Points: 56 Appearances: 401 Goals: 26

‘King Charlie’ was voted Sunderland’s Player of the Century in 1979, after ending a brilliant career with the Lads 10 years earlier. A Republic of Ireland International, Charlie arrived from Millwall in 1957 and began his Sunderland career on the wrong end of a 7-0 demolition, including an own goal from Hurley himself. Relegation soon followed, but Charlie’s immense defensive ability and leadership skills eventually paid dividends, when Sunderland returned to the top flight in 1964. An incredibly levelheaded and fair player, Charlie almost never lost his temper. Still adored by supporters, ‘The King’ showed his gardening abilities in 1997 when he moved the centre-spot from Roker to the SoL.

Pts: 56 Apps: 116 Goals: 5

Lionel Perez was the last player to move directly from Sunderland to Newcastle, but John Auld was the first. The experienced Scottish International centre half captained the teams that won the League Championship in both 1892 and 1893. In the twilight of his career, he moved to the Mags for a season, before inexplicably deciding to become a director for the Skunks. On signing for Sunderland, Auld had received a £150 signing on fee together with a boot and shoe business, allowing him to continue his trade.

Pts: 58 Apps: 351 Goals: 0

In the post-war Football League, Ernie England was a reliable left back who took no prisoners. He came from the Chris Makin School of full backs who decided to play on the side of their weaker foot. England overcame this though, by developing a right footed slide tackle that was invariably perfectly timed. During the 22/23 season when Sunderland finished League Runners-up to Liverpool, Ernie was an ever present in both Cup and League. After leaving Sunderland, he went on to make nearly 150 appearances for Mansfield.

Pts: 58 Apps: 427 Goals: 67

Despite looking like he should have been a guitarist in Slade, Bobby Kerr was Sunderland’s Cup winning captain, and an inspirational leader. The diminutive number 7 was an inspired performer for the Lads, particularly in the Cup Final, when Kerr and Malone marked Eddie Gray out of the game. After breaking his leg twice at the start of his Sunderland career in 66/67, Kerr became hugely consistent in his appearances, missing only 29 games in 8 seasons. ‘The Little General’ led Sunderland to both the FA Cup in 1973 and the Division 2 Championship in 1976.

Pts: 59 Apps: 264 Goals: 8

The second Charlie Thomson in the top 100, and another distinguished defender. In the 1930s, Thomson was a small, clever player who possessed a fierce tackle. An ever present in the 34/35 and 35/36 seasons, Thomson was part of the 1936 Championship team and 1937 FA Cup win. An ever present in the Cup run, his goal against Wolves in the quarter-final set up a 4-0 victory. Winning his only Scotland cap in 1937, Thomson retired in 1939 due to the war.

Pts: 62 Apps: 623 Goals: 0

The most famous keeper in the club’s history, Sunderland lad Jimmy Montgomery produced the greatest double save of all time. First the double handed block from Trevor Cherry’s diving header; then the impossible parry onto the cross bar from Peter Lorimer’s powerful shot. This moment from 1973 maintained Sunderland's lead and ultimately won them the FA Cup. Bob Stokoe knew exactly who to thank at the final whistle. Running onto the pitch in alarmingly bright red trousers, Stokoe made a beeline to Monty and embraced him. They had led Sunderland to their greatest ever triumph. Apart from the FA Cup Final, Monty was an unbelievable servant to the club racking up a record 623 appearances.

Pts: 62 Apps: 215 Goals: 150

Sunderland’s most deadly centre forward during the 1890s was Johnny Campbell. He was the dangerman of the "Team of All the Talents", and won three Championship medals during his time with the Lads. Campbell is easily identifiable in any team pictures from the 1890s, as he lies in a fantastically relaxed reclining pose at the front of the team. In the twilight of his career, Campbell spent a season with the Mags, where he foolishly helped them to promotion. Campbell was forced to leave the Mags after he broke club rules by becoming a licensee.

Pts: 64 Apps: 347 Goals: 119

Sunderland’s second most-capped England International behind Dave Watson, Arthur Bridgett was a winger with an excellent goal scoring pedigree. Bridgett’s superb finishing meant that he could also operate as a striker, and was twice on the score sheet against Newcastle in the 1908 9-1 victory (which may be mentioned on more than one occasion). He was said to be a centre forward’s dream when he played on the wing, simply through the amount of chances he created. A very religious man, Bridgett refused to play on Christmas Day or Good Fridays.

Pts: 65 Apps: 300 Goals: 6

Left half Alex Hastings was Sunderland’s captain through the majority of the 1930s. A youthful, clever footballer, Hastings became a Scottish International whilst on Wearside. The highlight of his Sunderland career was undoubtedly leading the club to the League Championship in 1936. However, the following year was marred by great disappointment. Hastings missed the FA Cup final after picking up an injury earlier in the season. It was therefore left to Raich Carter to lead the team to victory.