On this day in 1985, Sunderland woke up to the harsh reality of relegation. The previous night's 2-0 defeat at Leicester City, courtesy of two goals from long-term target Gary Lineker, had confirmed the drop with just one game remaining. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Black Cats faithful, who had seen their side's fate sealed in devastating fashion.

The writing had been on the wall for weeks. Despite a memorable Milk Cup run that briefly distracted from league struggles, Sunderland's form had been woeful since beating Norwich at Carrow Road just before Wembley. In the 11 games that followed, they managed only one win and two draws. A 4-0 thrashing at Aston Villa had been a warning sign, and Leicester simply hammered the final nails into the coffin.

But in the aftermath of relegation, all eyes turned to the manager's chair. Len Ashurst had only just begun a three-year contract, and chairman Tom Cowie was quick to offer his support. "Len Ashurst has a contract for three years. He has just started it and there is no reason to suppose that he won't continue in charge," Cowie declared, seemingly unfazed by the drop.

Instead of blaming the manager, Cowie pointed fingers at the medical staff. He cited the long-term injury to Mark Proctor, suffered on New Year's Day, as the turning point. "We were informed by the medical team that he would be back shortly. With hindsight perhaps we should have gone out and bought a replacement," Cowie lamented. It was a classic case of Monday morning quarterbacking, but for Sunderland fans, the damage was already done.

Of course, history tells us that Ashurst didn't survive the summer. But on that fateful day in May 1985, the chairman's vote of confidence was a small glimmer of stability in an otherwise bleak moment for the club. For fans and players alike, the focus quickly shifted to the overwhelming obligation to bounce back at the first attempt.