Sunderland were condemned to another season in League One after they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Charlton Athletic in the play-off final at Wembley.
Jack Ross' side struggled for consistency towards the end of last year's campaign, which eventually cost them an immediate promotion back into the Championship.
It was a frustrating end to a difficult period of the season for Sunderland midfielder, Grant Leadbitter, who lost his mother shortly before their play-off semi final against Portsmouth earlier this year.
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The 33-year-old was a regular for the Black Cats in his first season with Jack Ross' side, after moving from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window.
He's an experienced member of the Sunderland squad, and will be key heading into next term as they look to make a timely return to the Championship.
There's no doubting that Leadbitter and his team-mates will be expected to win promotion next season, and they'll be keen to prove a point to their doubters after last year's disappointment.
The Verdict:
He's been a credit to the club.
Leadbitter impressed me last season for Sunderland and he was desperately unlucky to not be on the winning side in the play-off final against Charlton.
With the devastating news he received earlier this year, words can't describe what would have been going through his head at the time.
If Sunderland can use this as motivation to succeed next season, then I see no reason why they can't win promotion.