The dust has settled on Sunderland's 2023-24 campaign but the autopsy is well under way as We Are Sunderland review a disappointing campaign at the Stadium of Light.

Fresh off the back of their play-off finish, hopes and expectations were high on Wearside heading into the new season under Tony Mowbray despite what had been a questionable summer of recruitment which saw a number of senior figures leave the club as well as star striker Ross Stewart. 

Sunderland's start to the season left plenty to be desired with three straight defeats in all competitions before Mowbray steered his side to six wins in the next eight games to establish Sunderland among the play-off contenders after the first quarter of the campaign. 

 

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But things unravelled from that point as Mowbray won just two of his next nine games in charge which resulted in his sacking and the appointment of Michael Beale. Former Rangers head coach Beale lasted just 12 games on Wearside before the club accepted accountability for a severe drop off in form and performance levels as Sunderland drifted away from promotion contention. 

And that drop off continued under interim head coach Mike Dodds as Sunderland finished their season with just two wins from their final 15 games and a 16th placed finish in the Championship table. 

But how did things go so awry for Sunderland this season? How much damage has been done ahead of a crucial summer and a new head coach appointment? What were the positives of the 2023-24 campaign? 

Matty Hewitt, Joe Ramage and Scott Wilson reflect on Sunderland's Championship season in our latest We Are Sunderland briefing and look ahead to what comes next on Wearside.

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