The early 80’s was a time when Sunderland spent their seasons fighting against relegation from the old First Division on a regular basis. When they wore this natty double-braced Le Coq Sportif shirt, the Mackems narrowly dodged the drop to the Second Division where local rivals Newcastle United toiled at the time.
Not only did Sunderland depart from their thicker red and white striped shirt tradition, but this kit was worn with red shorts rather than the more recognisable black associated with the Roker Park men.
Star men for Sunderland at this time were Ally McCoist, Frank Worthington, Stan Cummins and top scorer and locally-born frontman Gary Rowell.
. None of those could prevent the club from being hammered 8-0 by Watford in September 1982 in one of the clubs heaviest ever defeats.
Classic Retro shirts now available from Campo Retro www.camporetro.com
