate. We won't know until we see. They are similar players in many respects and they both have a goal in them.

"The biggest issue for us is how many games he is going to play. Injuries haven't been a big issue for him, sometimes you just get players like that. That is a huge bonus for us as well."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is on the brink of a move to Sunderland after the Black Cats agreed a fee with Bayer Leverkusen on Monday.

If he does sign, he will provide the one thing the Black Cats sorely lack: Premier League experience.

Just six members of their current squad have played in the English top flight before, with the only players to have started in the competition winger Simon Adingra, who arrived from Brighton this month, and back-up goalkeeper Simon Moore.

Adingra, Moore, Ian Poveda, Patrick Roberts, Leo Hjelde and Niall Huggins boast a combined total of just 85 appearances. Those figures are dwarfed by Xhaka, who has played in 225 Premier League games.

He has also won a record 137 caps for Switzerland, wearing the captain's armband since 2020.

How do you feel about signing Xhaka?

Is the 32-year-old exactly what Sunderland need?

Or is he not the right profile for Regis le Bris?

Let us know here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Granit Xhaka has Premier League experience in abundance, something Sunderland sorely lacked before their return to the top flight.

The 32-year-old arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2016 under Arsene Wenger.

He scored 23 goals in 297 appearances for the Gunners, helping them win the FA Cup twice and finish runners-up in the Premier League in his final season of 2022-23.

We have a decent idea of what to expect from the Switzerland international - so here is a reminder of his highs and lows.

Run-ins with referees

Image source, Getty Images

Granit Xhaka's disciplinary record did make the headlines numerous times during his Arsenal career, perhaps unsurprising given he was sent off five times for previous club Borussia Monchengladbach.

In his debut season he saw red twice, with his first coming on his fifth Premier League start against Swansea, followed by another at home to Burnley later in the campaign.

That one against Burnley is usually remembered because he grabbed Ashley Westwood by the neck.

In total, he was dismissed five times during his spell in north London, all of them straight reds - and he was also no stranger to yellow cards, accumulating 55 yellow cards in the league alone.

His time away from the Premier League may have helped though, Xhaka not being sent off at all during two seasons with RB Leipzig.

Six weeks as Gunners captain

Image source, Getty Images

Xhaka was appointed Arsenal captain by Unai Emery on 27 September 2019 but was stripped of the role by 5 November.

It was a tense period at the club when the Gunners hosted Crystal Palace on 27 October 2019. Friction between fans and the club had been escalating for weeks with results and performances under Emery leaving a lot to be desired.

But the game turned toxic just after the hour when Xhaka was substituted to roars of delight from Arsenal's fans.

He reacted angrily to jeers at his slow departure by waving and cupping his ear sarcastically to the home support, exchanging words before taking off his shirt and disappearing down the tunnel.

From outcast to irreplaceable

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta's arrival in December 2019 helped Xhaka turn his Gunners career around.

Signed by Wenger as a box-to-box midfielder, he ended up playing more as a defensive midfielder, which landed him in some rather sticky situations.

Losing possession in deep central areas facing his own goal often resulted in conceding goals and it was something Arteta wanted and had to fix.

Following Oleksandr Zinchenko's arrival in the summer of 2022, Arsenal had the tools to adopt a 4-3-3 system heading into the 2022-23 season and Xhaka moved from those deep central areas to a more advanced position on the left side of midfield.

And this is where he thrived.

Xhaka was involved in 16 goals that season (nine goals, seven assists), his highest tally in a single campaign.

According to Opta, all nine of his goals were scored from inside the box after 10 of his first 14 goals for the Gunners came from outside the area.

Redemption

Image source, Getty Images

From those boos in 2019 to a raucous chorus of "we want you to stay" - Xhaka's story is ultimately one of redemption.

He eventually left Arsenal in July 2023 to join Bayer Leverkusen for £21.4m but went out on a high, scoring twice in the final game of the season, a 5-0 home win against Wolves, before being given a standing ovation as he was substituted late on.

Departing Emirates Stadium as a fans' favourite, he returns to the Premier League without anything to prove - and ready to add limitless steel and heart to Sunderland's midfield.