This is the site of the Newcastle Road football ground, SAFC’s first “proper” ground and that which precedes Roker Park. Beforehand, the club played on a series of fields and recreation grounds on both sides of the river. They were always leased of course, so when things like rent increases came they had to pack up and move again. Newcastle Road however was the first ground we would recognise - four stands and an enclosure.

They moved here in 1886 from Abbs Field, and remained here for 12 years until heading down the road to Roker Park for a century. For the time it was a good size too, with a formal capacity of 15000 but stretched far further with a record of 21000 against Everton in the 1891 FA Cup. The first match here was far more local actually, against Birtley, but went on to host international matches and major cup competitions. Sunderland’s first FA Cup match was against Newcastle West End here, resulting in a victory for the home team. They were also the first unofficial “world champions”, beating Hearts here in 1895.

As is tradition with the club, industry was very much entwined with the ground. The land was leased from the Thompson’s who owned one of the biggest shipyards on the Tyne. Their workers constructed the stands though not as far as changing rooms. A house on Newcastle Road was utilised, meaning teams had to physically cross the road to reach the ground.

The infrastructure was partly the reason why the club looked to move. Vast success meant the club outgrew the ground. The club sold shares and funded the move to Roker.

There’s nothing materially visible on the site, but over at the Stadium of Light you’ll find the first ever football painting at reception, depicting Newcastle Road.