Points: 35 Appearances: 276 Goals: 2

‘SuperDick’ was Sunderland’s answer to that posh “Geordie” Malcolm Macdonald. Malone had arrived from Ayr in 1970 and was a regular at full-back until Sunderland’s relegation season of 1976/77. On his full debut for Sunderland, Malone lasted only 50 minutes before leaving the field injured. This initial disappointment was more than compensated for in 1973 when Malone played a key role in the FA Cup triumph. In tandem with Bobby Kerr, Malone shepherded the dangerous Eddie Gray so effectively that the former Leeds boss was substituted. On hearing the final whistle, Malone did his best impression of Linford Christie and sprinted up the right-wing like a cheetah on steroids.

Pts: 35 Apps: 143 Goals: 0

Albert Milton was a tough, stocky left-back who arrived from Barnsley in 1908. Milton had been considered a great prospect at Barnsley, and he duly fulfilled his potential during his time at Sunderland. During the great 1912/13 season when Sunderland almost completed the league and cup double, Milton was unfortunately injured in March and so missed the climax to the league campaign and also the Cup Final. Sunderland were able to overcome this loss though and went on to win 25 of their last 32 league games.

Pts: 36 Apps: 272 Goals: 8

Discovered playing for Usworth Colliery during the war, Washington born Jack Stelling was Sunderland’s right-back during the immediate post-war years. Stelling was a no-nonsense defender whose consistency allowed him to make over 250 appearances for the Lads. Stelling made the right-back spot his own, and formed a highly successful partnership with Arthur Hudgell at left-back. Stelling and Hudgell were the regular full-back pairing right up to 1955/56. Stelling was closest to glory with Sunderland in 1949/50 when Sunderland finished 3rd in the league behind Portsmouth and Wolves.

Pts: 36 Apps: 266 Goals: 19

Billy Hughes took the corner, Dave Watson distracted the defenders, Vic Halom let the ball hit his knee, and then Ian Porterfield volleyed the goal that won Sunderland the 1973 FA Cup. Porterfield’s strike with his weaker right foot, was a rare goal for the midfielder and was undoubtedly the high point of a long career on Wearside. Arriving from Raith Rovers in 1967, Porterfield immediately established himself in the team through his intelligent play in midfield. Porterfield also helped Sunderland to the Division 2 Championship in 1976 before leaving for Sheffield Wednesday in 1977. On retiring from playing, Porterfield began a long managerial career, which included an FA Cup quarter-final against Sunderland in 1992, when manager of Chelsea.

Pts: 36 Apps: 89 Goals: 25

One of the original members of the “Team of All the Talents”, David Hannah was a versatile winger who played in all of Sunderland’s league and cup matches during their opening season in the Football League. Hannah was a short, broad player who could operate as a winger or an inside-forward. Hannah won Championship medals with Sunderland in 1892 and 1893, before moving to Liverpool in 1894. He also enjoyed success with Liverpool, helping them to the Division 2 title in 1896.

Pts: 36 Apps: 102 Goals: 7

William Gibson was very much the 1890s version of Paul Butler. During his Sunderland career, Gibson’s weight was always above 14 stone and rose to almost 17 stone by the time he had finished playing. Considering Gibson was only 5’9”, there seems little doubt over 'who ate all the pies?'. Gibson’s size made him an intimidating figure on the pitch, and his ability on the ball simply increased his stature. Comfortable at left-half and left-back, Gibson won the League Championship with Sunderland in 1892 and again in 1893. His two Sunderland spells were interrupted by a season at Rangers.

Pts: 37 Apps: 223 Goals: 16

Adaptability could well have been Willie Watson’s middle name. He was able to play in both midfield and defence, and is one of an elite group of sportsmen to have represented England in both cricket and football. Watson arrived at Sunderland for £8,000 from Huddersfield just after the war had ended. His ball winning ability, and vision made an international call-up inevitable, and he won 4 caps for his country. His cricketing career was equally successful. Watson played for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, and made 23 Test appearances for England.

Pts: 37 Apps: 275 Goals: 0

Arthur Hudgell was a cockney who came to Sunderland after spending 10 years at Crystal Palace. A stylish left-back, Hudgell arrived at Roker for £10,000, a record fee for a defender. This huge amount certainly proved value for money though, as Hudgell went on to make 274 appearances for the Lads. Hudgell’s worth to the team was undoubtedly overshadowed by more exciting individuals who inevitably grabbed the limelight. Among his team-mates Hudgell could count Len Shackleton, Stan Anderson and Trevor Ford.

Pts: 38 Apps: 227 Goals: 47

Before the 2002 World Cup, Billy Bingham was the only player to have played in the World Cup whilst playing for the Lads. Northern Ireland international Bingham, played for his country in 1958, and made over 50 appearances before leading them to the 1982 and 1986 World Cups as manager. Bingham was a small elusive right winger who provided fine deliveries from the flank. Among his dribbling skills, he would 'pretend' to stumble whilst in control of the ball, a trick which would often throw his opponents off balance. A contemporary of Shackleton’s, Bingham played in the FA Cup semi-finals of 1955 and 1956.