The 2018-19 campaign delivered a season of immense expectation for Sunderland as The Black Cats secured a 5th-place finish in their first season in the third tier since 1987, earning a League One play-off spot. Under manager Jack Ross, the club was anchored by the early brilliance of young striker Josh Maja, whose 15 league goals propelled the side before his mid-season departure, alongside the experience of Aiden McGeady and Lee Cattermole. Despite a run to the EFL Trophy final and immense support with an average attendance of over 32,000, the season ended in heartbreak with a final defeat in the play-offs to Charlton Athletic, meaning the club remained in League One.