Sunderland: 10 Most Costly Mistakes In Black Cats History
9. Michael Grays Spot Of Bother
Some call it the most important game in English football, the Division One Play-Off Final at Wembley, 1998. After a reasonably dreary first-half - at least in comparison to the semi-final second-leg - Sunderland went in 1-0 down at half-time, but that proved no problem for the attack that had netted more goals that season than anyone else and strike duo Quinn and then Phillips turned the game on its head, as the former put Sunderland in front. However, the youngest defence in the club's history notoriously couldnt hold on and extra-time was required, before utimately penalties followed, which is where the two sides were finally separated for the first time all afternoon, having matched one another until that point. Sunderland had been poor from the spot under Peter Reid during his first full season in charge, until, ironically left-back Martin Scott had taken on the responsibility from 12 yards. Now however, it was local hero, Michael Gray - the winger turned left-back - who was charged with Sunderlands first kick in sudden death. As the commentator had just stated as Alex Rae had dispatched his penalty, there could be £10m riding on the outcome of this. Rae had been successful, but Charlton Athletic had scored their previous spot kick, so it was a matter of miss this and Sunderland would spend another year in Division One. The camera caught Black Cats manager Peter Reid looking like the calmest man in the whole of Wembley, but sadly, his number 3 clearly wasnt, and with one of the poorest attempts youre likely to see on the hallowed turf, Gray fluffed his lines and the Charlton keeper guessed the correct way. He probably could have saved it even if he hadn't. Gray, like all associated with the club was heartbroken. One year on, and Sunderland needing three points for promotion had a penalty to go in front. Skys commentary team that night asked the question, should Gray be given the chance of redemption? He kind of already had been, but never again was he put on the spot.
