There was boardroom change with the completion of a takeover plus the sacking of Phil Parkinson.
Couple that with Covid-19 outbreaks, hat-tricks alongside a play-off semi-final heartbreak, and it’s safe to say Sunderland fans won’t forget this season in a hurry despite the Black Cats remaining in League One for another season.
Here, though, we take you through all of the key moments from Sunderland’s 2020-21 season, which was marked by drama on and off the pitch!
1. Phil Parkinson departs - 29/11/20
Sunderland parted company with manager Phil Parkinson after 13 months in charge back in November of last year. A draw Fleetwood was a third league game without a win for the Black Cats, leaving them eighth in the table. Photo: Lewis Storey
2. Gus Poyet rumours - 02/12/20
Gus Poyet was linked with a sensational return to Sunderland following Phil Parkinson's sacking but eventually ruled himself out of the job Photo: Jan Kruger
3. Kristjaan Speakman appointed - 04/12/20
Sunderland appointed Kristjaan Speakman as the club's new sporting director as the Black Cats began to overhaul their off-field structure. The club confirmed that the 41-year-old, who had spent the 14 years at Birmingham City including the last nine years as academy manager, had joined the Wearsiders back in December. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. Lee Johnson appointed - 05/12/20
Sunderland appointed Lee Johnson as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Johnson had been out of work since being sacked by Bristol City the previous July. Johnson's appointment came in the wake of Sunderland appointing Birmingham City academy manager Kristjaan Speakman as the club's new sporting director. Photo: Lewis Storey