Jonathan Paul Sunderland (born 2 November 1975 in Newcastle upon Tyne) is an English retired professional footballer. He played as a midfielder. Sunderland began his career as a trainee with Blackpool, turning professional in July 1994. He made just three appearances for Blackpool, all as a substitute, and had a spell on loan with Northwich Victoria in October 1995, before leaving to join Scarborough on a free transfer in March 1996. He was released by Scarborough that December and joined Hartlepool United on non-contract terms, scoring on his debut on 21 December 1996 as Hartlepool won 2–1 at home to Lincoln City, having only been on the pitch for eight minutes (as a substitute for Glen Davies).