The 1969/70 season was one of struggle. By the end Sunderland would be relegated for the second time in the clubs history. From here on in, not only was the managerial merry go round in full swing but the yo-yoing from division to division began to "take shape".

It didn’t really have to be like that, but it turned into the worst season in our 80 year history.

Out of 42 games we won 6 (six) and lost an incredible 22. We had flirted with disaster for each of the 6 seasons since promotion and the eventual outcome was inevitable.

We scored a paltry 30 goals and conceded a truly awful 68. The crowd average of 21,789 was a post war low, fans quite simply voting with their feet.

It was a struggle right from the start with a mere 3 points from a possible 30, with only 6 goals scored. That we survived until the last 2 games of the season was a minor miracle.

There were no back to back victories all season and perhaps the only saving grace was that we managed to ensure that bitter rivals Newcastle United didn’t "do the double" over us. In a 9 game spell between 13 December 1969 and 28 February 1970 we played 9 games and lost 7. This was truly depressing.

With 2 games remaining Sunderland would face the 2 Merseyside teams, needing 3 points. Having achieved what appeared to be the hard bit, by holding League champions Everton to a scoreless draw at Roker Park, a Wearside home victory against Liverpool would do the trick.

Once more the fates conspired against Sunderland, and that "phenomena" which is "last day heartache" struck again. With the Lads pressing forward late in the game Liverpool almost apologetically scored with 4 minutes remaining. Stunned silence from 33,007 - Sunderland were relegated.

At the end of the season Sunderland took part in the Anglo Italian competition, playing 4 games against Lazio and Fiorentina on a home and away basis. A win, a draw and 2 defeats ended our participation early.