Sunderland suffered play-off final heartbreak as Charlton scored in the final minute of play to condemn the Black Cats to another year in League One.

Jack Ross' men were long considered the favourites to win promotion to the Championship, but ultimately crumbled when it mattered both in the run-in for automatic places and then the play-off showpiece at Wembley.

Next season and the summer ahead prior to that is going to be massive for the club, as they look to address what will be a huge disappointment surrounding the club while also piecing together a squad which will have enough in the tank to get over the line next term.

Sunderland still remain the biggest club in the third tier as it stands and in all honesty they'll be looking to go one better and win the league next season if they can get it right over the summer.

But what about the season just gone, and just what can the Black Cats take from an ultimately disappointing finish to the campaign?

We at FLW looked at THREE things we learnt from Sunderland during the 2018/19 campaign...

Jack Ross is the man to lead the club next season

Ross proved himself as to be a more than capable manager at a club the size of Sunderland, and he will definitely be looking forward to leading the Black Cats next term.

Calm and cool in front of the media but clearly not afraid to get stuck into his players when it matters, Ross is the perfect blend for a club like Sunderland to enjoy success under.

The loss of Josh Maja really hurt the club

Sunderland were flying when young striker Maja left for pastures new, and despite the big money signing of Will Grigg, he never quite replaced the talent and goals of Maja.

Grigg managed only five goals in all competitions after making his move from Wigan, and compared to the 16 Maja had tallied, it really speaks volumes for the loss the club suffered.

They are still a massive club destined to bounce back

If one thing proved conclusive this season just gone, it is that Sunderland are still a huge club with a massive and loyal fanbase.

Around 40,000 Black Cats piled into Wembley for the play-off final, while a similar number also turned out for the Check-a-Trade Trophy final with Portsmouth.

These are phenomenal numbers really, and it's only right that Sunderland get back to the Championship ASAP.