Millwall was just over 40,000. Can't recall anyone sat round the edges of the pitch for that game. Or for the Stoke game which was just under 42,000. There were for the Chelsea Cup replay in 1966.
26,000 there for Neil Franklin's debut in the reserves. Back in the days when a lot of people worked Saturday mornings there la4ge crowds for reserve games. Sunderland averaged 28,000 for reserve games at one time.
A lot climbed over the barriers to get into the ground because they had closed the gates. Estimates were about 46,000. I was on the edge of the pitch at the North Stand really close to where the goal was scored.
3/4/5,000 on a good day, 10,000 v Workington ( won 10-0) which was sometimes more then fc and rovers were getting at the time.. Talking 1966 onwards here.
Yes, I remember being disappointed at how many were there for that. And for Mally Lord's where the attendance was abysmal.
Very poor turnout for Waggy. Just shows how important timing is. Chilton's testimonial followed a relatively successful season when we finished 6th in the old second division and reached the FA Cup quarter finals under Terry Neil and was played on a lovely early May night against Leeds who were still in with a serious shout for the Div 1 title ( they actually lost it that night when Arsenal ? won) Waggys in 1976 v a Billy Bremner X1, followed a season when we finished 14th in the old second division. The attendance of just short of 7,000 was actually on par with the average league gate for that season. Waggy deserved much better, but.....
I explored the loft a couple if weeks back & found a programme & brochure tor Mally Lord’s testimonial. It was an interesting read,
I am trying to remember it. If it was pre 1976 I would have gone because I went to every match. After 76 I wouldn't have gone as I had moved away.
