In the 1997–98 season, their first campaign at their new ground, Sunderland finished third in Division One.
[1] After beating Sheffield United in the Football League play-offs semi-final, they reached the final at Wembley with a place in the Premier League at stake.
Over 40,000 fans travelled from the North-East to see the game against Charlton Athletic.
The match was drawn 4–4 after extra time had been played; Charlton, however, won the game on a penalty shootout, after Michael Gray had his penalty saved by Charlton goalkeeper Saša Ilić.
Sunderland's score comes first[3] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.