Sunderland AFC (Association Football Club) was formed in 1879 and was known for a short time as Sunderland & District Teachers Association. In 1885 SAFC turned professional but trouble flared in 1887 when the club was divided into two clubs, because of an influx of paid professional players, local 'unpaid' players were started to be frozen out and therefore began their own club called Sunderland Albion F.C. Rivalries began between the two clubs and in 1890 the Football League announced that one of the two clubs would be allowed entry into the League structure. A play-off was arranged and SAFC were the victors and gained admission into the Football League. Unfortunately for Sunderland Albion FC, they remained an amateur club before eventually falling into obscurity.

Between 1886-1898 Sunderland AFC played at Newcastle Road before moving to Roker Park and finally moving to the very and extremely impressive Stadium of Light in 1997 shortly after being relegated from the Premiership. The Stadium of Light is situated in Monkwearmouth and started life as a 42,000 seater stadium. Since then the ground has given 'birth' to an additional 6,000 seats making the capacity 48,000 and is the third largest club stadium in England.

Sunderland AFC nickname is 'The Black Cats'. Whilst in residence at Roker Park Sunderland was known as the 'Rokermen' and also known as the 'Bank of England' due to 'heavy' spending on the players in the first half of the 20th century.

Sunderland has won the League title six times - the last in 1936. Sunderland are twice winners of the FA Cup - their victory over Leeds United in 1973 - as a Second Division club is probably the biggest upset in FA Cup final history. In addition to the victory itself was goalkeeper Jim Montgomery's outstanding double save and Bob Stokoe's victory jig on the famous turf at the final whistle.

Brian Clough, Ally McCoist, Len Shackleton, Jim Baxter, Niall Quinn, Kevin Phillips are just a few names that have donned the famous Red and White striped shirts and served the club with distinction.

Current manager is ex-Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy. A straight talking, no nonsense former centre-half from his own playing days.

Sunderland's last forary into the Premiership was in 2002/03 when they finished bottom of the table with 19 points, 4 wins and 21 goals.

Recent meetings between Chelsea and Sunderland at The Bridge include:

2002/03 Chelsea 3-0 Sunderland

2001/02 Chelsea 4-0 Sunderland on the first day of the season, when Gus Poyet scored that wonderful volleyed goal from the edge of the area from a Zola chip.

1999/00 Chelsea 4-0 Sunderland

In 51 League matches at The Bridge, Chelsea has won 31 and Sunderland 8 with the other 12 drawn. Chelsea has scored a total of 109 goals and Sunderland 54.