Supporters branches gathered at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening to hold their annual awards night.
Held by the Branch Liaison Council and the Sunderland Supporters Association, the yearly event sees branch members from far and wide come together alongside players and coaching staff for a charitable cause.
And while all associated with the club endured a tough campaign, the turnout from supporters and players alike demonstrated the kind of togetherness and spirit that will play a vital role in ensuring the Lads bounce back.
Speaking to safc.com, Cath Reid of the Hebburn Branch outlined why the event is so important regardless of what happens on the pitch.
“Part of our remit at the BLC is that we make money for charity, so although we’re all well aware that we haven’t had a good season, we’re still here to support a good cause and raise money for local charities.
“We need to start building now and forget what’s happened in the past – we can’t do anything about it now and we have to draw a line under it – and pull together and build bridges between the players and the fans.”
Jane Hughes of the London and Southern England branch, and a fellow BLC member, echoed Reid’s sentiments.
“It’s really important that supporters and players come together at events like this because it shows that we will get through this together.
“Next season is going to be tough, so we have to stick together and bounce back.”
Over 200 supporters turned out for the event which was held in Quinn’s Bar at the Stadium of Light.
They cast their votes to award a Supporters’ Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Ladies Player of the Year and Ladies Young Player of the Year.
John O’Shea received the headline award, with Joel Asoro named Young Player of the Year as Bridget Galloway and Lucy Staniforth picked up the Ladies’ awards.
Speaking about the award, O’Shea hailed the club’s ‘incredible’ supporters but admitted individual awards are of little comfort following a hugely disappointing campaign.
“It’s not really a pleasant night for everyone, but things have to move on and it’s a chance for us to show some more appreciation for the fans.
“They travel and spend their hard-earned money, and while all those things involve being a supporter of any football club, what I’ve witnessed in the years I’ve been at Sunderland – the passion and loyalty in difficult times – has been incredible.”
He added: “It’s been a difficult season all round and when you pick up individual rewards in a team game it’s always nice, but ultimately it’s about the team succeeding and we haven’t succeeded this season.
“I just hope that a lot of things get moving quickly and things bounce back, as we know they can in football.”
Likewise, Asoro reflected on a tough week by paying tribute to the supporters who have backed the Lads in their numbers throughout the campaign regardless of results.
“The last week has been very tough and it’s been hard to think about what’s happened, but everyone has to learn from it and make sure we bounce back.
“Sunderland fans still love the players even after everything that’s happened, and I appreciate everything they’ve done for us.”
