Sunderland Are Back! The Story of the Lads’ Rise from League One to Europe

Sunderland AFC's rise from the depths of League One to Europe is the subject of "Sunderland Are Back!" a comprehensive account penned by Connor. Having lived through the highs and lows of the club's history, Connor was unprepared for the depth of insights and opinions shared in the book. The narrative is a reminder that "the deeper the darkness, the more dazzling the light."

Former players and staff share candid thoughts, including Aiden McGeady, whose talent was hampered by the club's circumstances. McGeady pleaded with manager Jack Ross to retain Josh Maja in the January transfer window, but Ross had limited options. Popular opinion suggested Maja's retention would guarantee a return to the Championship, but the move proved to be a short-sighted decision.

Manager Mike Dodds' insights provide a nuanced view of the Michael Beale era, leaving readers with a sense of sympathy for the challenges he faced. The book is a compelling read, blending historical analysis with personal reflections, ultimately painting a picture of Sunderland's journey that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is recommended as a must-read for any Sunderland AFC fan.