On this day in 1995, Paul Bracewell signed up for a third spell on Wearside for £50,000.
The midfielder joined from local rivals Newcastle United following a three-year stint on Tyneside, during which he made 88 appearances in all competitions.
Bracewell started his career with Stoke City before moving to Sunderland for the first time in 1983, but a move to Everton followed just 12 months later.
During his time at Goodison Park, he helped the Toffees win a famous double during the 1984-85 season, as they were crowned Division One champions and lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Bracewell cruelly missed out on a place Bobby Robson's 1986 World Cup squad due to a broken leg, but returned to Sunderland in 1989 for a second spell during which the club reached the 1992 FA Cup final.
And his third spell saw him help the Lads achieve promotion to the Premier League following a league-title winning 1995-96 campaign.
Bracewell has since returned to the club in numerous roles, including development coach for the under-18s and under-21s, and assistant manager.
Also on this day: Striker Mel Holden scored all five goals in Sunderland's South Seas post-season tour win over Tasmania.