Points: 66 Appearances: 307 Goals: 108

A contender with Lilian Laslandes for the girliest first name in Sunderland’s history, Patsy Gallacher was an inside-forward in the mould of George Holley. He scored the winner in the 1937 semi-final win against Millwall at Huddersfield (pity no-one could have done the same at Old Trafford). Switching from outside-left to inside-right to accommodate Raich Carter; He was a natural dribbler who possessed an exceptional body swerve. Another Scottish international, his career was unfortunately cut short by World War 2, when he served in the RAF.

Pts: 68 Apps: 265 Goals: 8

The pivotal player of Sunderland’s pre-World War 1 success, Charlie Thomson was centre-half and captain. Already an established Scottish international, Thomson arrived on Wearside following a fantastic spell at Hearts where he had led them to two Scottish cups. A contender for the hardest looking player in the club’s history Thomson’s spell with the Lads was one of consistency for the whole club. In his 7-year period as captain, Sunderland never finished lower than 8th and were both League Champions and FA Cup runners up in 1913.

Pts: 72 Apps: 302 Goals: 85

A powerful, physical striker or outside right, Billy Hogg was a regular goalscorer for Sunderland at the turn of the last century. Hogg was a member of the 1902 Championship winning team, and was capped 3 times during his spell with the Lads. Hogg and George Holley both scored hat-tricks during the 9-1 demolition of the Mags in 1908 despite Hogg hailing from Newcastle himself. A live wire both on and off the pitch, he went on to win 3 Scottish Championships with Rangers before the outbreak of World War 1.

Pts: 74 Apps: 315 Goals: 154

Imagine a mouthwatering combination of Julio and SuperKev rolled into one, and you wouldn't even approach George Holley. Holley was an inside-forward or outside-left whose magical ball skills entranced both the crowd and players alike. Slightly resembling Frank Skinner, and possessing a deadly finish, Holley is fourth on the club’s goalscorers list. His goal-scoring feats continued with England, as he netted 8 times in 10 internationals. Undoubtedly his finest moment though was scoring a hat trick at St James’ during the legendary 9-1 victory in 1908.

Pts: 84 Apps: 260 Goals: 123

Huge trousers and a well-groomed moustache didn’t really separate Jimmy Millar from any other footballer of the period. However, his success with Sunderland and Rangers make him a truly unique centre forward. Between 1890 and 1902, he collected 4 Championship and 2 Scottish Championship medals. One of only four Sunderland players to score 5 goals in one match, Millar was a slight striker whose soft touch allowed him to skip through defences. Despite his small physique, Millar’s career lasted 15 years, as he managed to survive the physical demands of the game.

Pts: 86 Apps: 258 Goals: 45

Hughie ‘Lalty’ Wilson was a lynchpin of Sunderland’s "Team of all the Talents" in the last decade of the 19th century. He won three League Championships, the first two under the captaincy of John Auld before taking the armband for the his final title year in 1895 . Regarded as one of the greatest half backs of the era, Hughie perfected the one handed throw-in, causing the FA to change the law. A Scottish international, Wilson has a number of ‘firsts’ to his credit. He played in Sunderland’s first ever league match, and the first match at Roker Park. Unfortunately, he was also the first Sunderland player to be sent off, against Stoke in 1896.

Pts: 90 Apps: 276 Goals: 127

Undoubtedly one of Sunderland’s most gifted players ever, Hendon born Raich Carter was the inspiration of the 1936 Championship and 1937 FA Cup successes. A brilliant inside-forward, Raich continually joined Bobby Gurney at the top of the goal-scoring charts. At just 24 he had won the League, the FA Cup, and represented his country. During the war, Carter was stationed at RAF Loughborough, and decided to stay in the East Midlands with Derby County, once the conflict had ended. His ability even extended to cricket, where he played 3 times for Derbyshire.

Pts: 92 Apps: 413 Goals: 224

Charlie Buchan was a brilliant, tricky inside-right who had the ability to confuse team-mates as well as opponents. Despite being booed in his opening games at Roker for a lack of commitment, Charlie went on to reach legendary status. His immense skill and fantastic speed of thought place him only behind Bobby Gurney in the scoring lists. Sold to Arsenal in 1924, Buchan went on to enjoy a career as a journalist and radio commentator. He therefore joins that illustrious group of former Sunderland players that includes Waddle, Venison, and McCoist who worked in the media after their careers had ended.

Pts: 100 Apps: 388 Goals: 228

Forget Phillips, Gabbiadini, Ford or Clough; Bobby Gurney is Sunderland’s most prolific striker of all time. The club’s record goalscorer, he managed to net ten hat tricks and two fours during his time with the Lads. Bobby’s deadly finishing was enough to lead Sunderland to the League Championship in 1936, and he scored the first goal in the FA Cup triumph the following year. Even on his debut for the reserves at Roker he managed to score a modest nine goals. Only capped once by England, Gurney was at Sunderland for an incredible 22 years.