Sunderland Relegated to League One. Sunderland 1-2 Burton.

SUNDERLAND TILL I DIE. Relegated for the first time since 1980s PATHETIC. Sunderland appeared in their first League Cup final in 1985, but lost 1–0 to Norwich City. In 1987, Sunderland saw one of the lowest points in their history, when they were relegated to the Third Division of the English league for the first time. Under new chairman Bob Murray and new manager Denis Smith, the club was promoted the following season.In 1990, they were promoted back to the top flight in unusual circumstances. Sunderland lost to Swindon Town in the play-off final, but Swindon's promotion was revoked after the club was found guilty of financial irregularities and Sunderland were promoted instead.They stayed up for one year before being relegated on the final day of the following season.