Sunderland left it late to seal their promotion to the Premier League, but last season's Championship play-off winners have made the most of their return to the top flight.
Many expected the Black Cats to be relegation certainties, but Regis Le Bris' men had other ideas and they look set to seal a comfortable mid-table finish with just two matches remaining.
Premier League survival was the priority at the start of the campaign and that was achieved several months back, while the Wearsiders were even flirting with a possible European qualification spot at one time.
Despite falling short on that count, it has been a season of success for Sunderland and it would not have been possible without a solid team effort.
Here we take a look at those who have stood out and who stand to pick up the prizes in the end of season player of the year awards at the Stadium of Light.
Robin Roefs — Goalkeeper
Sunderland made a mockery of their return to the Premier League, losing just four times in their opening 20 matches.
Solid foundations were the key to their success and wins over West Ham, Wolves and arch rivals Newcastle stand out. Seven clean sheets were kept up to the turn of the year, bringing goalkeeper Robin Roefs into the equation for player of the season honours.
The Dutch cat has been impressive all term, keeping 10 clean sheets in 33 appearances and making 104 saves in the process.
Keepers do not often get the credit they deserve but Roefs should feature on any shortlists for end of season honours.
Dan Ballard — Central Defender
Sunderland are joint-fourth in the Premier League clean sheet list with 10, so no player of the year awards shortlist should be without a defender or two and Dan Ballard is the first name to be considered.
The Northern Ireland international has been a tower of strength at the back, while weighing in with two goals along the way.
Ballard is the top rated Black Cats defender according to the Sunderland Echo with 7.02 and nobody would begrudge him claiming the award following a fine debut season in the top flight.
Nordi Mukiele — Right Back
Lining up alongside Ballard, Nordi Mukiele is another member of the Sunderland backline who deserves serious consideration.
The attacking French full-back scored 7.01 with the Echo following some impressive displays along the right wing.
Mukiele has bagged three goals this term while picking up four assists. He would be a popular winner of any award among the Stadium of Light faithful.
Granit Xhaka — Central Midfielder
Granit Xhaka has already landed the Sunderland Supporters Association player of the year award and it would be no surprise to see the inspirational midfielder claim official honours as well.
The veteran Swiss star has been one of the signings of the season and has led by example from the first whistle of the campaign.
Rated just behind Ballard at 7.01 by the Sunderland Echo, Xhaka looks the man to beat for the top award.
Enzo Le Fee — Attacking Midfielder
Enzo Le Fee has assisted five goals for Sunderland this season and he would also be a popular winner of the player of the season prize.
Le Fee made his move to the Stadium of Light last summer following a successful loan spell and he is a firm favourite among the fans after weighing in with four goals this season.
Rated at 6.69 by the Echo, he probably has too many others to beat to land the award, but he deserves to be on the shortlist having recorded nine goal involvements.
Brian Brobbey — Striker
The Dutch destroyer has plundered six goals for Sunderland this term but the physical forward has made his mark on fans and opposition defenders alike.
The all-action striker could be on his way to the World Cup with the Netherlands this summer, another sign of how much of a success he has been at Sunderland.
The Black Cats leading goalscorer, like Le Fee, is probably down the list for the player of the year award, but not many will be above him.
