Like many, I have a soft spot for Sunderland.
Started in '73 at Maine Road. 11 at the time so didn't have a clue about Sunderland. My Dad said we would have no problem beating them as they were near the bottom of Div 2.
Sat near the front of the North Stand next to the Kippax. Don't remember much of the game but the atmosphere was electric. I remember it kicking off a few times in in the Kippax and behind us in the seats.
Was at our Static caravan in Towyn for the final. I'd drawn their club crest and put it the window. My Day was worried that we might get a brick through the window from some dirty Leeds fan!
Felt for a coach load that had come down for a mid week game and had a number of windows put through (81? I think)
1991 - what a day that was. One of the best days I had at Maine Road.
1996 friendlies at Exeter and Plymouth. Stayed in Torquay for those games. Bumped in to a Mackem, Ian, in a pub one lunch time. Got chatting etc and had a great laugh. Fucking hell, he hated the Geordies. Came along for the Exeter friendly. His girlfriend was wearing a Celtic shirt. That didn't go down too well the the South west branch who were all Rangers nuts! we exchanged numbers and kept in touch.
1997 tour of Scotland. Lucky for me, Ian was living in Kirkaldy and he kindly put us for the week. Met up a few more of his mates, all good lads too, they came along to the Livingston game. They kept asking me why City fans were singing about the Sash (Rangers)!
Met them again for the first game at the SoL. Went in to a Vaux pub just across from the stadium and all the fans were brilliant with us. The return at Maine Road was the last time I saw Ian and his mates. We both chose different paths sadly, but great memories I've kept.
My favourite second club and fans. Will be rooting for them in the Play-offs and hope they get back to the premier league soon.
