From sports stars to TV personalities and musicians to local heroes, the Black Cats have a number of famous fans – including some surprising and international names. Over the years, we have seen many celebrities come out and publicly announce their support of the Wearside club. Here, we take a look at the famous faces who support Sunderland:
![The former footballer is now at Middlesbrough and is a massive fan of Sunderland and played for the club over two stints.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmNiMTYyOTc0LWU3YmItNDIyYS1hZjA0LTQwYjg5MDIxMDRhYjpjODJhOGNmZi0zZGY3LTRmZTQtOTMzZC0yN2E2MGQ0NDYzYmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
41. Grant Leadbitter
The former footballer is now at Middlesbrough and is a massive fan of Sunderland and played for the club over two stints.Photo: Stu Forster
![Although Clougie was born a Middlesbrough supporter, there's no doubt that Old Big 'Ed had a massive soft spot for Sunderland after playing at Roker Park in the 1950s. Indeed, in 1961, he said: “The happiest time I ever spent in a football club, including when I was manager of league champions was when I played for Sunderland...”](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjE3NDgyZWQ0LTc0MzMtNDQ3Mi04OGJlLTQ5Njg1OGQ4Yzk0ZDozNzgzMGVhMS1mZTRjLTRjZWMtYTQzOC04YTk3NDBhZTJhY2I=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
42. Brian Clough
Although Clougie was born a Middlesbrough supporter, there's no doubt that Old Big 'Ed had a massive soft spot for Sunderland after playing at Roker Park in the 1950s. Indeed, in 1961, he said: “The happiest time I ever spent in a football club, including when I was manager of league champions was when I played for Sunderland...”Photo: Graham Wood
![Sunderland fan Andy Dawson (left) is a freelance writer and podcaster and has written for The Guardian and The Daily Mirror alongside several books. Dawson is well known for his podcast Atheltico Mince alongside Bob Mortimer.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmZmYWEzNGNjLTc2NzQtNDMzNy04YTRmLTVjMTRiYzQ2MmVlYTo4ZTc1NzdhNi0xMWNkLTRmYmItYmY5Ny1lYWQxMzE1ZWFjOWM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
43. Andy Dawson
Sunderland fan Andy Dawson (left) is a freelance writer and podcaster and has written for The Guardian and The Daily Mirror alongside several books. Dawson is well known for his podcast Atheltico Mince alongside Bob Mortimer.Photo: Any Dawson
![Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has definitely become a fan of the club and recently received an MBE](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzOGQzOTZhLTI5MDctNDA0Ni04MWFmLTAwYWE0YWYyNzc5NDo3MzMzMDNkMi1lZjNhLTQ5NzQtOGI2Ny0wZTk1Mzg1MDIyZTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
44. Gary Bennett MBE
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has definitely become a fan of the club and recently received an MBEPhoto: WPA Pool