The 1996-97 campaign delivered a season of ultimate heartbreak for Sunderland as The Black Cats, in their first season back in the elite, finished a devastating 18th in the Premier League and were relegated with a record-high 40 points. Under the guidance of Peter Reid, the team fought until the very last kick, but a final-day loss at Wimbledon, coupled with Coventry City's win, sealed their fate. The season, which saw Craig Russell and Paul Stewart lead the scoring charts with 4 league goals each, was also a deeply emotional chapter as it was the final one played at the historic Roker Park.