Points: 38 Appearances: 194 Goals: 2

Having enjoyed a successful 3 seasons at Bristol Rovers, Tommy Tait arrived at Sunderland in 1906. Tait was a shrewd Scottish defender who was always a solid performer at the back. His only International cap came against Wales in 1911, when he was already 31. Unfortunately, for Tait, his career with Sunderland did not include the Championship seasons of 1902 or 1913. The only consolation was that he played in the club’s record away victory, the annihilation of Newcastle at St James’ in 1908.

Pts: 38 Apps: 205 Goals: 73

Bobby Marshall’s career spanned the inter-war years, and in total he made over 550 appearances for Sunderland and Manchester City. A clever inside-forward, Marshall possessed superb control and was a real predator in front of goal. In 1924/25 he even outscored the prolific goal scoring machine Charlie Buchan. Medals always seemed to elude Bobby during his time at Sunderland, with the team finishing 3rd in 1924, 1926, and 1927. However, at Man City, Marshall was much more successful, winning the League in 1937, and the FA Cup in 1934.

Pts: 39 Apps: 357 Goals: 5

When Stan Anderson left Sunderland for Newcastle in 1964, there was a huge amount of concern on Wearside as to who could replace him. The answer was simple, replace him with youngster Martin Harvey. Harvey immediately settled into his first team role, forming a very sturdy defence alongside Charlie Hurley and Jimmy McNab. Success was instant for this new look defence. In Harvey's first season, he helped Sunderland to promotion from Division 2. A Northern Ireland international, Harvey’s career was brought to an abrupt end in 1972, when he was injured at Norwich. The injury probably cost him a place in the ‘73 Cup Final.

Pts: 39 Apps: 283 Goals: 14

In making nearly 300 appearances for Sunderland, Arthur Wright can certainly be considered as one of the club’s most loyal servants. Defender Wright was thrust into the first team aged just 18 and had established himself in the side by the outbreak of the war. In Gary Bennett style, he loved to get forward from the back, and was famed for the power behind his shot. Sunderland was Wright’s only senior club, and he joined the club’s coaching staff once his playing days were over.

Pts: 40 Apps: 444 Goals: 26

Gary Bennett probably saw more ups and downs with Sunderland than any other player. Benno arrived from Cardiff in 1985, and what a rollercoaster ride he had in red and white. A League Cup final in his opening season, an FA Cup final in 1992, 3 relegations, and 2 promotions. Player of the Year in both 1987 and 1994, he was always popular at Roker, with his continental forward runs and general unpredictability. Bennett's most memorable moment was probably his last minute equaliser in the promotion/relegation play-off against Gillingham in 1987, which sent Roker absolutely delirious.

Pts: 40 Apps: 157 Goals: 0

Under Mick McCarthy, Sunderland’s team took on a definite Irish theme, but at the turn of the last century, Sunderland’s team was almost entirely composed of Scots. Robert McNeill was no exception. Glaswegian McNeill could play at right or left back and was a dependable, solid member of the team. McNeill won a Championship medal in 1895, and was made captain at the turn of the century (1900). He served Sunderland for seven good seasons before departing for Morton in 1901.

Pts: 41 Apps: 244 Goals: 2

Tony Norman took the brave step of becoming a copper after retiring from the game, and so too did Arthur Andrews. Andrews was a regular in Sunderland’s defence during the 20s, and formed a very effective back line with Charlie Parker and Billy Clunas. Born in Hylton, Andrews was a very consistent performer for the club, never making less than 27 league appearances for the Lads in 7 consecutive seasons. With Andrews in defence, Sunderland finished 3rd in the league in 3 out of 4 seasons between 1924 and 1927.

Pts: 41 Apps: 202 Goals: 31

Bill Ellis was a tricky left-winger who was able to carve out chances at will. Ellis seems to have been similar to Magic Johnson, in that he benefited from a very effective partnership with his full-back. In place of Mickey Gray, Ellis had the luck to play with the aptly nicknamed ‘Tricky’ Hawes. Undoubtedly, Ellis’ main asset was his ability to create goals for Charlie Buchan. Buchan was able to thrive on the amount of quality crosses from the left wing, and as a result scored more goals than SuperKev and Marco put together.

Pts: 41 Apps: 144 Goals: 7

With a big quiff and a carefully trimmed moustache, William Dunlop obviously liked to keep himself well-groomed a.k.a. Mickey Gray. The 19th century version was an adaptable defender who won a League Championship medal in 1895. Signed from the mighty Scottish team Annbank in 1893, Dunlop made nearly 150 appearances for the Lads before departing for Rangers in 1899. He spent an unhappy few years at Rangers and Partrick Thistle before returning to the giants of Annbank in 1901.