The highs and lows of Jack Ross' Sunderland reign

ROSS’ THREE BEST MOMENTS:

LYNDEN GOOCH’S WINNER

One of the highpoints of Ross’ reign came in his first competitive outing as Sunderland boss. With the Black Cats drawing against Charlton on the opening day of last season, Lynden Gooch struck a stoppage-time winner that finally drew a line under the problems of the past. A new era on Wearside had begun.

THE CHECKATRADE TROPHY RUN

It started as a means of mockery, but ended with a remarkable weekend in the capital – Sunderland’s run in last season’s Checkatrade Trophy will live long in the memory. A win over Newcastle Under-21s in the derby that wasn’t helped set up a superb semi-final win in the rain at Bristol Rovers. The final ended in penalty heartbreak at the hands of Portsmouth, but it was a great day out.

REARGUARD RESISTANCE AT FRATTON PARK

Sunderland’s rivalry with Portsmouth was a theme that ran throughout Ross’ reign, and thanks to their play-off semi-final win, the Black Cats had the upper hand last season at least. Having won 1-0 on Wearside thanks to a goal from Chris Maguire, Sunderland defended superbly as they claimed a goalless draw at Fratton Park to win on aggregate and make it to Wembley.

ROSS’ THREE WORST MOMENTS:

COLLAPSING AGAINST COVENTRY

How on earth can you score four goals in a home game and still end up losing? April’s 5-4 defeat to Coventry City was a barely-believable experience that saw Ross’ side ripped apart at the seams as they suffered the only home league defeat on his watch. Sunderland were never ahead in the game, and the result almost certainly made the Scot become even more defensive in his outlook.How How on

WEMBLEY HEARTACHE – AGAIN

Having made it to the play-off final, Sunderland were handed the best possible start when Dillon Phillips allowed Mahamadou Sarr’s early back-pass to roll under his foot. Ben Purrington equalised towards the end of the first half though, and Patrick Bauer’s stoppage-time strike ensured Sunderland would remain in League One.

A BARRACKING AT BOLTON

For all his side’s struggles, Ross had never really felt the wrath of Sunderland’s travelling fans – until last month’s trip to the University of Bolton Stadium. Trailing to a Bolton side that was cobbled together on deadline day, Ross was subjected to taunts of “You don’t know what you’re doing” and “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Aiden McGeady’s equaliser could not disguise the fact that he was a dead man walking.