Watching Luton Town celebrate promotion to the Premier League at Wembley hurt for Sunderland fans. It was very much a case of 'what if' as the side which ended their promotion dream in the play-off semi-finals went a step further with a penalty shoot-out victory over Coventry City.
But while any Black Cats supporter could be forgiven for imagining what would had happened if they had held on to their first-leg lead at Kenilworth Road, the truth is very few were even thinking about promotion 12 months ago.
That Tony Mowbray and Co managed to mount and sustain a top-six push was remarkable, especially given the hand the club was dealt when it came to injuries. A new season will bring new challenges, of course, with some interesting sides relegated from the Premier League - and strong outfits promoted from League One.
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Talisman Amad Diallo has returned to Manchester United - although talk of a second loan continues to rumble on - and the Black Cats will have to address key areas of the squad.
However, big changes are perhaps not needed, with some top emerging talent, and some well-established players already proving they can cut it at this level. Here are four players Mowbray could build his side around next season.
Dan Ballard
The former Arsenal defender had his season cut short though injury after playing for Northern Ireland in March, but not before showing he was an absolute steal from the Gunners. The 23-year-old made 22 appearances in his first season with the Black Cats, and impressed with a maturity beyond his years.
Mowbray described Ballard as a 'real powerhouse' when he first linked with the Sunderland squad, and he has lived up to that billing. Once fit again, he will be a vital player for the Wearsiders next season.
Pierre Ekwah
It's no coincidence that Sunderland started to hit top form as Ekwah established himself in the side. The midfielder took a little while to break into the starting XI following a January move from West Ham, but his understated performances have not gone unnoticed by fans and coaching staff alike
He only made his first start for the club at Burnley at the end of March, but he looks to have the skillset to become an important player for the club. At just 21, he's only getting started.
"He's so clever with his feet, you can see how fast his feet are, and he can see pictures," Mowbray said of Ekwah. "He's a good footballer, so if he can just add the off-the-ball stuff then he'll be even better. He's doing exceptionally well."
Dan Neil
He may be still only 21, but Dan Neil has now played more than 100 games for Sunderland - and looks set for many more in a red-and-white shirt. The versatile midfielder has already played in myriad positions for the club, but has taken to the Championship with ease and has become a vital cog in the Sunderland engine room.
The fact he notched 50 games in all competitions shows just how highly valued he is by the club, and Mowbray is certainly a big fan. The South Shields-born star's attitude has seen his game develop no end, and Mowbray feels he can only get better.
"Dan is a young guy who tries to get better every single day," Mowbray said. "There are so many things he can still get better at, he's an exceptional human being and I pick him every single week. He knows he still has a lot of growth areas as well, he has to look forward more and play more forward passes, to see the pictures."
Ross Stewart
Just imagine what Sunderland could have achieved this season with Ross Stewart on the pitch. The Scottish striker's season was cruelly curtailed as a second big injury of the season meant he would not kick another ball this campaign after January.
But just look at those stats. In only 15 appearances for the club - he was also ruled out from the end of August until mid-December - he scored 11 times in Sunderland colours, including a run of goals in six consecutive matches. In fact, there were only five games in which he played and DIDN'T score - and that includes the FA Cup tie at Fulham where was stretchered off after just 20 minutes.
Providing he can stay fit next season, he can be the man to fire Sunderland towards more success.
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