Cats’ Wembley class of ’98 - where are they now?
With Sunderland and Charlton set to face off in the League One play-off final this weekend, talk has naturally turned to their previous meeting in the end of season lottery.
With a place in the Premier League up for grabs, Sunderland faced-off against Charlton in the First Division play-off final at the twin towers back in 1998.
A thrilling 4-4 draw after extra time took the final to penalties where Michael Gray’s missed spot kick meant that Sunderland made the journey back to the North East empty handed.
It remains one of the most memorable play-off games of all time, and we take a look at where Peter Reid’s starting line-up are now. GK: Lionel Perez
The flamboyant Frenchman left Sunderland after the play-off final for Newcastle United. After retirement, he spent time as Stevenage’s goalkeeping coach before dropping out of football. Defence: Darren Holloway
The former Black Cat has built up a strong reputation in the coaching community. He had recently been assistant manager at Blyth Spartans and remains head coach at the East Durham College football academy. Michael Gray
Gray retired from professional football in 2010 following spells at Leeds, Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday. He now works for TalkSport and various other media outlets as a pundit. Jody Craddock
From tough tackles to gentle brushstrokes, the no-nonsense centre back has taken an interest in art and paintingsince retirement and held his first exhibition in 2015. Darren Williams
Another who has moved into coaching, Williams tried his hand at management at Whitby Town but was dismissed in 2015. He is now involved with the i2i football academy in North Yorkshire. Midfield: Allan Johnston
‘Magic’ Johnston has carved out a fine managerial career north of the border, having recently taken over at Queen of the South after spells with Dunfermline and Kilmarnock. Kevin Ball
Ball remains at the Black Cats today, where he holds the role of club ambassador - while has also taken on roles within the academy keeping a watchful eye on the club’s loan players. Lee Clark
Clark moved into management and most recently took charge of Bury where he was sacked in 2017. He is currently out of work having previously been in the hotseat at Huddersfield, Birmingham and Kilmarnock. Nicky Summerbee
A scorer on the day at Wembley, Summerbee moved into punditry upon his retirement and has now moved to Qatar where he is a regular for the Al Kass network in Doha. Niall Quinn
Formerly manager and owner of Sunderland, Quinn still holds business interests as a director of Fleet Street Sport & Media Group and was a regular pundit on Sky Sports until 2017. Kevin Phillips
The striker turned to coaching, teaming-up with Gary Rowett at both Derby County and Stoke City. After leaving the Potters, he has taken up punditry work with Sky Sports.
SUBS: Chris Makin
The defender was forced to retire through injury in 2008, and has taken a rather unconventional approach to life after football - he is now a property manager in Cheshire. Alex Rae
The tough-tackling midfielder is another member of the side who moved into management. His most recent job was at St Mirren where, in 2016, he was replaced by Jack Ross. Danny Dichio
The striker has relocated permanently to Canada since ending his career at Toronto. He now coaches their under-19 side and is an analyst for broadcasters in the country. Peter Reid, manager
Reid led the Black Cats to the play-off final and remains involved in managerial roles today. He is currently working at Wigan Athletic on a voluntary basis, assisting manager Paul Cook.