We are just days away from the end of 2023 – one of the best years in Sunderland’s recent history. The Black Cats began 2023 with a draw against Blackpool that left them sixth in the Championship, before enjoying a draw against Fulham in the FA Cup, wins over Middlesbrough, West Brom and Preston North End, as well as a special play-off first leg victory. Not everything was perfect though. Sunderland were beaten by Rotherham and Stoke City, while things only seem to get worse once they had failed to reach the play-off final. The Wearside outfit find themselves starting 2024 with a new manager, …