Charlie Methven has revealed his pride in Sunderland fans in recent weeks.
Starting with the incredible scenes at Trafalgar Square the night before the Wembley cup final on March 31, Black Cats executive director Methven says Sunderland fans have shown themselves to be some of the very best.
Thousands took over Trafalgar Square in the capital last month as they prepared for the Checkatrade Trophy final against Portsmouth at Wembley stadium.
Reflecting on that in the matchday programme ahead of the Burton clash - the Black Cats' first home game since their Wembley heartbreak - Methven reflected: "What has become abundantly clear, though, is that the entire club has come together in an immense show of defiant unity.
"Stewart, Juan and I could not have been more proud as we were in Trafalgar Square.
"For just the latest in several occasions this season, SAFC 'went viral' as the whole country saw a city and region celebrate its identity in the heart of the capital."
It wasn't just at Wembley though.
Despite the penalty heartbreak that day, Sunderland have rebounded well, picking up seven points from nine on offer - moving from fourth in the table to second, with a game in hand still to play too.
And Methven believes the fans have played their part in that.
He continued: "There has been the support on match day. Real, genuine support.
"It's hardly a secret that Charlie Wyke has had a tough time. Injured when he got here, and injured again as soon as he had got back fit, Charlie has just not had the chance to show what he can really do.
"But instead of judging him, you got behind him. The reward for that has been getting to see the real Charlie Wyke.
"At Rochdale, even when we fell behind the vocal support continued, urging the players onto greater things. The team responded, and the result of that joint effort were joyous scenes.
"The picture will last long in my memory: George sliding in front of the fans, who are spilling onto the pitch, while in the background Jack, the coaches and the subs celebrate together, just yards from the directors doing likewise.
"That is what I meant when, all those months ago, I spoke of a 'One Club' philosophy.
"That togetherness has only come about because of effort and sacrifice. The players demonstrating to fans, by hard graft and passion, that they deserve to wear the red and white stripes. Fans sticking with their club in the third tier, and passing up the opportunity to mope, instead embracing the challenge of getting behind the players."
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