Alan Sunderland

Sunderland was born in Conisbrough, Yorkshire, and began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers as an apprentice who played in midfield. With Wolves he won the 1974 League Cup in a 2–1 win over Manchester City in the final at Wembley. Sunderland also won the Second Division title in 1977 with Wolves. Altogether he made just under 200 appearances and scored 30 goals for the Midlands side. In November 1977, he joined Arsenal for £220,000. Whilst at Highbury he switched from to a forward role. Sunderland became a regular starter for the club, playing in the 1978 FA Cup final, which Arsenal lost to Ipswich Town. Sunderland's most famous moment came in the 1979 FA Cup final. During the game Arsenal had gone 2–0 up against Manchester United, with goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, and looked set for victory with only five minutes remaining. However, United scored twice in three minutes, with goals from Gordon McQueen and Sammy McIlroy, and extra time loomed. In the very last minute of the match, however, Arsenal pushed forward in a desperate counter-attack. Liam Brady fed Graham Rix on the left wing, and his cross was converted by Sunderland at the far post to make the score 3–2, and win Arsenal the cup. Sunderland stayed at Arsenal for another five years, forming an impressive partnership with Frank Stapleton for two seasons. He was the club's top scorer in 1979–80 and 1981–82, and featured in the Arsenal sides that lost the 1980 FA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup…

Sunderland won a single England cap which came in a 2–1 friendly win over Australia in Sydney on 31 May 1980, and also represented his country at under-21 (as an over-age player), under-23 and 'B' team level.

Following retirement, Sunderland opened a pub in Ipswich. He eventually emigrated to Malta where he coached Birkirkara F.C. based within the town of Birkirkara.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Football League Second Division: 1976–77 Football League Cup: 1973–74 Arsenal

FA Cup: 1978–79; runner-up: 1977–78, 1979–80