Sunderland AFC will play in European competition for the first time in years when the club hosts AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday night at the Stadium.
Ahead of the match, fanzine Roker Report has reflected on the significance of the fixture, describing the return to Europe as a historic moment for supporters who thought they would never witness their club compete on the continental stage.
A dream for longtime supporters
The fanzine's piece emphasises how European football felt completely out of reach for many fans during Sunderland's recent struggles. Despite the club's status and history, supporters say they had never experienced European competition in their lifetimes, with pre-season tours being the only opportunities to watch Sunderland play abroad.
Finishing seventh in the league earned Sunderland's place in the Europa League on merit, the piece argues, and represents a reward for supporters who stuck with the club through difficult years.
Looking ahead in Europe
Roker Report suggests Sunderland could face further European fixtures at major stadiums including the San Siro and Frankfurt if results go well this season. The fanzine concludes that Sunderland, "after all, take over everywhere they go."
