Should Sunderland survive relegation this season (never a guarantee when the Black Cats are concerned), they will have played ten consecutive seasons in the Premier League. Their nine-year spell in the top flight has been a tumultuous, often terrible one, but still doesn't feel too extensive. For many on Wearside, the memory of Roy Keane saving the club from the Championship relegation zone and leading a charge to first place will seem like only yesterday. But what became of these heroes? Crucial figures in the club's modern history, relatively little is known about Tobias Hysen or Stern John, for example. Come to think of it, what's Dwight Yorke up to? Is Nyron Nosworthy still battling away in the lower leagues? Here's a look at Roy Keane's heroic 2006/07 promotion team. A few have retired, but many are playing out the twilight years of their career in a variety of destinations. Although the fondness with which certain figures are remembered varies greatly (does anybody really miss the treacherous Danny Simpson?), they are all partially responsible for Sunderland's top flight status today.
Manager - Roy Keane
Recently retired Manchester United legend Roy Keane came to Sunderland five games into their 2006/07 Championship campaign. A disastrous start of four losses and one win had seen the Black Cats slump into the relegation zone, but the Irishman fired them quickly up the table, eventually securing automatic promotion and the league title. Keane kept Sunderland up in their crucial first season back in the Premier League, but infamously resigned in December 2008 amid talk of disagreements between himself, Ellis Short and Niall Quinn. He led an inconsistent Ipswich side between 2009 and 2011, but was eventually sacked. He is currently the assistant manager of Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland side.
