It has been a tough period to be a supporter of Sunderland in recent years as those who follow the team have witnessed their side suffer a fall from grace.
Back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018 resulted in the Black Cats slipping into the third-tier of English football.
Yet to secure a return to the Championship, Sunderland will be hoping that their current manager Lee Johnson will be able to guide the club to promotion this season.
Despite their recent difficulties in the Football League, the Black Cats have been able to call upon a number of players who have produced positive performances for the club.
Here, we have decided to take a look at what we believe is the best combined Sunderland XI from the last five years.
Do you agree?
Before going on to represent Everton and England, Jordan Pickford produced some assured performances for Sunderland in the 2016/17 season as he was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Bryan Oviedo made 77 appearances for the Black Cats during his time at the club and averaged an impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.03 in the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign.
Utilised as a right-back, a centre-back and as a central midfielder by Sunderland in recent years, Luke O'Nien has managed to deliver the goods on a consistent basis for the club.
Meanwhile, Bailey Wright has featured on 61 occasions for the Black Cats since joining the club last year following a stint at Bristol City.
John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole both played on a regular basis for Sunderland during their respective spells with the club whilst Grant Leadbitter also offered a great deal of defensive cover when he featured for the League One side.
Aiden McGeady has produced a fantastic total of 69 direct goal contributions in 147 appearances and will be aiming to add to this total in the coming months.
Chris Maguire produced some moments of magic for the Black Cats as he managed to find the back of the net on 28 occasions during his time on Wearside.
Josh Maja briefly showcased his talent during the 2018/19 campaign as he scored 14 goals for Sunderland and chipped in with two assists before sealing a move to Bordeaux.
Former Black Cats man Jermain Defoe also delivered some superb displays in-front of goal.
Whilst he was unable to prevent Sunderland from suffering relegation to the Championship in 2017, the forward did score an impressive total of 15 goals in the Premier League during his final season with the club.