The 1967/68 season started brightly, and then plummeted. By the end of the season Sunderland would have sacked one manager, seen the return of another and end up 15th.

19 August saw the season open with a visit to Elland Road, always tough. A 1 v 1 draw was creditable enough. Things got even better. Two home victories against Fulham and Everton were then followed by an away defeat at Craven Cottage, but an away victory at Filbert Street and a home draw with Manchester United, really made things look promising. Then the world caved in.

5 defeats in the next 6 games saw Manager Ian McColl under pressure, and leading into the New Year things just weren’t right.

A notable match occurred 4 October 1967 when a testimonial was held for soon to be player of the century Charlie Hurley. From a "boy" who hadn’t wanted to come to Sunderland, he was transformed into a man, who was reborn on Wearside. The match took place between Sunderland and an all star XI. It ended 4 v 4.

This match was a brief highlight in a horrendous run. From November to mid January we didn’t win a match. Something had to give and it did. McColl was sacked. The catalyst was the FA Cup exit at the hands of Norwich City. A replayed game which saw the red and whites go down at Roker Park 0 v 1.

Alan Brown took over the reigns again and ironically his first game back in charge was at Hillsborough against his former club Sheffield Wednesday. That they won 1 v 0 with a goal from Brand just compounded the irony. Sunderland then suffered 4 successive defeats and things looked ominous again.

Brown however had the measure of the club and the last 12 games produced only 1 defeat, an away trip to Anfield. The season as momentous for its departures and arrivals.

Jim Baxter departed to pastures new, along with John O'Hare and Neil Martin. New arrivals included Gordon Harris, Brian Chambers and Dennis Tueart. Another arrival, having made a big impression was a certain Ian Porterfield.

The Scot had been spotted during a mining disaster fund raiser between Sunderland and a Fife Select XI on 25 September 1967, and impressed in the all star sides 4 v 2 victory. Just over 5 years later he would impress on a much bigger stage.

The season had been fairly disastrous but Brown had steadied the ship and saved the day.